|
|
October 16: Calgary, AB
|  |
This matchup was high on our list going into the season. "The Battle of Alberta" is one of the most heated rivalries in hockey.
Calgary on a cold sunny October day is a wonderful place to be. I've always just passed through on my way to the Rockies so it was nice to see the city.
Odd thing we saw: A "Big Four Sporting Goods" | 
Being the kind of Dad I am, I always try to add something educational to our adventures.
The Saddledome is on the grounds of Calgary's famous "Stampede" Here I had a chance to show Ben how cows are made! |
I found myself describing this to Ben as "The Apple Cup" of hockey. Edmonton and Calgary are about 300km apart in the province of Alberta, and both are hockey crazy towns. All over the concourse, and on the video screens, were couples wearing opposing jerseys.
The Oilers fans seemed the louder and prouder of the two, especially the crew pictured here who we befriended pre-game. We sat with three red clad fans on our left, three blue clad fans on our right. Ben's seatmate, the blue jersey, was thrilled to find this young man from Seattle had shown up to root for Edmonton.
He spoke not to me after finding out I was there to support Calgary.
The Oilers fans seemed the louder and prouder of the two, especially the crew pictured here who we befriended pre-game. We sat with three red clad fans on our left, three blue clad fans on our right. Ben's seatmate, the blue jersey, was thrilled to find this young man from Seattle had shown up to root for Edmonton.
He spoke not to me after finding out I was there to support Calgary.
This was an awesome game. It was close the whole way. Tied 1-1. Tied 2-2. Calgary tied it 3-3 in the 3rd period and then took their first lead 4-3. Edmonton really pressed toward the end with several close shots in the final 3 minutes. Calgary scored their last goal with one second remaining on an open goal.
Again we returned to our hotel for to catch the end of an exciting Husky win, this time in 2-OT against Oregon State. We went to sleep with the roaring call and response in our heads: "Let's Go Oilers!!!", "Oilers Suck!!!"
There are no Ihop's in Calgary, causing us to rename our favorite breakfast joint "Nhop". Humpty's was just as good though, and then we were home in time to play our own hockey in the neighborhood cul de sac.
Again we returned to our hotel for to catch the end of an exciting Husky win, this time in 2-OT against Oregon State. We went to sleep with the roaring call and response in our heads: "Let's Go Oilers!!!", "Oilers Suck!!!"
There are no Ihop's in Calgary, causing us to rename our favorite breakfast joint "Nhop". Humpty's was just as good though, and then we were home in time to play our own hockey in the neighborhood cul de sac.