As the Flames kicked off their season in Edmonton Thursday night, many fans were celebrating here at home.
Two hours before the game started, Darcy Chalifoux of Flames Central said the bar was nearly full.
“This is actually the first time in a few years that the Flames have started the season on the road,” he said.
“The phone’s been ringing off the hook, it’s absolutely electric. People are excited to see the new players play as well as the old.”
Self-proclaimed die-hard fan Mitch Wheeler said he was kicking off the season with 30 of his closest friends and fellow Flames supporters.
“Since I was 12, I’ve been the biggest Flames fan in the world,” said Wheeler, adding that it was a requirement to wear red in order to attend his kickoff party.
Wheeler said his expectations for this season are high, especially when it comes to the team’s captain.
“Jarome (Iginla) is kind of like 2.0 now. He had such a good pre-season,” said Wheeler. “No one expects it but I think we’re going to do really good … Stanley Cup or bust.”
