First Nation & Metis Connections, Nilsson's One for the Ages
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Today’s edition discusses the Flames’ First Nation and Metis connections while revisiting Kent Nilsson’s historic 1980-81 season in a One for the Ages piece.
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Calgary Flames’ First Nation and Metis Connections
October 14, 2023, by Paul Quinney
Only 11 players with indigenous roots have ever laced up a pair of skates for the Calgary Flames in the 40 years that the team has been in Calgary. During this time, non-indigenous Canadians have made up approximately 75% of the estimated 960 players who played for the team. This means that of all the players ever to don a Flames’ sweater, only 1.5% had aboriginal roots even though First Nations. Metis and Inuit people make up almost 4.9% of the Canadian population.
One for the Ages: Kent Nilsson's 1980-81 NHL Season
September 7, 2022, by Ryan Gagne
In 2021-22, the Calgary Flames had their second-best season in franchise history. The team collected 50 wins and 111 points, coming in behind the 1988-89 team, which earned 54 wins and 117 points. Former All-Star Johnny Gaudreau was the spark plug for the offense, producing a career-best 115 points thanks to 40 goals and 75 points. Despite his best efforts, he came up short in his chase for the franchise points record (131) held by Swedish-born Kent Nilsson. During the Flames’ inaugural season in Calgary (1980-81), Nilsson pieced together the most remarkable season of anyone in franchise history.
