Media Guide - NHL.com

HiSTORY OF THE FRANCHiSEThe Calgary Flames will mark their 28th NHL season, 29th year in Calgary, and24th year in the Pengrowth Saddledome during the 2008-09 season. Since theirarrival in 1980, the team has captivated hockey fans with their on-ice success,including a Stanley Cup victory in 1989, while establishing a solid off-ice reputationfor community involvement through millions of dollars of contributions to charitableorganizations throughout southern Alberta.On May 21, 1980 Nelson Skalbania and a group of Calgary entrepreneurs consistingof Doc and B.J. Seaman, Harley Hotchkiss, Norm Green, Ralph Scurfield, andNorman Kwong announced the acquisition of the Atlanta Flames franchise anddeclared their intention to relocate the team to Alberta. In August, 1981 Skalbaniasold his interest in the team to the Calgary contingent. The remaining six localbusinessmen continued to hold exclusive ownership until June 15, 1990 when NormGreen left to become owner of the Minnesota North Stars (now Dallas Stars). OnAugust 8, 1994 further revisions to the club ownership structure saw the additionof six new investors and the departure of two of the team’s original owners (NormKwong and Sonia Scurfield). Subsequent changes in 2001 resulted in the currentgroup of eight owners: N. Murray Edwards, Harley N. Hotchkiss, Alvin G. Libin,Allan P. Markin, the estate of J.R. McCaig, Daryl K. Seaman, Byron J. Seaman,and Clayton B. Riddell, who jointly control operations for the Calgary Flames, thePengrowth Saddledome, and the WHL Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club.On October 9, 1980 in their inaugural game at the Stampede Corral, the Flamesbattled the Quebec Nordiques to a 5-5 tie. The team played a total of 146 league,playoff, and exhibition games at the Corral, losing only 28 regular season andfour playoff games in three seasons, before moving across the street into theSaddledome in October, 1983. The Flames formally assumed management of theSaddledome on August 1, 1994 and after extensive renovations, the venue wasreopened on October 25, 1995. Today, the Pengrowth Saddledome is recognized asone of the pre-eminent entertainment facilities in North America.The 2003-04 season saw the launch of an exciting new red jersey as the Flames’home sweater, while the traditional whites were worn strictly for road games. The‘C of Red’ was revived during the NHL playoffs, and the red Flames jersey becameone of the top-selling jersey launches in NHL history. With the start of the 2007-08season, the NHL will introduce the Reebok Edge uniform system which will resultin minor striping changes to the Flames jersey. The alternate black jersey will beofficially retired.In their 27-year history, the Flames have become a premier franchise in the NHL.They have captured two President’s Trophies for finishing first overall (1987-88,1988-89), three Clarence Campbell Conference titles (1985-86, 1988-89, 2003-04),two Smythe Division playoff championships (1985-86, 1988-89), two Pacific Division6 CALGARY FLAMES