Calgary Hockey Magazine Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

CONNOR ZARY

CONVERSATION FOR THE CALDER

CALGARY CANUCKS

TEAM UP WITH SIKSIKA NATION

Feature Interview:

FORMER FLAMES GOALIE

MIKE VERNON

INSIDE what s ’

CALGARY HOCKEY MAGAZINE I WINTER 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

CALGARY CANUCKS RELATIONSHIP WITH SIKSIKA NATION

INTERVIEW WITH MIKE VERNON

MEDIA POLL SEARCH FOR THE BEST CALGARY BORN PLAYER

10177 - 105

Edmonton AB T5J 1E2 | Ph: 780.423.5834

President and Publisher: Rob Suggitt

Graphic Designer: Kate Suggitt

Contributing Writers: Jeremy Freeborn

Copy Editing: Shari Narine

Cover Photo Provided By: Calgary Flames Hockey Club

Photography Credits:

Calgary Flames Hockey Club

Dave Watling Photography

Sales Associate: Jeremy Freeborn

Administration: Amber-Lea Grmek

MESSAGE FROM THE

PUBLISHER

Welcome to the 2024 Winter edition of the Calgary Hockey Magazine. In this edition, we have a special feature on Calgary Flames rookie Connor Zary, who is off to an incredible start. At press time, Zary has 9 goals and 13 assists in just 33 games. Only Connor Bedard has more points per game (0.87) than Zary (0.67), and while Bedard is the heavy favourite to win the Calder, Zary should be in the conversation. (And on the Calder ballot.)

We have another great feature this issue, on former Calgary Flames goalie Mike Vernon, who started and finsihed his career with the Flames, in between playing for Detroit, San Jose, and Florida. Vernon won two Stanley Cups in his illustrious career, his first in 1989 with Calgary, and his second, in 1997 with Detroit. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy with the Wings.

Speaking of great Calgary players, Hockey Calgary Magazine polled seven noteworthy hockey commentators/writers (well, six, plus me), to get their opinion on the best Calgary-born players to have played in the NHL. It was interesting to see their answers, and their rationale behind their selections. Hope you enjoy this special feature.

Rounding out this issue, we have a great article on the recent partnership between the Calgary Canucks and Siksika Nation, which resulted in the Deerfoot Sportsplex (which is located in Siksika Nation) hosting an AJHL game between the Calgary Canucks and Brooks Bandits on November 29th. (With the proceeds generated from the game going to the Siksika Minor Hockey Association.)

Calgary Hockey Magazine is published by Suggitt Publishers

All Rights Reserved® - The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, ie. electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise recorded without the prior written permission of the publisher - www.suggitt.com

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In our next edition of the magazine, we have a special feature on Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau’s start with Calgary may be less than expected, but he has all the tools to turn things around, which is what we’re predicting. Look for Huberdeau to finish the season strong, giving Calgary a push to make the playoffs. You read it here first.

Until then, we wish everyone the best, and look forward to catching up in March, when our Spring Edition is due out.

ROB SUGGITT I Publisher

Calgary Hockey Magazine

CALGARY CANUCKSamazing

SIKSIKA NATION RELATIONSHIP WITH BUILD

By Jeremy Freeborn I PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVE WATLING PHOTOGRAPHY

The Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League have a rich history. Recently the franchise celebrated their 50th anniversary. This season the league is celebrating their 60th anniversary. At the beginning of the season, a special tournament came to Calgary for the first time. From September 27-30, Calgary was selected as the host city of the 2023 AJHL Showcase, where all teams participated in one venue so NHL, USport, NCAA, and WHL scouts could have the opportunity to watch all players in the league in a central location. The host venue for the 2023 tournament was Max Bell Arena.

The tournament also coincided with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A tournament logo was created by Arwen Tailfeathers that connected the annual event with the recently created national holiday. The logo consists of the AJHL logo, an image of a teepee in front of the downtown Calgary skyline, and seven feathers that represent Treaty 7 Nations in the Calgary region.

On September 29, the game between the Canucks and Drayton Valley Thunder, which was titled “Every Child Matters”, had added significance as the Canucks wore unique limited-edition jerseys. The logo was designed by Jacob Alexis of Tribal Life, and Richard Running Rabbit of Counting Coup Customs, and produced by Joker Jerseys. In addition to the special-designed jerseys, Southland Transportation helped bus Elders and disabled citizens of the Siksika Nation so they could attend the game. Elder, Treffrey Deerfoot, was in a nicely lit teepee overlooking the valley at Max Bell Arena. He is a descendant of the great middle-distance runner of the 19th century, whom Deerfoot Trail is named. In addition to hockey, dancers and drummers performed.

While the tournament was being organized, an even stronger relationship was forming between the Canucks and the Siksika Nation. Discussions further developed between Canucks chairman of the board and president Sandy Edmonstone and Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot. There were plans being made for the Deerfoot Sportsplex, which is located in Siksika Nation, to host an Alberta Junior Hockey regular season game between the Canucks and Brooks Bandits. The game was played on November 29, with the Bandits winning 6-1.

You could make the argument this was the biggest game ever played at the Deerfoot Sportsplex, which opened on December 7, 2021. The Calgary Hitmen have played some preseason games at the arena in the past, however this game was a regular season matchup in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The developing relationship between the Canucks and Siksika Nation is important to Running Rabbit, who is the Siksika Health Services Recreation Team Leader, and now a new member of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Canucks.

“I think this is a very meaningful relationship,” he said in an interview for Calgary Hockey Magazine. “The premise of this relationship was based on truth and reconciliation. The fact that throughout this relationship, the Calgary Canucks have shown to be very sincere in their efforts.”

The proceeds generated from the game went to the Siksika Minor Hockey Association. In all, $5,000 was raised. There are also plans in place for the Calgary Canucks to run seven hockey camps for players of all Treaty Seven First Nations communities. The camps are being organized by the Kakatoosiiks Association.

The relationship is very meaningful to the Canucks organization also.

“In September, we felt it was important to reach out to the (First Nations) communities around Calgary,” said Calgary Canucks game day operations chairperson Lyle Peterman. “The Siksika Nation was the group that was the most ambitious to work with us. We wanted to include them because National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was on September 30, and we wanted to ensure the day was not overlooked. That task was a no-brainer. We made the offering that we did not want to end the relationship that day at Max Bell Arena. The Canucks also need to thank the Brooks Bandits for being very accommodating.”

“ “

The premise of this relationship was based on truth and reconciliation. The fact that throughout this relationship, the Calgary Canucks have shown to be very sincere in their efforts

From a cultural standpoint, the jerseys worn by the Canucks (for both games) were significant. Running Rabbit discusses some of the most important features of the jersey.

“Within the jersey concept and design, there is a lot of meaningful symbolism there,” explained Running Rabbit. “Treaty 7 is on the back, and it speaks to Treaty Number Seven, which is the Blackfoot Treaty, signed on September 22, 1877. There were seven different nations that were included in that signing.”

One of the seven nations involved in the signing was the Siksika Nation. Siksika comes from the Blackfoot words of sik (black) and ika (foot). Joined by the Siksika Nation were the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, the Kainai Nation (also known as Blood Tribe), Piikani Nation, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

“When I talk about the nations, I also want to point out that we are all treaty people,” said Running Rabbit. “It was a treaty between the Crown, First Nations, and the newcomers. The treaty is not just a Native thing is what I am trying to say. It is symbolic of everybody.”

In addition to the Treaty 7 reference, the bull on the front of the Canucks jersey is wearing a broach made of porcupine quills and is holding a coup stick instead of a hockey stick. The term “coup” has a warrior status, and symbolizes honour, bravery and resilience.

“For a lot of players achieving an elite level of hockey such as the AJHL, can be considered a coup,” said Running Rabbit. “Along the way, a win can be considered a coup. A goal can be considered a coup. A fight can be considered a coup.”

Many volunteers came to the forefront to make the game at Deerfoot Sportsplex a reality. Among those who devoted their time were members of the Siksika Family Services (Aikaa’yisaapi), and Siksika Health Services. Challenge Industries was a major sponsor. Throughout the evening, artwork and blankets were presented to both teams, and the Kakatoosiiks Association oversaw the cultural showcase. Elite First Nations singers and dancers performed. Dilayna Blackhorse, sang the national anthem in the Blackfoot language. A meal was also catered by the ‘Reztaurant’ and included a berry soup, mint tea, boiled ribs and vegetables. The game itself was a “great showcase for our young people,” according to Running Rabbit, who was very impressed with the overall speed of the AJHL brand.

From a player perspective, 17-year-old Calgary Canucks forward Kasey Russell of Cardston is of Blood Indian descent. In 18 games this season, Russell has one goal and two assists for three points, with the first two points coming in a 6-3 Canucks win over the Spruce Grove Saints on October 7.

When asked if Running Rabbit’s personal goals were met by the Siksika Nation being recognized during the AJHL Showcase and then the Canucks playing at the Deerfoot Sportsplex, he offered the following response:

“I believe so. When I saw the Elders getting off the bus, that was one of the best things. I think my expectations were not only met, they were exceeded.”

The bond created between the community of the Siksika Nation and the community of the Calgary Canucks is a meaningful story. It is a great example of how hockey brings people together!

when you look and feel this good..

you play better.

MIKE VERNON HOCKEY HALL OF FAMER

MIKE VERNON interview with MIKE VERNON

By Jeremy Freeborn I PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CALGARY FLAMES HOCKEY CLUB

November 13 was a special night for Calgary Flames goaltender and Calgary native Mike Vernon, as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. It has been two decades since Vernon last played in the NHL, and at age 60, one of the greatest goaltenders in Flames franchise history is simply thrilled to be recognized as one of hockey’s greatest.

Calgary Hockey Magazine: When you were selected to the Hall of Fame, what was your initial reaction?

Mike Vernon: Obviously, the initial reaction is one of surprise. I couldn’t believe it. The person that told me was Lanny McDonald, whose voice is very distinct. It is kind of like a badge of honour. You immediately think on your past. I reflected back on my past, and my parents, Lorraine and Martin. They were my biggest fans and what this would mean to them is the world. My mom asked me before she passed if I would ever make it to the Hall of Fame, and I couldn’t answer really. I said, ‘I don’t know.’ To have this happen it is just a really good thing for my family, and for my parents who worked so hard over the course of my life. It just brings back a lot of really good memories.”

CHM: Looking back at your hockey career, how meaningful was it for you to play with the Calgary Canucks in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Calgary Wranglers of the Western Hockey League?

MV: I don’t know why you would want to leave your city to go play elsewhere. We have junior teams here and programs here that are outstanding. You could live at home, and I lived at home with my parents. I played in this environment. I just don’t understand why kids would leave. I had the chance to go to Saskatchewan and play, and I just said, ‘No.’ I wanted to stay in Calgary and live with my parents and be around my friends. That was basically my focus. At that time, I did not think I would make the National Hockey League (drafted in the third round of the 1981 NHL Draft after one year each with the Canucks and Wranglers).”

CHM: If you had one message for teenage goaltenders today, what would you tell them?

MV: You just have to have passion for it. You have to enjoy what you do. I did. I had that passion. I had that drive in me. Yes, I had breaks along the way. I hope to think I made my own breaks also. Even when you are down in the dumps, and feel like quitting, it is important to dig deeper inside, and demand more of yourself. You would be surprised of the outcome.

CHM: Your first three goaltending appearances against Detroit, Montreal and Edmonton were challenging. Did you make any technical changes to your game when you re-joined the Flames in 1986?

MV: Not really technically, but it was your mental preparation and how you prepare for a game, and how you study the opposition and things like that. You just want to go out and compete. My goaltender coach Glenn Hall said, ‘There is a first effort, second effort, and may even have to be a third effort.’ I just wanted to stop pucks. I enjoyed it. I played the game with a smile on my face. Yeah, there were times I didn’t enjoy it. That just drives you as a player and as an individual to work harder, and demand more of yourself. I just wanted to win. I think my whole life, even going back to my minor hockey days, I just wanted to win. I had the privilege to be on some winning teams and get that winning attitude. To me it was just playing the game. It did not matter if it was baseball I was playing or hockey. I just wanted to play, and I wanted to win.”

CHM: One regular season appearance you had with the Flames that was memorable to me was the 9-3 win on April 4, 1986. How meaningful was it for you to beat the Oilers in the regular season, and did that win give you any confidence as you prepared for the Oilers in the postseason?

MV: Most definitely. Anytime you can beat the Oilers was a feather in your cap. You still had to put everything into perspective, and it is still a long journey. There are playoffs that have to be played. You can’t get too cocky and stay within yourself. Bob Johnson prepared us really well for that. He pegged us as the underdog and took us to a movie, ‘Rocky.’ Rocky was the underdog. He painted that picture, and

prepared us for all of this, and trying to win. He got in our psyche to not let your guard down for a second, or the puck will be in your net, and things will turn awfully quick. You have to stay within the game, and stay within the system, and just keep believing in yourself. Badger Bob did that for us, and instilled those messages everyday, and sure enough it worked. If you believe in yourself, you never know. It was also important to believe in your teammates. We pulled the rope together. That was the only way to beat the Edmonton Oilers, because they were such a great team, and a great dynasty.”

CHM: Was there one particular moment from the 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs that was the most special for you?

MV: It was all special. To compete in that environment. Day in and day out. I think I thrived on it. I loved playing playoffs because we did not practice as much. I wasn’t a great practice goaltender. I just tried to gear myself and prepare myself for the game. The playoffs are the most fun time of the year. There were a lot of special moments in the 1989 Stanley Cup playoffs. The ultimate moment was winning the Stanley Cup in the Montreal Forum. Nobody had ever beaten the Canadiens in their own building to win the Stanley Cup final. That was a special moment. Our leader Lanny McDonald scored a big goal and was presented with the Stanley Cup. That was the last game he played. To go out on top like that, and be around such a great leader like Lanny, was very special too. He is a class act, and a true professional. It was an honour to be there, and contribute, and be part of all of that with all of the guys.

“There were a lot of special moments in the 1989 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The ultimate moment was winning the Stanley Cup in the Montreal Forum. Nobody had ever beaten the Canadiens in their own building to win the Stanley Cup Final.

“

CHM: You were inducted this past year with fellow goaltenders Henrik Lundqvist and Tom Barrasso. What do you remember most about those Hall of Fame netminders?

CHM: What was it like to win the Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 1997?

MV: I was getting up in age (34 years old). I still believed in myself and knew I could still play. I knew I could still give more. In 1997, the Red Wings had not won the Stanley Cup in 42 years. When Scotty Bowman told me he was going to start me in the playoffs, I just got so excited. In the regular season, I did not play a lot of games (33 compared to 47 for Chris Osgood). I was well rested. I worked hard at practice, and I was gearing myself up. He gave me a bit of a head start in saying that ‘you are going to be my guy, and you are going to start playing a lot more.’ He gradually worked me into the rotation and had me play more games. I was just gearing up for that playoff run. To have another opportunity late in my career, it was something that I never even dreamed of. It was nice to win the Conn Smythe, but my whole focus at that particular time was the Stanley Cup, getting us there and trying to win it. Two years before that, we played against New Jersey, and we lost in the Stanley Cup final. It was a tough pill. It was devastating and we were handily beat. I think it made a lot of us in the dressing room think about how much more we have to give and how much we have to be better. Management made a few changes (acquired Brendan Shanahan, Larry Murphy and Igor Larionov), and we became a better team. I always say that you have to learn to crawl before you can walk. In order to win the Stanley Cup, you just can’t snap your fingers. It takes a lot mentally and physically, and it is a feeling you just can’t explain. You’ve got to go through it a couple of times before you can really appreciate it. Once you get that taste, it is kind of addicting, and you want to be there more and more. It is just a great feeling.”

CHM: After retirement, how gratifying was it for you to have your number 30 retired with the Flames and be inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer?

MV: Those are all very special to me, and they have recognized what I have done for the game, and the teams. It is great to get that recognition. It means a lot to my family. Any time they are there, they take a picture. It makes me feel good that I have contributed to the Calgary Flames organization. I am proud of my numbers, and what I have done in the National Hockey League and junior. I just hope when people see those things or go to Red Deer, or Toronto, they can look and say, ‘he was a competitor and enjoyed what he did.

MV: I played against Tom Barrasso. We were kind of in the same era. He was a bigger goaltender than me, very coordinated and lefthanded. He was in another division, and we did not play him as much. He was a stellar goaltender who backstopped the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cups (in 1991 and 1992). I did not know him personally. I got to know him at the Hall of Fame a bit. We got to talk about the past, and the present. Tom is such a classy individual. I have a lot of time for Tom. I am very proud we were put in the Hall of Fame in the same year. He had great numbers and is well deserved. I got to know Henrik in Toronto during the Hall of Fame ceremony too. Another classy guy. Henrik is nicknamed “King Henrik.” He has put together some phenomenal numbers, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin. I know he had some heart trouble towards the end of his career that (forced him) to retire. What a class act. He had all the time in the world for you. We had some great conversations. It was just nice get to know those guys in behind the scenes, and talk about the game of hockey, where the game is going to go, and what the game of hockey was like when we played. Henrik laughed at the equipment I played with. Henrik also said he had a poster of Tom and I in his bedroom. He is younger than I and was a great goaltender. I have seen him play, and he was a great competitor. Henrik was a genuine person, a great guy, and he has had such a great career. He currently is with the New York Rangers as an ambassador and does TV work (with TNT).”

CHM: What are your future life goals?

MV: I have four children. I have two children I have to get through university. I live everyday. My wife and I are involved in different projects. We are living our life. We live here in Calgary, and it is all good!

CONNOR Zary Flames’ Rookie

in the conversation for Calder TROPHY

By Jeremy Freeborn I PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CALGARY FLAMES HOCKEY CLUB

During the 2022-23 Calgary Flames season, there was a belief by many analysts covering the franchise that the team was not developing their younger players enough. Flames head coach Darryl Sutter went with a veteran group in an attempt to make the playoffs. The franchise fell short finishing two points back of the Winnipeg Jets.

Fast forward to the 2023-24 Flames season, and with the change in management – Huska replacing Sutter and Craig Conroy replacing Brad Treliving – comes a change in philosophical approach. The Flames are committed to giving some of their younger players National Hockey League experience. Is this team committed to making the playoffs? Of course they are. However, they also seem to be looking for the balance of winning now and developing players for the future.

Among the younger players on the Flames who are getting an added look are centres Connor Zary, Adam Ruzicka and Martin Pospisil. Zary is the youngest of the trio at 22. In his first 32 NHL games, Zary has put together 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists). Is there room for personal growth? There definitely is. However, so far Zary has received high praise for his overall skating ability, work ethic, and drive.

In late November, I had the opportunity to speak to Zary after Flames practice. It was during a six-game homestand for the Flames and an important point in their schedule as they tried to continue to be a factor in the Western Conference playoff race. After speaking with the Flames rookie, I got a sense of confidence and maturity, along with commitment to be a consistent performer for the team.

Being part of the Calgary Flames organization “has been awesome so far,” said Zary.

“It is something every kid dreams of. It is a special moment. It is always cool. Every single day is a new experience, and a good day when you are in the NHL.”

The first game Zary played in the NHL on Nov. 1 was special for two reasons.

“To be able to have that opportunity with my family in the stands. That is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

He also scored his first NHL goal in a 4-3 Flames loss to the Dallas Stars at the Scotiabank Saddledome. After Chris Tanev shot the puck towards Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, the netminder left a juicy rebound, which Zary picked up and scored into an empty net.

Zary scored five minutes and 28 seconds into his NHL career. You may wonder if that was an NHL record? The answer is no. Gus Bodnar of Fort William, Ont., scored 15 seconds into his first NHL game for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers on Oct. 30, 1943, at Maple Leaf Gardens. Bodnar went on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.

Zary first started playing hockey on the outdoor rink for a couple of years in Saskatoon. It would not be long before he played more organized hockey and was able to develop his game further.

“The poise [zary] possesses blows my mind and is well beyond his years. He is proving it on a nightly basis. He is the surprise story of the year

““When you are that age and playing minor hockey, there is not a whole lot to worry about. There is not a whole lot of stress. It is just something you love to do and is something you have fun with. I always have good memories of that,” he recalled.

While playing minor hockey in Saskatoon, Zary had one of his most memorable tournaments in Calgary. During the 2016-17 season, he reached the final of the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament with the Saskatoon Contacts before losing to a team from Belarus.

The fact that Zary has cracked the Flames’ line-up as a rookie this season should not be a huge surprise. He was selected in the first round, 24th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. That draft was unique because it was virtual due to Covid.

“It was a little different. It took place in October and I was at home. To be able to be there in my living room, with 20 friends and family being there and supporting me was a special moment. Like my first NHL game, and my first NHL goal, to hear your name called in the first round, it is something you will remember for the rest of your life. It was a dream come true.”

Zary also had the opportunity to develop his game in Calgary. Last season and the beginning of this season, he was a regular member of the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League. In 202223, Zary had 21 goals and 37 assists for 58 points in 72 games. He also had 10 points in six AHL games in 2023-24.

When critiquing his own game, Zary discusses his overall strengths.

“My ability to see the ice, my IQ, and my ability to make plays are my strengths,” he said. “That is what I think I do well out there. It’s being able to find a spot and get open for others.”

Head coach Huska says Zary has had a good start.

“He has got a lot of confidence with the puck. He has built some chemistry with Naz (Nazem Kadri) along the way,” noted Huska. “For a younger guy (it) is to make sure he is doing that consistently each and every night.”

Zary was called up by the Flames, in part, to try and make Kadri better. In October, when Zary was not yet with the Flames, Kadri had one goal and one assist and was -11 in nine games. Since Zary became Kadri’s linemate on Nov. 1, Kadri has 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 33 games and is a +12.

But there are still challenges, says Huska, noting that the games Zary sat out were two back-to-backs.

“It is hard on a younger guy to understand how you have to play in those situations. (It’s important) to learn how to play against all teams in all situations. That is a big part of his development, so he can be the guy who is creating and making plays every time he is on the ice, no matter the situation. That is part of maturing and growing for sure,” he said.

Another person who has high praise of Zary’s game is Eric Francis of Rogers Sportsnet. The Flames rookie has exceeded his expectations. “Nobody expected the production he has come forward with. The poise this guy possesses blows my mind and is well beyond his years. He is proving it on a nightly basis. He is the surprise story of the year,” said Francis, during the intermission of the Flames game against the Florida Panthers on December 18.

Zary’s play is also strong in the neutral zone. The Flames’ play at centre ice has improved too. According to Trevor Neufeld of hockeybuzz.com, throughout the month of October, the Flames were the “worst team in the league at breaking the puck out and moving through the neutral zone with speed.”

Now with the recent jaw injury to Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Zary has put himself into the Calder Trophy conversation. He is second in the NHL in rookie scoring.

On the recent Flames’ road trip where the players’ dads came along, Connor’s father Scott expressed his excitement. “Seeing him out there, fulfilling his dreams, and putting that puck in the net makes it so much sweeter. He’s earned it all.”

Trying to generate more speed on the ice is something Zary is currently working on to be even better. Being as fast as possible is necessary for today’s NHL players, not just to make the league, but to stay there too. In the meantime, Zary’s goal this season is to improve and be consistent. If he is able to succeed with those goals, Flames fans should expect to see Connor Zary as a regular in the lineup for the foreseeable future.

Feature Interview with: Coming

Next Issue

Coming Next Issue

JONATHAN HUBERDEAU

Our next edition of the Calgary Hockey Magazine is due out in early March, and features an exclusive interview with Jonathan Huberdeau. You can find our magazine at all Calgary and area arenas, and at Sobey’s, Safeway and Co-op locations.

Hockey Calgary Magazine met up with the cofounders of ROKET GEAR, Dr. Niz Saab and Eddie Halabi to discuss their unique, innovative product and how it helps hockey athletes improve their strength and speed while performing skills and overall on-ice performance.

In general terms, tell us about your company

NIZ: We’re a small start up company from Edmonton. My cousin Eddie and I decided to use our background in health and sports training to design a product that would help young athletes achieve greater success.

EDDIE: We provide the newest and most innovate weighted performance hockey training technology.

Why was it so important for you to develop Roket Gear?

NIZ: There are a lot of training devices out there, but they’re not sports specific, meaning you can’t use the training device the exact same way you play. We felt there was a need in hockey to help the next generation develop in a more sport specific manner.

EDDIE: I train a lot of hockey players off the ice and started to realize that, although this is extremely helpful, you cannot replicate training on the ice no matter what exercises you perform so we felt there was a market for this type of on-ice training development.

DoestheequipmentmanufacturedbyRoketGearprioritize the safety of athletes?

NIZ: First and foremost. My background is in body mechanics, and Eddie’s is in strength and conditioning so we had to make sure we created a sports-specific product that did not alter the mechanics of the skating stride to ensure it was not only safe, but also effective developing the right skating muscles.

EDDIE: We were so dedicated to making our product safe and effective that we had our product third-party tested at the University of Calgary Human Performance Lab to prove it did not alter skating mechanics before we even thought about taking it to market.

What makes Roket Gear different than other sports manufacturing companies?

NIZ: We specialize in sport specific weighted performance training technology backed by research.

EDDIE: We’re an innovative company that continues to evolve. We continually research prototype products and test to see what works best.

What are the future goals and long-term strategy of the company?

NIZ: We are currently working on our arm and leg version for other sports and aim to be the global leader in weighted sports performance training technology.

EDDIE: Our goal is to accommodate as many sports as possible with our sport-specific weighted training gear.

EDDIE HALABI

DR.NIZ SAAB

MEDIA POLL CALGARY BORN NHL PLAYER EVER

By Jeremy Freeborn

There were seven hockey media people who participated in this poll: Rogers Sportsnet’s Kelly Hrudey and Eric Francis, Calgary Sun/Herald Sports Editor, and Columnist Todd Saelhof, FAN 960 Flames Talk radio host Pat Steinberg, former Calgary Sun Flames analyst Steve MacFarlane, Calgary Hockey Magazine Publisher Rob Suggitt, and myself. Of the seven responses, five chose Makar. Let’s take the opportunity to see why five of the respondents chose the amazing Avalanche defenseman.

These are interesting times when it comes to hockey in Calgary. This past fall Calgary Flames goaltender Mike Vernon became the second Calgary native to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He followed Bill Gadsby, who was a National Hockey League defenseman with the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings from 1946 to 1966. But as we take a look at the greatest Calgaryborn hockey player of all-time, (and there have been 149 of them who have made the NHL according to Hockey Reference) it is fair to give the nod to a current player. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is already simply the best.

Kelly Hrudey is the only former National Hockey League player in the poll. The former NHL goaltender was with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks from 1983 to 1998, before making the transition to the broadcast booth. He joined Hockey Night in Canada as an intermission analyst in 1998, and later Rogers Sportsnet in 2014 as a colour-commentator for Calgary Flames broadcasts. Here is Hrudey’s response of why Makar is Calgary’s greatest.

“His skating ability is world class,” states Hrudey. “This is what separates him from most of the other NHL players. The way he thinks the game along with his vision makes Cale one of the all-time greats. Lastly, he adds a physical component to his game.”

Kelly Hrudey

ERIC FRANCIS

TODD SAELHOF

PAT STEINBERG ROB SUGGITT

JEREMY

FREEBORN

STEVE MACFARLANE

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IT’S A Close one for me between Makar and Point. They are both Stanley Cup champions and toptier players, but Makar gets the edge as someone in the conversation as one of the best ever to play the position. He's at the top of the elite class with his offensive skill and skating and positioning that makes him a tough defender to beat as well. To me, he's a generational player.

- STEVE MACFARLANE -

Pat Steinberg has been with the FAN 960 for 20 years. The SAIT broadcasting graduate gives his assessment of why Makar needs to be number one.

“He is the blueline equivalent of a generational forward. He’s McDavid or MacKinnon or Crosby, but he happens to play defence. Makar has already won a Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe, Norris, and Calder trophy. The question is how many more awards will he finish his future Hockey Hall of Fame career with?”

Rob Suggitt also believes Makar will add more hockey trophies to his mantel.

“As the only panelist born and residing in Edmonton, I might jest that Edmonton has more home-grown hockey talent than Calgary (with Mark Messier, Jarome Iginla, Johnny Bucyk, among the 203 NHLborn players in Edmonton all-time), but I would be wrong about the amount of talent Calgary has provided hockey.

“With so many great players to choose from, including Mike Vernon, Mike Rogers, and Mike Green (and that’s just the Mikes), I would have to go with one of two current players, Brayden Point or Cale Makar, both who are off to incredible NHL careers, and both Stanley Cup champions.

“I have to give the nod to Cale Makar, who at 25 years of age, has become not just the most elite defenseman in the NHL, but one of the most elite players in the league. With a Calder, Norris and Conn Smythe under his belt, I can see him adding to his hardware, with a Hart or Ted Lindsay Award, before his career is over.”

Steve MacFarlane also chose between Point and Makar before giving the slight edge to Makar.

“Close one for me between Makar and Point. They are both Stanley Cup champions and top-tier players, but Makar gets the edge as someone in the conversation as one of the best ever to play the position. He's at the top of the elite class with his offensive skill and skating and positioning that makes him a tough defender to beat as well. To me, he's a generational player.”

I believe Makar deserves to receive the nod as well. His leadership qualities need to be considered. He is already Colorado’s assistant captain on a franchise filled with experience. Makar is dependable on both ends of the ice. You could make the argument that he is even showing more signs of improvement and growth from last year. After 27 games, Makar already has 37 points, and is a +13. In his career, he has not been afraid to deliver a bodycheck (has 267

hits in 265 games) or get down on the ice to prevent the opposition from scoring (315 blocked shots). Makar also generates more opportunities than mistakes (has 192 takeaways compared to 168 giveaways).

On January 7, 2022, Suggitt and I saw Makar in person as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 in overtime. Who scored the overtime winner? You guessed it. It was Makar, as MacKinnon and Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev picked up the assists. On a personal note, it was my first Oilers game in Edmonton since October 19, 1990, when the Oilers clobbered the Boston Bruins 8-1.

Makar’s career statistics to date are 73 goals and 210 assists for 283 points in 265 games. He is also a +106. Makar is averaging more than a point per game in the playoffs (65 points in 61 games). I am anxious to see what Makar can accomplish at an Olympic Winter Games, hopefully in 2026 in Milan/Cortina D’Ampezzo. As the great Frank Sinatra once sang, “The best is yet to come.”

There are two other players that received one vote each from our panel. Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats kicker Eric Francis has chosen Mike Vernon, while Todd Saelhof chose Mike Rogers. Francis is open to changing his pick to Makar later on down the road, while Saelhof highlights Rogers’s hockey career not just in the NHL, but before and afterwards.

“By definition, the best is Vernon, by virtue of the fact he is a Hall of Famer and also has two Cups,” Francis said. “But I wonder if in ten years we aren’t saying it’s Makar, who was on top of the hockey world two years ago when he won the Norris, the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe trophy in one of his first full seasons in the NHL. However, when Taylor Hall was drafted first overall, people might have predicted the same greatness. They would have been wrong. Longevity and greatness over time matter in this discussion, so Vernon wins easily.”

“Rogers” said Saelhof, “was a local hero in junior hockey with 54- and 67-goal counts as part of 112- and 140-point seasons with the Calgary Centennials. Then he took his talent to the WHA and the NHL, where he scored three 100-plus-point seasons with two different teams, the Hartford Whalers and the New York Rangers. Rogers went on to be a colour commentator beside radio legend Peter Maher, adding to his accolades as a true Calgary legend. He’s also one of Calgary’s good guys off the ice.”

Please let us know what your comments are. The most interesting answers will be published in a future issue of Calgary Hockey Magazine.

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PLAY THE BEST TO BE THE BEST! “

PLAY THE BEST TO BE THE BEST!

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