I C Red...and lots of it!

In search of something to fit the bill for the latest concurrent blog challenge (theme colour red), it was difficult to go past my memories of the NHL playoff season of 2004 where the Calgary Flames defied all expectations to make it to the Stanley Cup final. As these photos demonstrate, red featured quite prominently during that time, with the city experienced rabid hockey fever and every person in town barracked (or as the Canadians like to say “rooted”) for the local heroes. After each win thousands of Flames fans marched down the streets decked out in the team colours of red to celebrate. Its funny to note that not too long ago a study came out reporting that red coloured jerseys give teams a slight performance advantage over their non-red attired opponents. Whaddya know?

Frequent outings by fans in red after a win paved the way for the phrases such as "Sea of Red" or "C (as in Calgary) of Red" and the "Red Mile" becoming part of the vernacular.

Few people chanced showing support for the opposing team, Tampa Bay Lightning (whose jersey is white and blue), during local screenings of away matches, hence the unadulterated appearance (sea, if you like) of red in the crowd.

Proof that you can never have too many red flags trailing off your car when you're a Flames supporter.

In the end it wasn't to be and the Flames lost in the seventh and final game, not only breaking countless hearts in Calgary, but also putting into dispute the claim that a red jersey equates to winning. Nevertheless, one could argue that, if anything, red was the most appropriate colour for a team that inspired such fanatical and feverishly passionate scenes in Calgary in 2004.

For more discussions on all things red check out the writings of jfox, Yossarian, Ms Geugenbauren III, Flygirl.