Go Flames Go!

As a Canadian gal with a hockey-playing dad, I grew up watching the Calgary Flames at every opportunity. Sure, at first it was just an excuse to stay up late, but as I got older I learned to appreciate the game and my hometown team. Although it's been a while and I was much too young to partake in most of the festivities, I remember clearly the way the city celebrated when the Flames won the Cup in '89. I've since moved away from Calgary, but seeing the city rally behind their team during the Flames' Cup run in 2004 made me more homesick for the city than I've ever been.

On paper, the Flames have one of the best teams in the league: Captain Jarome Iginla has been among the top scorers in the League for the past several years and defenseman Dion Phaneuf is among the hardest defensive hitters. Probably because my dad played goal, I've always had a soft spot for goalies and Miikka Kipprusoff is no exception. However, I must admit I was getting a little wary and frustrated with Kipper's performance so far this season since his was obviously not playing to his full potential. Up until the past four games, the Flames had only recorded two wins (one of which was in overtime) out of five games played this season. Their League standing was embarrassing.

However, they are on a four game winning streak and tonight, Kipprusoff recorded his first shutout. I'm hoping that this signals the end of a shaky start and is the sign that Kipper and the team are back up to par and on their way to another Stanley Cup.

Here's the Flames' promo video for this season. Man, those guys are big.