Flames put support for energy industry on ice
Posted Jan 11, 2019 11:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Calgary Flames are looking to score some support for the beleaguered energy sector.
The team is displaying pro-oil and gas ads at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The messages are painted into the ice and state, “I (heart) oil & gas.”
The logo is that used by Canada Action, the group behind pro-pipeline rallies in Calgary and across Alberta.
Founder Cody Battershill said it was the Flames idea.
“It’s a positive message, it’s a positive sign for the Flames organization to be supporting the community (in addition to) a number of other ways they’re already doing,” Battershill said.
John Bean, President of Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation said the team is backing a key component of Canada’s economy.
“The Canadian oil and gas sector is an important part of the economy,” Bean said. “We’re watching some outside influences that are painting a negative picture and we think it’s quite the opposite. We think we’re leaders in this industry from a technical and environmental point of view.”
In-ice messaging is usually reserved for sponsors.
It’s unclear how long the logos will remain, although Bean said it will be there for “a while, we have no plans to take it out.”
Several members of the Flames ownership group have business ties to the oil and gas sector, including Murray Edwards, Alvin Libin and Allan Markin.
