— EPISODE 230 —
Welcome to a special episode of Flames Unfiltered where hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis dive into a lively discussion about Calgary Flames jerseys, numbers, and the stories behind them. In this episode, Brad and Kyle explore the fascinating world of Flames jerseys, touching on the ongoing debate between referring to them as “sweaters” or “jerseys,” and delve into the intriguing realm of number retirements. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and historical tidbits about the numbers that define fan favorites, creating a captivating narrative for listeners.
Throughout the episode, Kyle and Brad reflect on the significance of jersey colors—discussing a potential shift back to home whites and the traditional dark on the road setup, mirroring past NHL traditions. They dive into the nuances of jersey number retirements and honors, exploring potential retirements like those of Johnny Gaudreau and Theo Fleury. As they recount stories of memorable numbers and players, listeners get an inside look at the distinctive histories and personal memories attached to these iconic jerseys.
The significance of jersey colors and the potential return to wearing white at home is a hot topic among hockey purists and fans.
The Flames have both retired and honored numbers, sparking debate over which players deserve to have their numbers immortalized.
Hosts Brad and Kyle share personal memories attached to various Flames jersey numbers, bringing to light lesser-known facts about players’ choices.
The episode explores the cultural and historical ties fans have to particular jersey numbers, enriched by anecdotes from the hosts.
Notable Flames players like Theo Fleury and Johnny Gaudreau are discussed in potential jersey retirement conversations.
“You know, I wish they would announce something on it so there was some clarity for closure, as it were.” – Brad Burud
“To retire numbers and also honor them is a bit confusing because to me, I mean, I think there’d be probably a lot of argument on the new and dyke one.” – Kyle Lewis
“The biggest issue I have with potentially doing this is one of the things I’d heard was that you could actually have dark on dark, which I think is a terrible idea.” – Kyle Lewis
“Flames fans would probably feel more complete seeing Theo Fleury and Johnny Gaudreau’s numbers raised to the rafters.” – Brad Burud
“It’s always interesting, the things in your mind that make you recall a particular jersey number or a player.” – Kyle Lewis
Tune in to hear the complete episode for more engaging stories and insights into the world of the Calgary Flames, and don’t forget to subscribe to Flames Unfiltered for weekly doses of authentic Flames hockey talk.
Brad Burud is a passionate hockey commentator and one of the hosts of Flames Unfiltered. With a deep knowledge of the Calgary Flames, Brad is known for his insightful analysis and engaging style. He brings a wealth of experience to the podcast, making it a go-to source for fans seeking unfiltered discussions about their favorite team.
Kyle Lewis hosts Flames Unfiltered alongside Brad Burud. Kyle is well-versed in all things Calgary Flames and complements the show with his own unique perspectives. Known for his keen insights and love for the sport, Kyle’s conversational ease enhances the overall dynamic of the podcast.
Key Takeaways:
When enthusiasts gather to debate the nuances of the NHL, jersey numbers often ignite fervent discussions. The Calgary Flames, with their storied history, serve as a prime example of how these simple digits unite tradition, fandom, and identity. As Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis eloquently delineated, the affection for “Flames jerseys and jersey numbers” extends beyond their visual appeal. It embodies the deep-rooted connection to the team’s legacy and community. Brad emphasized his nostalgia, stating, “Most of my friends and… the guys that I relate with in hockey, it’s a jersey.”
Interestingly, the nomenclature itself evokes sentimentality versus modernity. Brad admitted, “I want to call it a sweater, but I never do,” reflecting the timeless debate between classic versus contemporary terminology. The passionate opinions encapsulate how deeply intertwined these garments are with team lore and the fans who champion them.
Among the pivotal discussions that resonate within NHL circles is the age-old question: should white or dark jerseys dominate home games? Brad’s perspective was firm: “If you said to me, Brad, you can change one thing about the league, that’s probably what I would pick.” The sentiment of witnessing “new color” jerseys in home arenas, as opposed to the repetitive monotony of white, is echoed by many. This stance isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s about altering the viewing experience for fans who crave variety and vibrancy.
Kyle added nuance by suggesting a flexible approach: “Why don’t the first half of the season… you wear the darks at home?” This proposition isn’t just a nod to tradition but an innovative way to satiate fans’ thirst for variety. It exemplifies the NHL’s broader challenge: balancing tradition with innovation while keeping fans at the forefront.
When the topic turns to retiring jersey numbers, a Pandora’s box of emotions and memories unfurls. As the Flames have shown, retiring a number isn’t merely about accolades but about immortalizing a player’s impact on the franchise. The narrative surrounding Jerome Iginla’s #12 or Lanny McDonald’s #9 speaks volumes about their lasting influence, yet the status of other numbers remains contentious.
The discourse naturally gravitates toward players like Mark Giordano and Michael Backlund. Kyle opined, “I’m not sure that either one is deserving of… retiring jerseys,” highlighting the ongoing debate regarding meritocratic recognition in sport. Johnny Gaudreau’s #13, however, appears destined for retirement, as Kyle noted, “I have every reason to believe… it’s going to be.”
Interestingly, the never-before-worn numbers, such as 69 and 97, underscore the untouched chapters of Flames history. They represent untapped potential and the stories yet to be told by future generations of players.
The Flames persist as a bastion of hockey culture, with jerseys functioning as historical markers. This colorful mosaic of numbers and players creates a lively tapestry, replete with unrepeatable moments and enduring memories. Brad and Kyle’s passionate conversation is a vivid reminder of how integral these symbols are to the sport, fostering connections that transcend time and even generations of fans. Each number’s story, each choice between a sweater or a jersey, crafts a narrative of a team that is perpetually evolving, never standing still in its pursuit of excellence and identity.
Yet, as the Flames and their fans gaze into the future, navigating the legacy of jersey numbers will remain a balancing act. It’s a delicate dance of honoring the past, embracing change, and crafting a narrative that fires the imagination, much like the mythical creature for which the franchise is named.
Flames Unfiltered features two passionate and opinionated hosts. Brad Burud has been with the show since the beginning and was the creator of the show. A Flames fan since 1986 he brings the old school approach to the show. As a Theoren Fleury and Mikka Kiprusoff fan he longs for the playoff runs he watched decades ago. Kyle Lewis joined the show for the start of season four. A Flames fan since the 90’s, Kyle is a huge collector of Calgary game-worn jerseys. Jarome Iginla was the hero for the Flames when Kyle started this journey and Iginla will always be a favorite. Kyle hopes this year’s version of the Flames can bring him the happiness he felt when Gelinas scored the overtime game winner over Detroit. Thanks for joining us. Sit back and enjoy some Flames hockey talk.
FLAMES UNFILTERED EPISODE 229|SEASON 6 Free Falling Out of Playoffs and into Break Listen to “Free Falling Out of Playoffs and into Break – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 229” on […]
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