I also remember being stuck in traffic on 14th St as one of the games was starting. People were rushing to wherever they were watching the game and traffic just snarled up. Almost every car had flags, and almost every car had the windows down blasting the game on the Fan. We scored and people were going bananas, everyone was honking and cheering.
I also remember being at the pub (I was 19 or 20) for game 7 of round 1...when Gelinas scored, our table actually flipped over, beer everywhere, people were running around hugging strangers, it was insane.
It was almost impossible to get a table at a good pub with TVs, most didn't take reservations but if they did they would give your table away if you were 2-3 minutes late. They were packed full 3-4 hours before game times even on weekdays.
I also remember being stuck in traffic on 14th St as one of the games was starting. People were rushing to wherever they were watching the game and traffic just snarled up. Almost every car had flags, and almost every car had the windows down blasting the game on the Fan. We scored and people were going bananas, everyone was honking and cheering.
I also remember being at the pub (I was 19 or 20) for game 7 of round 1...when Gelinas scored, our table actually flipped over, beer everywhere, people were running around hugging strangers, it was insane.
It was almost impossible to get a table at a good pub with TVs, most didn't take reservations but if they did they would give your table away if you were 2-3 minutes late. They were packed full 3-4 hours before game times even on weekdays.
Oh yeah, and the best part was that everyone was in. I remember my professor canceling class so that we could all get a table at Moose McGuire's for the game.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
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I was in the 9th grade in '04. Too young to party (or even really know what partying is) but old enough to join in on the excitement.
I never got a shot to experience the Red Mile as the Flames started trending down right as I turned 18. Now I'm 25 and I'm hoping we can see the rebirth of the Red Mile before I get too old to enjoy it guilt free. So far, it looks like we're on the right track!
Shirts off for Kiprusoff!
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Here is a question. If the Flames do go on a crazy run, would The Red Mile be as peaceful as it was in '04?
Dynamics have changed. A new crop of 18-25 year olds, who were only 9-14 in 04. Also a population growth of probably 250k (guessing here), who the majority are transplants. Thoughts?
I think there's no way it would be as peaceful. It would be forced as an expected party from the beginning of the playoffs, mostly by people who aren't really big Flames fans anyways and just want a massive party to get drunk at. I'd expect more vandalism, punch-ups, and general misbehaviour.
04 was organic, especially in the beginning. It can't be repeated.
No way the city risks having a Vancouver riot like situation break out here. I know we like to think it would never happen here, and maybe it wouldn't to the same extent, but I just can't see the city wanting to take the risk.
__________________
A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
I was in Calgary with my GF (now wife) for the start of the Vancouver series. We watched the first few games at various pubs in Banff.
My wife who is English got into hockey for the first time on that trip and took an instant and unprompted hatred towards Canucks fans. She even shouted at a couple of them who were celebrating a goal like it was a game 7 OT winner - that came later in the series.
One night, I'd stupidly booked a table for the 'Eden Experience' at the Rimrock while a game was on.
Our waiter (best ever as it happens) overheard me talking about the hockey - I'd only uttered a sentence. While serving one of the courses, he said, 'I hope you don't mind me interrupting but the Calgary Flames have just scored to make it 2-1'. The news was delivered in the way you'd expect of Coleman from Trading Places, even though the waiter/sommelier was from Winnipeg.
By game 6 I was back in London but lived out the best part of the next two months on Mountain time. I went straight from watching OT in Game 7 to work that morning.
During the Detroit series I was in Barcelona (gf's birthday) and had to get updates on the internet. Quite a few people (tourists) recognised the shirt and were wishing me well. The best one was while getting coffee one morning, a fellow Canadian wished us well for game 6 and did I know where to watch a game?
I felt great telling him that it had finished a couple of hours ago and he started shouting across Starbucks to his mate that THE FLAMES ARE IN THE SCF!!!!!!
It was a wonderful time - I can't believe how much I remember about every aspect of my life while the Flames were on that run.
I don't think that can be replicated, nor would I want that. I just want whatever new experience is to come our way, because with this group of players to build upon, something will happen and when it does, it'll be special in its own unique way.
Just as 2004 was.
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Here is a question. If the Flames do go on a crazy run, would The Red Mile be as peaceful as it was in '04?
Dynamics have changed. A new crop of 18-25 year olds, who were only 9-14 in 04. Also a population growth of probably 250k (guessing here), who the majority are transplants. Thoughts?
Theres no way. And I dont mean that in a hipster 'you had to be there man!!' kind of way, its just life.
When people call 2004 'organic' they truly mean it. It happened and trust me, everyone was just as surprised as everyone else. It just happened. It seemed like the thing to do.
Businesses profited, but everyone was united in a single cause and goal and it was peaceful and amazing.
But the truest part is that the City, the Flames and the Police were caught totally off-guard and it eventually became something that they werent prepared for and couldnt control.
And thats okay because nothing happened. But thats not to say that they'll let it happen again.
Edmonton and Vancouver ruined the party for everyone. No one can take that chance again.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
Heres a pic I have from the 07 playoffs against Detroit.
My buddy and I were just leaving the dome after the flames lost and I ran into this guy wearing this awesome suit
Heres a pic I have from the 07 playoffs against Detroit.
My buddy and I were just leaving the dome after the flames lost and I ran into this guy wearing this awesome suit
Photo edit? Conveniently located lens flare? We'll never know
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One thing you will notice about all the pictures of the Red Mile and Electric Ave, is they take place game 6 of the 2nd round or later. Just making the playoffs is not enough to shut down the streets. Once the team has about 7 wins in the Flames is when it all starts to happen.
I think the Video about the '86 run used the pun "The Cea of Red". And that will be there the Day the Flames Qualify for the playoffs. It will vary quickly get to the point where there is a dress code in the building and it is red.
Was just coming to post that if the Flames manage to make it in and manage to get themselves into a "series-clinchable" game, I'd like to see Derek Wills call-in "sick" for that game and let Peter Maher come back and call it. Man I miss that guy.
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Also, at the time, I was a young hockey fan who didn't know any better and thought that this was just how things were. The Flames were the real deal and every year would be amazing! Further re-inforced by Buffalo's two fantastic years post-lockout.
It's been about a decade of disappointment since. It would be really nice to have something to cheer for again.
) of the Stanley cup finals at Melrose. Man what an amazing time that was
