Despite ‘disappointing’ loss, fans ready to cheer Flames to victory

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“It’s going to be a good vibe wherever you go tomorrow. Take your shirt and go.

Publication date :

May 14, 2022 • 15 minutes ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

Flames fans celebrate at the Red Lot viewing party before Game 6 between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Friday May 13, 2022. Photo by Brendan Miller /Postmedia

It’s do or die for the Calgary Flames, and the fans are ready to rumble.

The Flames will face the Dallas Stars on Sunday after losing the deciding game of the series 4-2 on Friday night. The disappointing result has fans on edge, but remain positive that the Flames pull through in Game 7.

Tatum Illes, marketing director of the Whiskey Rose Saloon on 17th Avenue, said the bar transformed into a “full-fledged sea of ​​red” on Friday night.

The seats were full with people lining up around the bar to watch the game, cheering each other on and clapping their hands. As the seconds ticked by, the disappointed fans were shot in the arm with a last-minute brawl.

“People were really upset that they lost, and they got really fired up and happy that there was a fight at the end,” Illes said, referring to the fight after Milan Lucic traded a few blows with Esa. Lindell of the Stars. “Do they know who Looch is?” He is crazy.”

Despite the Game 6 loss, Illes said the energy in the bar was “electric” as the Calgarians rallied to cheer on the Flames.

“It’s teamwork. People get superstitious like, “Maybe I need to put my jersey on backwards or change my shoes,” she laughed. “Everyone is so inviting and so excited to watch the game.”

When asked if she felt good about the Flames’ win, Illes replied ‘100% they will’.

“I’m very excited, I know they can pull themselves together.”

Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forward Trevor Lewis defend against Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin in Game 6 of their first-round series at the Airlines Center in Dallas on Friday, May 13, 2022.
Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov and forward Trevor Lewis defend against Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin in Game 6 of their first-round series at the Airlines Center in Dallas on Friday, May 13, 2022. Photo by Jerome Miron /USA TODAY Sports

Ernie Tsu, owner of Trolley 5 Brewery on 17th Avenue, said the series has been a “big energy boost” for the city and Red Mile businesses.

“I was there for the 2004 Red Mile and the vibe last night was exactly the same. We were a full house here, people were queuing outside in the street to watch TV. It’s a good time to watch hockey.

Tsu said fans, himself included, were feeling nervous as Game 7 approached. The Flames looked tired late in the third period, but he said fans hoped they could bounce back on Sunday.

“For Dallas to be able to cross the neutral zone with this speed and without control, it was a little strange. We hope for a big, big rebound on Sunday, for sure,” he said.

“Everyone is nervous. But how not to be nervous? It’s Game 7!”

Win or lose, the revival of business at the Red Mile was a welcome change after two years of the pandemic, he said, expecting a full house for Sunday’s game.

“It’s going to be a good vibe wherever you go tomorrow,” he said. “Take your jersey and go.”

bgervais@postmedia.com

Twitter: @BrittGervaisAB

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