The Calgary Flames announce today the winners of the 2020-21 J.R. “Bud” McCaig Award are defenseman Chris Tanev and CSEC Executive Chef Brian Armstrong.
This award honours two Flames personnel, a player and a staff member, who best exemplify Mr. McCaig’s enduring virtues of respect, courtesy and compassion for all individuals he encountered both in his professional and everyday life.
Chris Tanev wasted no time in making a positive impression on his new teammates and colleagues after signing a four year deal with the Flames on the opening day of free agency last year. Chris finished his first season in Calgary as an alternate captain to D-partner Mark Giordano as well as second to him, averaging 21:45 per game in ice time, which includes an elite penalty-killing resume and one of the most impressive shot-blocking rates you’ll ever see. The 31-year-old developed a sterling reputation as one of the league’s fiercest competitors, displaying drive, determination and toughness, as he put his body on the line night-in and night-out for the team. Leading by example and the experience of a 10 year NHL career on the ice, he is also respectful of all teammates, staff, media and fans that he encounters through his hockey profession as well as his daily life. Chris and his fiancée Kendra will be wed next week in Kananaskis Country, high atop Mount Rundle. Congratulations Chris and Kendra and to a very deserving winner of this year’s McCaig Award.
As Executive Chef, Brian Armstrong is the leader of CSEC’s culinary team servicing four professional sports teams and all events from both McMahon Stadium and the Scotiabank Saddledome. Brian has over 27 years’ experience as a Chef, having applied his skills with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts across both Canada and the USA as well as the Concorde Group prior to joining the CSEC family in September of 2017. During the pandemic, Brian’s talents were put to the extreme test, providing daily meals to both the Stockton Heat and the Calgary Flames while also feeding the visiting teams at the Dome. He also was a regular weekly contributor to the COVID-19 staff email, providing virtual cooking courses to CSEC staff working from home as well as participating in several charitable initiatives. Brian and his wife Amber have two children, Haidyn (9) and Korbin (8). When not in the kitchen, the ‘Certified Chef de Cuisine” (highest credentials for a Chef in Canada) enjoys hiking, riding his motorcycle and trades his toque blanche for his karategi as he is also a black belt in karate. Brian is always positive, helpful, and enthusiastic and a great representative of Mr. McCaig’s attributes.
The Flames lost owner J.R. “Bud” McCaig 16 years ago following a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. McCaig was a long-time member of the Flames ownership group and a great contributor to the Calgary community. The recipients of the J.R. “Bud” McCaig Award receive a limited-edition bronze sculpted by Cremona, AB artist Diane Anderson.