A Dream Run Ends in Heartbreak

This is my submission into the Globe and Mail Journalism Dream Contest. Here is the link: http://journalismdream.theglobeandmail.com/entry_article.asp?id=826

Please vote as many time as it allows(I think once a day) and help me get to Vancouver!

The number 12 jersey slung on over his shoulder pads, the captains "C" prominently displayed over his heart.
All that embodies leadership, courage and the eternal drive to win is present in everything Jarome Iginla does.

“GO FLAMES GO! GO FLAMES GO! GO FLAMES GO!”
The roars from the Saddledome crowd drown out the thoughts of any of the players.

No one in the dressing room speaks. Looks are exchanged. The mission is simple: Win.

Up three games to two in the Stanley Cup Final, the Calgary Flames are on the verge of breaking a 15 year long championship drought, on the heels of one of the most unexpected playoff drives in recent memory.

It has all led to this moment - a chance to have a childhood dream come true as memories race by of skating in the backyard ponds scoring the winning goal for the Stanley Cup; memories that are mere seconds away from becoming a reality.

Iginla leads the team of wounded soldiers onto home ice for the final time this season. The opponents, the heavily favoured Tampa Bay Lightning, with their backs up against the wall, are willing to do anything to extend the series back home.

The sea of red sends shivers down the spines of every player.

The anthems are sung and the curtains are raised on this all important game of hockey.

A tentative beginning to the game and the 1st period ends in a scoreless draw.

Fans discuss what needs to happen for the Flames to come out victorious.
“Pressure the defence.” One fan says.
“Shoot more.” Another cries.
“Get more traffic in front of Khabibulin.” Numerous fans lament.

The second period provides some goal scoring. Two goals from each team; the score is tied yet again.

The final period looms. Possibly twenty minutes away from re-writing the history books.

It happened in an instant, too fast for most people in attendance to see; a fantastic scoring opportunity for Martin Gelinas apparently thwarted by the Tampa goaltender. Or was it the other way around? Certain replays show that the puck could have crossed the line, yet the play was never reviewed, leaving Flames fans to wonder “What if?” for years to come.

The game goes into overtime where a former Flame, Martin St. Louis, destroys the hopes of Flames fans everywhere. No chance now of seeing the cup awarded to the Flames on Saddledome ice for the first time ever. So close, yet so far away.

Iginla and Flames would travel to Tampa for game 7. With little gas still left in the tank the Flames would fall 2-1.

A chance missed.
Hearts broken.
Dreams shattered.

Who knows when a chance like this will ever come around again?

Iginla can not describe the pain of this loss. A player who wears his heart on his sleeve every time he hits the ice, now is left to wonder if that was his only chance at hoisting the Stanley Cup.

Overtime Heroes!

Two nights, two cities, two goaltenders, two overtime wins. For the second straight night the Flames managed to win an overtime game on the road, due in part to the goaltending they received on both occasions.

Miikka Kiprusoff, who had been battling the flu for the past while, came into the net tonight and shut the door on the St. Louis Blues. Stopping 30 of all 31 shots, he made timely saves and gave the Flames a chance to win the game. Brent Sutter’s message must be seeping into the pours of all the players sitting in that dressing room.

The Captain Jarome Iginla led the way offensively again tonight scoring his 7th goal of the season and 3rd in two games.

The Flames allowed a power play goal for the first time in almost two weeks; almost 4 entire games without allowing a goal down a man, including more than a couple 5 on 3 chances by the opposing teams. Slowly becoming one of the better Penalty killing teams in the league, the Flames will have to continue this trend if they hope to keep winning. The addition of Freddy Sjostrom can not be overlooked when looking at this category as he has been a shining light for this team through its first 14 games, and has replaced the speed that was left vacant when Lombardi was shipped to the desert last winter.

Phaneuf seems to be hitting the net more often these days, and a large reason for that is he finally realized that he does not have to swing for the fences every time he fires the puck. Prime example tonight, as he took a well timed shot that found the back of the net; off a Blue player but in the net nonetheless. Normally, Dion would swing like Jason Zuback in a long drive competition and try to singe the mesh of the net. It seems now, and maybe Sutter influence had some effect on him, he is fashioning his shot more for accuracy, which is only a good sign for the Flames. What is more is that he is no longer a minus player, as his recent run of defensive play has vaulted him back into the positive side of the ledger. The Flames are one the highest scoring teams in the league, but Phaneuf, along with his defensive partner Robyn Regehr, have definitely played better of late, and they must be applauded.

A short and very successful road trip; something the Flames can build on as they come home to face a very talented Ranger squad on Saturday night.

This has been,

Newman on the Flames

Return of the Mac

Well maybe not the return, but possibly the “Coming out Party” of the Mac. Calgary’s back-up goaltender Curtis McElhinney started tonight’s game after Kiprusoff was sent back to the hotel with the evil flu bug. In a huge statement game for the Flames, after two disappointing home losses, the Flames squeaked out an overtime win over the Dallas Stars on the shoulders of a 38 save performance from the ‘Mac’, not to overlook an impressive performance by Jarome Iginla.

McElhinney turned away 30 Stars’ shots through two periods as the Flames net minder kept the visiting team in the game. Unfortunately all good things come to an end, and Dallas managed to get two behind Curtis in the first 10 minutes of the third period. Then with McElhinney on the bench Daymond Langkow slid the tying goal past Marty Turco with 49 ticks left, and sent it into overtime.

Then, a break for the Flames; a very questionable delay of game penalty call on Stars defenseman Nicklas Grossman. Iginla subsequently rifles a shot through the glove of Marty Turco and the Flames come out with a much needed road win. There are many things about the delay of game penalty that are not right. The call should be similar to the icing rule, in that the team that throws the puck over the glass should not be able to change and the face-off gets put in their zone. Giving someone a 2 minute penalty for throwing the puck out of play, and the fact that probably 70% of the time it is accidental, is a little severe and should not cost a team a game. Something that the rules committee has been looking into, that is for sure.

That being said, the Flames took advantage of the fortuitous break and won a game they probably should not have. McElhinney did his best to shut up his critics, and for now he has. He did what he had to do; he stopped all the pucks he was supposed to. His rebound control was not great, but the defence did an adequate job of helping him out, something they need to do in order to win games. He is not Kipper, but he possibly has the ability to spell number 34 when called upon, and he came a long way tonight in proving that.

Jarome Iginla was the other reason for the Flames 8th win of the season. A factor on all three goals for the Flames, the Captain was 100% for shooting tonight; 2 shots, 2 goals. Both shots just happened to be laser beams that Turco had little hope on, although he managed to snag a bit of the overtime winner as it whizzed by his arm. Iginla also set up the tying goal with hard work down low. Sutter wanted for the “Compete” level to be higher, and Iginla delivered what Sutter demanded.

Into St Louis tomorrow night for a match up with the Blues, who are 2-5 at home this season, while the Flames are now 3-1-1 on the road. The back half of back-to-back games has never been kind to Calgary in recent years, but maybe the emergence of a solid #2 keeper can help turn that around.

This has been,

Newman on the Flames

Saddledome 2.0

The Saddledome is my favourite arena to watch a hockey game. I’m biased of course, as it is the arena with the most Flames fans, and the arena I have watched the most hockey in. But besides that, the Saddledome has many other charms. The reverse hyperbolic paraboloid roof makes the seating bowl seem smaller that in actually is; cozy one could even say. In other arenas with a standard flat roof, the seating bowl seems cavernous and empty. It’s weird to be sitting in the 300 level of the Staples Center and being able to see everybody else in the 300 level. In addition to the ‘intimate’ feeling of the seating bowl, the Saddledome has good access to public transit compared to many arenas, and its’ location is very central, with quick access to 17th Avenue and Downtown. Of course the Dome has its’ share of flaws as well.

The problems with the Dome include narrow and congested concourses, poorly designed washroom facilities and a lack of elevators and escalators, leading to accessibility issues. For the average fan, these problems translate into some decisions to be made at events. Most people know of the intermission dilemma at the Dome; does one go to the bathroom or get another beer, as it is very difficult to do both without missing any hockey. Washroom lines at the Dome are ridiculously long and can make for some very anxious queues. Built in 1983, the Saddledome will be the fifth oldest arena in the NHL; after Pittsburgh moves into its’ new digs next year. Sooner or later it will need to be replaced.

The question that now arises is whether or not there should be any public funding. Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has said the province will not contribute any funds to a new arena in either Edmonton or Calgary. This is often a heated debate as to whether or not a government should be funding an arena. Those against public funding wonder why the taxpayers would pay for an arena for ‘millionaire athletes’ when the majority of people either won’t use the facility or aren’t interested in the product. After all, Calgary has almost 1.1 million people, but the Dome’s capacity is a mere 20,000.

The benefits of having a modern arena in a city are many. While there may be little financial benefit for the taxpayers, the benefits to the community are too many to list. Having teams like the Flames, Hitmen and Roughnecks, concerts, and shows, provides the people of Calgary with a gathering place to share in cultural activities. Yes, the Saddledome is a cultural institution, not unlike the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Zoo, or the Jubilee Auditorium, all of which were built with public funds. In fact, the Jubilee’s most recent renovation cost $91 million, a large part of which was paid for by the taxpayers. Money going to the Saddledome or a new arena is no different than money going to the Jubilee. In fact, it may be more fitting, as the Saddledome is used by far more Calgarians than the Jubilee. But like these ‘artistic’ institutions, the Saddledome also needs to be upgraded to ensure that Calgarians have a first class facility for watching music concerts and sporting events.

The role of the taxpayer in a city like Calgary is vital to the construction of such a facility. With only 1.1 million people, Calgary simply isn’t large enough to make it viable for a private, for-profit company to build an arena for 20,000. They would be unable to make their money back, or at the very least it would take far too long to make it worthwhile. The current facilities the city has have all been built with public funds. This includes the Saddledome, the Corral, McMahon Stadium, and Canada Olympic Park. Without financing from the taxpayers, none of these facilities would exist and I think Calgary would be the worse for it.

Now that the Saddledome is ageing, the time has come, or will come very shortly, for the city to invest in a new arena. The Flames are interested in a new facility, and I don’t feel it is unreasonable to expect the taxpayer to help out. It does not need to be an entirely public funded arena, but all three levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal, can chip in for some of the costs.

- TheRev

Quick Start; Poor Finish

The month of October played out like a typical Flames game. Out of the gate with a bang; 4 straight wins, 3 in the division, and a power play running just under a 50% clip. But, just like they did so many times this month, the Flames wandered off the winning path, and gave some points back to the field. Slowly becoming the team that gives up leads, the Flames gave up numerous multi goal cushions throughout the month.

Draw the curtains open.

The Flames start 4-0, getting 2 dramatic wins in the City of Champions, beating the Canucks in the opener and downing the Mini Mites from le Belle Province.

Enter Curtis McElhinney and chalk up the Flames first loss, a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Dallas Stars. The questions about backup goaltending persist as the Flames have yet to receive quality goaltending from their local backup tender.

Fly to Chicago, score 5, yes 5, goals in the first 11 minutes of the game. Chalk up another win, move to 5-1…errrrr hold up! The Flames manage to hold on and push the game into overtime and lose 6-5 in the extra frame; Flames tie record for biggest lead blown in a game and fail to gain an ounce of revenge on the team that bounced them from the playoffs a year prior. A possible turning point early in the season? Definitely a lesson learned in how to NOT maintain a lead in hockey.

New term in the dictionary created: “5 goal lead”- worst lead in hockey.

Flames play in Ohio the next night and are outplayed by a Blue Jacket team that has 2 goals disallowed that should have counted. End result, the Flames lose their third straight and that amazing start is a thing of the past. Kiprusoff continues to be solid to start the season, shedding the label of slow starter that has haunted him for the past 4 years.

Another home date with the Canucks and the Flames manage to get out to the “Worst Lead in Hockey”, yet this time manage to hold on for a 5-3 victory. Brian McGrattan gets the Gordie Howe Hat Trick in his home debut and knocks Darcy Hordichuk out with one swift punch to the melon; in the process becoming an instant fan favourite.

The Flames score 11 goals in their next two games and establish themselves as the highest scoring team in the league. Pundits everywhere are perplexed as to where the scoring could be coming from as Cammalleri no longer plays on the team. They finally realize that the depth the Flames acquired once Cammy left, makes the team more dangerous then in years past. Newcomers Sjostrom, Dawes and McGrattan continue to impress. Sjostrom showing his speed for the nail in the coffin against Columbus, while Dawes tallies 2 in the third straight victory over the Oilers. Mcgrattan fights MacIntyre in what should be lauded as the best fight of the year, so far, and gains even more fans in the process. Rene Bourque is the teams leading scorer and continues to rack up points on the teams second line with Langkow and Dawes; part of that depth that was mentioned earlier.

The Colorado Avalanche are leading the division? Is this 2001? A team thought to be battling the Leafs for 30th overall, is running through the league at an incredible pace. The Flames score 2 goals in the first 70 seconds of the game, only to slowly give up the lead and eventually lose to a team that should have been tired from playing the night before. The Flames lose their first divisional battle and 2nd home game of the season. Defensive miscues and timely giveaways starting to become habitual for Calgary as Brent Sutter’s system still has kinks left to be worked out.

This brings us to the Halloween game against the Red Wings and the only thing scary about this game was the lack of finish and the lack drive the Flames had. Not to mention the horrendous giveaway by Regehr to Maltby for the empty net goal to finish off the game. Kiprusoff makes a few awe inspiring saves, but lets 2 quick ones by him in the second, and the Flames lose their second straight and finish the month with a record of 7-4-1. 15 points through 12 games; not amazing, but not horrible. On par with the last two seasons starts of 6-3-1 and 6-3-3. The good news lies in the fact that the Flames have not pieced together too many complete games of hockey. The back to back wins over the Jackets and the Oilers stand as their best hockey to date, but there is undeniably more work to be done.

Kiprusoff is the MVP of the month, as he played outstanding in the majority of the time that he stepped on the ice. A drastic improvement from the October Kipper of old, and a welcoming sign that the goalie of 2004 is no longer hiding under a mound of grass anymore.

Rene Bourque, Eric Nystrom, Freddy Sjostrom, Brandon Prust, Mark Giordano and Brian McGrattan are all very close runners up to Kiprusoff in October. The depth players on the Flames all outperformed the stars of the team on numerous occasions.

“Olli Jokinen, please report ice level to pick up your prize as worst Flame of the month.” Scoring just two goals in the month and seemingly invisible for a majority of the games, Olli continues to not do himself any favours. The forced chemistry with Iginla failed as many predicted it would, and now Jokinen is meandering in the depths of the unknown as he continues to fail to find his spot on this team. $5.5 million for what exactly? If this continues, Jokinen might be on a direct flight out of Cowtown come July 1st of 2010.

Iginla will soon need to snap out of the funk he finds himself in, as when the scoring dries up, as it has the last couple of games, Iginla needs to be around to carry this team out of the fire. He has been anything but spectacular over the first month, scoring a paltry 9 points over the first 12 games; a far cry from the 19 he had 2 seasons ago.

With some work to be done in order to achieve elite status in the NHL, the Flames travel to Dallas on Wednesday to start a very busy November in which they play 14 games in 26 days. There is a lot of hockey to be played, and the Flames look as if they are a couple steps away from being the team to beat in the NHL.

This has been,

Newman on the Flames