The Calgary Flames are pleased to host Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Saturday, March 27th, 2021 when the Flames take on the Winnipeg Jets at the Scotiabank Saddledome. This year marks the 15th 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.
“For 15 years we have circled a game on our schedule to honour our brave service people and their families,” said CSEC President and Chief Executive Officer John Bean. “This year we are sad that the challenges of the pandemic prevent us from saying thank you in person to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who would normally be in attendance for this game. However, we will never miss an opportunity to celebrate and create awareness of the sacrifices they make that allow us to enjoy the freedom and liberties of being Canadian. While they are not here at the Scotiabank Saddledome, we look forward to a time very soon when we can host them as our guests, shake their hands and say thank you properly.”
The evening will begin with members of the CAF announcing the Flames starting line-up, a pre-game video from crew members onboard HMCS Calgary along with a special version of the national anthem sung by George Canyon including a virtual honour guard from the King’s Own Calgary Regiment. CAF members from Southern Alberta as well as Manitoba will be featured on the broadcast as part of the “CAF Appreciation Night Fan Wall”. All Canadian Armed Forces members will receive a 25% discount for online & in-store purchases at the Calgary Team Store.
The team will wear commemorative Canadian Armed Forces jerseys during warmup, which will be auctioned off following the game at www.CalgaryFlames.com/CAFauction. 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.
“On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, I want to personally thank the Calgary Flames and their fans for honouring us with their unwavering support.” said Brigadier General Bill Fletcher, Commander 3rd Canadian Division, Canadian Army. “This year, the Calgary Flames are hosting their 15th Military Appreciation Game, a milestone which speaks to the bond that exists between the CAF and the Calgary Flames. We in the Canadian Armed Forces are inspired each and every day by the dedication of the Calgary Flames, both on the ice and by their community support, charitable works and spirit off the ice. The Canadian Armed Forces has had an excellent relationship with the City of Calgary for many years and the Flames have certainly played a significant role in its endurance. We are truly humbled by the recognition offered by the Flames organization and their fans during these unprecedented times.”
Although no fans or military personnel will be in attendance, the game will have a distinct CAF feel. There will be a special “Fan Cutouts” section devoted to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Support our Troops yellow ribbon decal will be on all Flames players’ helmets as well as 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.