Your Flames family just lost a true legend
Alright, so I gotta talk about something heavy today, something that really hit me and a lot of folks here in Calgary. We lost Alvin Libin this week, co-owner of our beloved Calgary Flames, at 95. Now, for the younger crowd, maybe that name doesn't ring quite as loud, but for anyone who remembers the glory days, who lived through 2004, or hell, even just stuck with the team through thick and thin since the mid-90s, this is a big one. He joined the ownership group in '94, right when the team was trying to find its footing after the Cup win, and he was a constant, steady presence ever since. This isn't just about a rich guy owning a sports team; it's about someone who was genuinely invested in this city and our team.
### Why This Matters for Us
For real though, Mr. Libin was one of those quiet giants. He wasn't out there making headlines every day, but his commitment to the Flames was part of the bedrock that kept this team in Calgary. Think about it: * He was there for the good times, like that insane run in 2004 when the Red Mile practically swallowed 17th Avenue. * He was there for the lean years, too, when the Saddledome felt a lot emptier and the energy wasn't quite there. * He believed in keeping the Flames a cornerstone of our city's identity, especially when other cities were losing their teams.
This is Calgary — we've seen the boom, we've seen the bust, and we showed up anyway. And people like Alvin Libin are a huge part of why we *could* show up. He helped ensure the Flames remained a piece of our collective heart, a place where people from all over, from Bridgeland to Signal Hill, can come together and cheer their lungs out. It’s a sad day, losing someone who poured so much into making this city what it is.
Cassidy Redcloud, MiTL Sports Desk, Calgary.
You know Keith and the crew are gonna have some thoughts on this one – tune in live at mornings.live.