The Calgary Flames are pleased to host Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Friday, March 18th, 2022 when the Calgary Flames take on the Buffalo Sabres at the Scotiabank Saddledome. This year marks the 16th annual celebration of service members within the Canadian Armed Forces all while raising funds for the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (CMFRC) and the official charity of the Canadian Armed Forces; Support our Troops.
“Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation is pleased to welcome back and honour our Canadian Armed Forces at the Scotiabank Saddledome this year,” said CSEC President and Chief Executive Officer, John Bean. “This night is very important for us as it is an opportunity to say thank you and create greater awareness of the sacrifices our service people and their loved ones make. Their dedication and heroism allow us to enjoy the freedom and liberties of our great country, Canada.”
The Calgary Flames will welcome 500 Canadian Armed Forces members and their families to the Scotiabank Saddledome for the first time since 2019. The evening will begin with a ceremonial face-off welcoming the Command Team from 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian Norad Region; Major-General Eric Kenny and Chief Warrant Officer Dan Campbell. Rappelling down with the puck will be two Search and Rescue Technicians, Sergeant Vincent C. Benoit and Master Corporal Alain Goguen who are both from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg. The national anthems will feature performances from the official singing voice of the Calgary Flames, George Canyon along with Warrant Officer, David Grenon from the Royal Canadian Air Force Band and a ceremonial flag party form the Calgary Highlanders.
The team will wear commemorative Canadian Armed Forces jerseys during warmup, which will be auctioned off following the game at elevateauctions.com/SupportOurTroops2022. Limited edition Calgary Flames apparel will be for sale at the Calgary Team Store locations with proceeds to be directed to Support Our Troops and CMFRC. The Calgary Flames Foundation will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s RE/MAX 50/50 sales. The Calgary Military Family Resource Centre will also be on the concourse behind section 227 with information on support programs. Additionally, The Military Museums will be behind section 223 with information on their initiatives.
“I would like to thank the Calgary Flames and their fans for honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces with their continued support,” said Major-General Eric Kenny, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Forces Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton. “This year, the Calgary Flames are hosting their 16th Military Appreciation Game and it is a great honour to join 500 fellow Canadian Armed Forces members at this very special game. To have a show of support like this from the communities we serve is very humbling. It demonstrates to our members and their families how much Canadians value their dedication and sacrifice.”
All Canadian Armed Forces members will receive a 25% discount for online & in-store purchases at the Calgary Team Store. CAF members will be featured in all in-game promotions along with a special video tribute during a TV timeout. The Support our Troops yellow ribbon decal will be on event rink boards in honour of those who serve and have served. Since the start of the Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Game over $400,000 has been directed to Support our Troops and the CMFRC.