An Open Letter to the 2014-2015 Calgary Flames

[Incogneto]

Dear Flames Players,

Before the biggest game in Calgary in I-cant-remember-how-long, win or lose, I just wanted to take a quick moment of your time to tell you how much I, a 12 year season ticket holder, has appreciated this team. But its been more than just your play. It’s your chemistry together. And your heart and desire on the ice. And how you seemingly play for the love of the game, for your coaches, and most importantly, for one another. All of these things have made this season the most enjoyable season since this franchise went to the Stanley Cup in 2004.

I love all parts of this team. I love your plucky, never-give-up attitudes when you’re down late in the games. I love a patch-work defence core that gave 100% all season, and even more once the heart was ripped out 19 games ago with the loss of your leader. I love guys like Kris Russell and Lance Bouma, who put their health and well-being on the line every time a puck is shot from the point. I love Matt Stajan for all that he embodies with the family issues he had a year ago. I will admit it, at one point in 2012 you were my biggest goat on this team, Matt, but you have won me over. I love Mark Giordano for what he did on the ice, but more importantly, what he is doing off the ice while recovering from this brutal injury.

I love the kids that have played the hard minutes. Jooris, Granlund, Shore, Porier, Wolf, but especially Ferland, because being from Brandon, I know who you are and how you grew up. I think your feel-good story is second to none, and can’t wait to see your continued progression into an everyday NHL player.

But most of all, I love the top line. I wear a #13 Gaudreau jersey every game which I purchased at the home opener. I was one of those fans that was so excited to see you put your name on a contract after the Frozen Four last year, and not only have you met expectations, you have blown them out of the water. Sean Monahan is just a beast! You were a beacon of light last year, and have developed into a star. This fan base needed someone like you to forget the greatness of #12s of the past. And Lastly, Jiri, I am looking at you. You are the glue that holds this team together. You are the bridge between old and new, and you are the one that taught this young team how to approach the game…With hard work and desire. I give you the most credit of all for the fact that in Game #81, we have a chance to go to the post-season.

So win or loss tonight, boys, I am so proud to call myself a fan of the Calgary Flames. Thank you for everything you have done in 2014-2015. Thank you for the blood, sweat, and tears you have left on the ice. I am only a mere fan, but I am a Calgarian, and I appreciate what you have done for this city.

Now go kick some King Ass!
Marty

[heep223]

Ferland with the GWG tonight.

[smiggy77]

beautiful, but never forget the greatness of #12, just remember we had the Iginla era that will forever be a part of our lives. We're lucky enough to have a great player that will hopefully start the Gaudreau era

[ForeverFlameFan]

Amen.

[Finger Cookin]

"an 12 year"

[Coach]

I want to see Gio on the bench in a suit for the playoffs.

[mrdonkey]

Originally Posted by smiggy77

beautiful, but never forget the greatness of #12, just remember we had the Iginla era that will forever be a part of our lives. We're lucky enough to have a great player that will hopefully start the Gaudreau era

The question is, will this be the Gaudreau era, the Monahan era, or the Bennett era? Tough call, but a problem I'm glad to have.

[Mony]

Someone's cutting onions around this place

[topfiverecords]

It all started with Hartley.

[Incogneto]

Originally Posted by mrdonkey

The question is, will this be the Gaudreau era, the Monahan era, or the Bennett era? Tough call, but a problem I'm glad to have.

The new era.

[FiftyBelow]

Excellent piece. Hopefully this actually gets to the players somehow.

[pylon]

Echo everything you said.

I have been a fan since I can remember. The Flames came to Calgary when I was 5 and I still have some very cool memories of when it all started. I still have my Flames toque my mom bought me at Woolco in 1981. I couldn't ever fathom or understand cheering for any other team, they are a part of my life. The last few seasons, my fandom was starting to wane a bit, but about halfway through last season, when this never say die attitude started to rear it's head, they sucked me back in. I was cautiously optimistic last off season, thinking they had a chance to do exactly what we are seeing now, and boy, did they ever deliver.

Playoffs or not, this has been an amazing season to witness, right down to the pundits even saying right up to about the middle of the season.... "Don't get your hopes up." And the fans having the same guarded attitude. They just kept coming and coming. Like the T1000 in hockey form, no quit. These are the types of teams that make you a super fan. The ones that exceed expectations, and buck the odds. This season is right up there with 04 for me, and I am absolutely JACKED about our future. This team will win a cup by 2020. Mark my words.

[Regulator75]

Well said. Go Flames Go!

[Nehkara]

So say we all.

[Incogneto]

Originally Posted by pylon

Echo everything you said.

I have been a fan since I can remember. The Flames came to Calgary when I was 5 and I still have some very cool memories of when it all started. I still have my Flames toque my mom bought me at Woolco in 1981. I couldn't ever fathom or understand cheering for any other team, they are a part of my life. The last few seasons, my fandom was starting to wane a bit, but about halfway through last season, when this never say die attitude started to rear it's head, they sucked me back in. I was cautiously optimistic last off season, thinking they had a chance to do exactly what we are seeing now, and boy, did they ever deliver.

Playoffs or not, this has been an amazing season to witness, right down to the pundits even saying right up to about the middle of the season.... "Don't get your hopes up." And the fans having the same guarded attitude. They just kept coming and coming. Like the T1000 in hockey form, no quit. These are the types of teams that make you a super fan. The ones that exceed expectations, and buck the odds. This season is right up there with 04 for me, and I am absolutely JACKED about our future. This team will win a cup by 2020. Mark my words.

Yeah, similar here. I should have mentioned that I am 35 years old, and my dad took me to a Flames game in Maple Leaf Gardens in 1987. He also used to drive my brother and I 2 hrs into Winnipeg when the Flames came to town to see them. I have been a fan for 30 years.

...There is something so special about this team.

[BurningSteel]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

it all started with feaster.

fyp.

[puckedoff]

Incogneto, don't let your wife see that post or she'll wonder why she only gets one or two sentences in her birthday card.

[DiracSpike]

Win or lose, tonight's game is why being a sports fan is so much fun, and I'm proud of this team for all they've accomplished through being selfless and working together.

Go Flames Go

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

Incogneto, don't let your wife see that post or she'll wonder why she only gets one or two sentences in her birthday card.

Best post of the week.

OP, I echo your sentiment, it's been a wonderful year. Kudos to Jay Feaster for putting this team together and to Brad Treliving for not screwing with what his predecessor had in place.

Oh, and let's not forget Dennis Wideman. He deserves props for a terrific year, at both ends of the ice.

[CedarMeter]

That's beautiful man.