Despite the fact that not all people like sports, sports are, in fact, an important aspect of life. Playing sports encourages physical activity, the feeling of competition and encouraging comradeship. Watching sports can also encourage these feelings and even physical activity in some cases where we might become excited and jump about. It does not matter which sport you may be watching; the aim is to watch a sport. As Canada is well known for hockey, this article will provide information on the different local ice hockey teams in Calgary, Alberta.
1. The Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are one of the most famous professional ice hockey teams in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1972, they were originally known as the Atlanta Flames and in 1980 they changed the name to the current Calgary Flames. This popular ice hockey team has won the division championships six times, the Conference championships three times, and have one Stanley Cup; furthermore, nine players from this notable team have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The team’s colors are red, gold, black and white.
2. The Calgary Dinos
The growing presence of females in the sporting world has prompted the establishment of women’s teams in more masculine sports, such as ice hockey. The Calgary Dinos are the most well-known women’s ice hockey team in Calgary, Alberta and represent the University of Calgary in the Canadian Interuniversity Sports Association. Playing in red, gold and black, these females have claimed one tournament title when they won the Canada West tournament in 2012 under the coaching of former Olympic gold medalist Danielle Goyette.
3. The Calgary Stampeders
One of the most reputable ice hockey teams in Calgary, Alberta is the Calgary Stampeders. While the Stampeders are a defunct team, they will always hold a special place in the home of Calgary hockey fans as they were the first Canadian team to win the Allan Cup in 1946. Despite being a senior team, the Stampeders were ferocious and won the Calgary Senior League four times, the Allan Cup once and the Lester Patrick Cup once in 1954. The Lester Patrick Cup was the championship cup of the Pacific Coast Hockey Team and can be found on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Due to the affiliation with the Black Hawks National Ice Hockey Team, many of their players would play professionally in the National Hockey League including Don Campbell and Bill Moe.
4. The Calgary Hitmen
In 1994, the Calgary Hitmen was established to allow children the chance to play the exciting sport of ice hockey. Now a popular major league junior team, the Hitmen is a professional team competing in the Western Hockey League and being the first Calgary team to win the league trophy in 1999. An interesting fact about this team is that their name was inspired by the professional wrestler, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, born in Calgary in 1957. The Hitmen’s colors are red, brown, black and white.