Oct 11, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; General view of the arena during opening ceremonies prior to the game between the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
In the name of fun, Flame for Thought is introducing our very own regular season awards to the C of Red that we can track throughout the season and collaboratively – with the fans – hand out at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
The idea is to give you a say in recognizing your favourite Flames and moments throughout the season and to do so with some unconventional award categories.
Read on to reveal the awards and their descriptions. Kicking things off is the Pat Steinberg Passion Award.
The Pat Steinberg Passion Award
Recognizing the player or other member of the Calgary Flames organization (yes, coaches, management, and others are eligible for this award) deemed to have the highest level of passion for the Calgary Flames and the game of hockey in general, the Pat Steinberg Passion Award is named after Sportsnet 960 The FAN‘s passionate radio host, Pat Steinberg, who hosts hours of Flames Talk every weekday, as well as pre and post-game shows. Pat’s also the go-to guy for practice notes, like lines and pairings, every time the Flames hit the ice. The Flames and their fans are fortunate to have the best radio coverage in the NHL and that’s due to Pat’s passion. In the words of many in the replies under every one of Pat’s tweets, “Thank you, Pat.”
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Mangiapane’s Hairline Bounceback Award
With “bounceback” seasons being key for the Calgary Flames to find success in 2023-24, the Mangiapane’s Hairline Bounceback Award will be given to the player deemed to have the most significant bounceback during the regular season. “Significance” may be defined by positive impact on the Calgary Flames’ success and/or relativity to the candidates’ body of work last season.
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Darryl Sutter Controversy Award
The centre of controversy in the C of Red in 2022-23 was none other than Darryl Sutter. While we certainly have our fingers crossed for less controversy this season, it’s undeniable that something or someone will stir the pot in 2023-24. We’ll keep track of those controversial moments and hand over the Darryl Sutter Controversy Award to the player, coach, manager, moment, event, or other person or thing to recognize the biggest one from the season ahead.
Apr 12, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter during interview after the game against the San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Meaghan Mikkelson Newcomer Award
Meaghan Mikkelson is a Canadian Olympian who spent a decade as a defender with the national women’s program, during which she won three Olympic medals (two gold) as well as eight World Championship medals. Mikkelson was recently added to the Flames’ radio broadcast, where she’s the colour commentator alongside play-by-play announcer Derek Wills.
Dec 30, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canada defenseman Meaghan Mikkelson (12) during their game against USA during the second period in an exhibition hockey game at Air Canada Centre. USA beat Canada 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
In recognition of Meaghan’s “newcomer” status in affiliation with the Calgary Flames, the Meaghan Mikkelson Newcomer Award will be given to the newcomer who provides the greatest positive impact on the Flames on-ice performance during the regular season. Eligibility for this award will be open to players who were not a Flames roster player last season. We’ll borrow from the league’s rookie definition here, so someone who played more than six games for the Flames last season will not be eligible. For example, Matt Coronato and Dustin Wolf (each with one game played last season) will be eligible, while Dennis Gilbert and Walker Duehr will not. Players who’ve come over from other clubs, like Yegor Sharangovich and A.J. Greer, will be eligible.
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Jim “Uncle Hockey” Gaudreau Commitment Award
I don’t know why exactly, but I find it super cool that Jim Gaudreau, uncle to former-Flame, Johnny, is still a fan of the Calgary Flames and actively supports the team on social media despite the fact his nephew is no longer on the team. Uncle Hockey displays commitment in the face of adversity and isn’t scared to show his pride for the team. For this, we thank Jim and will recognize his commitment with an award that goes to the member of the Flames organization who displays the greatest commitment to the club this season.
Commitment, it should be noted, is different from passion. It may come in the form of perseverance through challenge or as dedication despite difficulty.
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Chris Sutter Entertainment Award
I haven’t seen Chris at the Saddledome yet this season, but I hope we see the return of Chris Sutter Time at some point. Even during the darkest days, Chris showed up with positivity and danced his heart out for the world to see. Not familiar with Chris Sutter Time? Check it out here:
The Chris Sutter Entertainment Award may be given to a player, staff member, or simply a moment that most entertains the fan base this season.
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Tim Hunter PIM King Award
Strictly stat-driven and named after the Flames’ all-time penalty minutes leader, the Tim Hunter PIM King Award will go to the player who earns the most PIMs this regular season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – CIRCA 1980: Tim Hunter of the Calgary Flames circa 1980 in New York, New York. (Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images) /
The league and the Flames organization will take care of recognizing leaders of other stat categories; we’ll go old school and recognize the PIM leader.
The Jarome Iginla MVP Award
The most valuable player to ever wear a Calgary Flames sweater is Jarome Iginla. He’s the organization’s all-time leader in games played, goals, and points.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the Jarome Iginla MVP Award will recognize the player deemed to be most valuable to the Calgary Flames during the 2023-24 season.
Mar 2, 2019; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Former Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla speaks at his ceremony to retire his jersey before the Calgary Flames take on the Minnesota Wild at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
Flame for Thought may request participation from Flames fans on Twitter/X and Facebook to select the winner from a list of candidates.
The Chris Snow Memorial Analytics Darling Award
We all know this season is for Snowy. In honour of Chris, the Flames’ late VP of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager responsible for developing the organization’s data/analytics department, The Chris Snow Memorial Analytics Darling Award will be given to the player with the most outstanding advanced hockey analytics numbers at the end of the season.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 21: Assistant General Manager Chris Snow of the Calgary Flames poses with his wife Kelsie, and their children Cohen, 10, and Willa, 7 during the 2022 NHL Awards at Armature Works on June 21, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
Thank you for everything, Snowy. To Kelsie, Cohen, and Willa Snow, thanks for sharing your journey with us.
