Calgary Flames Play Montreal Canadiens in Heritage Classic
The Calgary Flames will be taking on the Montreal Canadiens in 2010-11’s Heritage Classic. The game will take place at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, on February 20th 2011. McMahon Stadium is usually home to the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL), as well as the University of Calgary Dino’s football club. The stadium itself seats 35,650 people. However, additional seating is being brought in for the event.
The weather in Calgary during the month of February could make it difficult for the ice-makers, as they could be battling positive and negative temperature throughout the time leading up to the event. The Flames organization has gone as far as to begin to develop a contingency plan in case the weather does not co-operate, and the ice conditions are not conducive to an NHL match.
The president of the Flames, Ken King, said of the contingency being created. “You’ve got to be able to keep the ice in. What you want is a good mid-range temperature day. Let’s just assume we’re going to get a perfect day for a great game.”
The event will mark the first time the Flames have played in an outdoor game. However, it will be the second in Alberta, as the Edmonton Oilers beat them to the punch.
The Canadiens will be enjoying the second outdoor game in their history, and their second in Alberta, as they faced-off against the Oilers in 2003.
The game features special jerseys that will be worn specifically for the event. The Canadiens will wear their classic jersey, which is more-or-less the same as the jersey they wear on a night-to-night basis in the regular season. The Flames will be adopting the colour scheme and pattern of the Calgary Tigers. The Tigers were the first professional team in the Calgary area, and played in the Western Canada Hockey League in the 1920’s.
The Flames organization has also mentioned that the arena will host a junior hockey game between the Regina Pats and the Calgary Hitmen. The Hitmen are the Western Hockey League’s defending champions, while the Pats are the oldest junior team in Canada.
The Flames brass are also hoping to have an alumni game at some point before the Canadiens and Flames clash on the 20th.
The game is set to be the second outdoor game of the year, as the Winter Classic will take place at Heize Field on New Years Day, and will feature the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Flames organization has been lobbying the NHL for some time to try and earn an outdoor game in Calgary. The NHL and Commissioner Gary Bettman finally gave in, granting the Heritage Classic’s move to an outdoor venue.
This will be the second NHL outdoor game to take place in Canada. Something Bettman believes is important to continue, stating: “As everyone knows, the roots of our game are in Canada, and the roots of our game emanate from the frozen ponds and backyard rinks in Canada. When you have a heritage as proud and as strong as we do, you want to celebrate it.”
There is no doubt that the players, especially Canadian players, are very excited to take part in this momentous event. Flames defender Steve Staios will be taking part in his second outdoor match-up, and has stated that even though he has one under his belt, it has not quelled his excitement.
The event is certain to be an exciting one. The players in both junior and the NHL will be chomping at the bit to walk out onto McMahon Stadium, and its certain that a sold out football stadium will be waiting for them.
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