— EPISODE 297 —
In this engaging episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis tackle the hottest topics in the NHL world during the dog days of summer. As the offseason progresses, there seems to be no shortage of hockey news to discuss. Brad and Kyle dive into the excitement of upcoming schedule releases, free agent speculations, and the growing anticipation of the regular season.
The conversation also delves deep into the recent closure of beloved sports radio stations like Fan 960, a significant loss for hockey fans across Canada. The hosts discuss its impact, the role of alternative media, and the importance of maintaining a connection with Flames fans globally. With a mixture of current hockey happenings, candid insights, and relatable anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for dedicated Calgary Flames enthusiasts and NHL aficionados alike.
The excitement around the NHL schedule release allows fans to plan for key games and rivalries.
Notable NHL free agents like Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko remain unsigned, drawing significant attention.
The controversial roster move by the Carolina Hurricanes sparked a discussion on the importance of tradition in the NHL.
The closure of Fan 960 represents a massive change in the landscape of sports media for Calgary Flames fans.
The potential implications of rising salary caps on smaller market teams and how it impacts future gameplay and economics.
“This is the dog days of summer, for sure, between the weather and the complete lack of notable NHL things happening.” – Kyle Lewis
“Why do I get excited about the schedule coming out?… It’s fun to get it on your calendar, right?” – Brad Burud
“I feel like so much of the heritage of hockey in Canada is being sucked out by Rogers.” – Brad Burud
“Every single one of us that does this relied very, very heavily for that nuanced daily coverage that these broadcasts provided.” – Kyle Lewis
“The professionalism of that speaks loudly and I hope people don’t forget it.” – Brad Burud
As Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis navigate the evolving world of the Calgary Flames and sports media, their insights remain valuable for fans hungry for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Tune into the full episode for a deeper dive into the NHL offseason, and stay connected with “Flames Unfiltered” for ongoing hockey content that keeps you informed and entertained.
Brad Burud: Host of “Flames Unfiltered,” Brad Burud brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for hockey, focusing primarily on the Calgary Flames. With a deep understanding of team dynamics and league developments, Brad provides insightful analysis and engaging dialogues as part of the Inside Edge Hockey Media Group.
Kyle Lewis: Host of “Flames Unfiltered,” Kyle Lewis joins Brad to offer fresh perspectives on the Calgary Flames. His background in both sports and business allows him to dissect the NHL landscape effectively, making each episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.
Key Takeaways:
In the world of NHL sports coverage, the surprising abruptness of Sportsnet’s decision to cease operations for stations like Fan960 has left a palpable void among Calgary Flames fans. This revelation, as discussed by Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis in the “Flames Unfiltered” podcast, underscores a growing disconnect between large media conglomerates and the fanbase they serve.
Brad captured the sentiment succinctly: “I can’t fathom that we’re not going to have a radio crew doing Calgary Flames games.” The lack of daily, nuanced, and instant Flames coverage inhibits the fans’ ability to stay actively connected with their team. As highlighted, it’s not just about missing regular updates — this change disrupts the deeper engagement fans previously enjoyed through direct interaction with insiders and media personalities.
Lewis articulated the loss of spontaneous, extended discussions that occur when significant trades or news breaks: “Just leaving lately or a trade went down and they’re on the air for three hours immediately talking about that, that’s lost, that’s gone.” This absence risks diminishing the vibrant, interactive community that Calgary Flames fans are accustomed to, potentially alienating dedicated followers.
The economic forecasting in the NHL presents new challenges and opportunities, especially concerning the salary cap’s future growth. From their nuanced dialogue, both Brad and Kyle expressed concern about how teams like the Calgary Flames will adapt to emerging financial realities. With projections suggesting an NHL salary cap of $166 million by 2033, the dynamics of player contracts and team budgeting will inevitably evolve.
Kyle brings a sharp lens to this issue, indicating that such financial inflation is not always synonymous with a healthy league structure: “The hockey version of inflation… small market teams are going to start to suffer again…” This underscores the importance of strategic planning by franchises to ensure sustainable growth without compromising their ability to remain competitive.
The ongoing scale of potential salary caps leads to queries around market survivability and fan accessibility. Brad adds, “I worry about markets, I worry about the Calgary market and are we a cap team?” indicating genuine concerns around the balance of staying competitive versus financially viable.
With shifts in media consumption habits, how do teams maintain a strong, engaged fanbase when traditional platforms falter or disappear? As Brad and Kyle emphasize, the changes in sports media coverage demand new approaches to fan engagement. Without traditional radio broadcasts, fans have to adapt to new avenues for Flames coverage and conversation.
Brad poses a potential solution or adaptation requirement: “It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out… we’re here to step up.” This sentiment resonates with the broader requirement of establishing multi-channel approaches. Whether through expanded podcast offerings or innovative digital content, maintaining fan interaction and satisfaction is crucial.
Kyle offers insights into utilizing these changes as growth opportunities — not just for the teams but for independent media creators: “Every single one of us that does this relied very, very heavily for that nuanced daily coverage that these broadcasts provided.” It’s a rallying call for content creators to fill the void and provide alternative, quality experiences for avid fans.
As the Flames, along with the broader NHL ecosystem, navigate these transformative phases in media representation and economic landscapes, the ultimate focus must remain on the fans. Forging meaningful pathways for engagement and ensuring access to quality content will be paramount for maintaining the passionate, dedicated community that characterizes hockey fandom.
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.
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