Long time Calgary Flames mascot “Harvey the Hound” made a huge mistake. The Flames mascot was scheduled to attend a charity hockey game in December of 2013 between youth teams from Black Diamond and High River, Alberta. The game was scheduled to raise money to assist those ravaged by last years Alberta floods. The problem was that due to a scheduling error, and multiple mistakes “Harvey the Hound” was a no-show.
The young kids were crushed, and there was a lot of tears that day. The Flames were later notified of the no-show and knew that something special must be done to rectify this mistake. The Flames sent “Harvey the Hound” to the two teams next game against each other. The Flames mascot and Calgary Hitman mascot “Farley the Fox” showed up to surprise the young players. The kids were ecstatic, and it made their day. The surprise does not stop there.
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After the game, the mascots gave each kid a ticket for a “Big League Experience”. The next day the mascots showed up with two buses and drove the two teams and families to the Calgary Saddledome for a huge surprise. When the teams arrived at the arena they were surprised with official personalized Calgary jerseys and a true NHL game between the two teams. The game had player introductions, the classic flames shooting in the air, national anthem, and everything else that goes into a Flames home game. It was an amazing experience.
The young players got to meet Flames stars Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan, from which they received autographed gifts. They were also coached by Flames coaches Bob Hartley and Martin Gelinas. The game will be etched in these young kids memories forever.
Although this was a great experience and gift from the Flames, it is one that the Flames organization still feels bad about. They regret that they missed the original event, but were also happy to give the kids an experience of a lifetime. Class act from the Flames organization.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.