Calgary Flames scored – the cowboy was shooting guns

Last Sunday we went to see a hockey game – Calgary Flames vs Phoenix Coyotes (a.k.a. Prairie Dogs). Neither myself nor my husband have ever been hockey fans, but since we had a chance to go and see a local team play in a country where the national sport clearly is hockey, we did not think long and said yes, thanks, to the tickets.

The experience itself was very interesting and entertaining. The stadium was full – mainly folks with red shirts with one or the other Calgary Flames player’s name on their backs. There were families and packs of friends, father-daughter, mother-son combinations. Clearly for everyone! The game was held at the Stampede grounds – at Scotiabank Saddledome and it has double the capacity of Saku Suurhall in Tallinn. Upon entrance mostly everyone headed to the nearest beer or food vendor. My husband grabbed a beer from Beer Monkey (folks who walk around with the trays of beers and sell you them right there and then) and we walked on to find a place to grab some food. On the way we met a few Chow Monkeys (you guessed – the guys who sell food) and settled for a stand that sold popcorn, hotdogs, burgers and beer and soda. The Italian sausage that we bought instead of a hot dog (sold out temporarily) was very tasty with loads of ketchup and mustard.

Our seats were on the second level to the left of one of the goals and we had a very good view of the entire arena. First the two hymns were played (American and Canadian) and then the game begun. It was very fast and the Canadians were clearly on the offensive – before too long there was also a first goal. That’s when flames of gas burst on top of the arena and a big show started on the screens together with crowds cheering loudly.

Cheerleaders pushing shovels

Before long there was a break and cheerleaders were pushing loose snowlike ice instead of dancing (very practical, but still good to look at). We found out that they make a break every time TV broadcast is switching to commercials. Soon also the first period was over and it was time for intermission. Everyone who hadn’t been able to grab some beer or chow or had already finished theirs, headed to the stands. Teams of kids had a competition where they had to skate over and under obstacles with their hockey sticks for speed. One team was very good – they were fast and amazingly nimble when going under the limbo line. The others kept falling over – obviously hadn’t practised as much.

During the second period we realised that Calgary team’s supporters are very quiet. We even said that they are more passive and subdued than Estonians and that is an achievement! I have been to a football game when Estonians are playing and then you can almost believe that Estonians have the same temperament as any of the southern nations. But sitting at a hockey game where Calgary team was playing at home and it was a good game, I would have expected a lot more cheering. Even me and my husband were cheering more than our neighbours. Then came Harvey the Hound with a little drum and started beating some life into the crowds, but as soon as he stopped, the cheer lasted for maximum 5 seconds before it died down again. I don’t know, maybe it was a depressing day in Calgary for most of the fans?? Harvey the Hound was very energetic and kept on going amongst the crowds and having his picture taken with the little fans.

Everything about the game was very entertaining – there were lots of adverts shown everywhere, music was played and we were just sitting there wide-eyed and absorbed the atmosphere.

Harvey the Hound

We stayed until the beginning of the third period when Calgary Flames was nicely leading 4:3, then decided that we have seen enough and its time to go home before the hords start pushing their way back to the C-Train. Flames did well without our support also afterwards and they won the game 5:4. Go Flames!!