Flames and Oilers renew hostilities in Battle of Alberta

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Battle of Alberta is back and fans are expecting fireworks when the two teams meet Wednesday.

All eyes will be on the boiling relationship between Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk and Oilers winger Zack Kassian following a heated brawl earlier this month.

RELATEDOilers and Flames ready to battle again after All-Star break

Kassian was suspended two games following an altercation with Tkachuk during the game on Jan. 11.

WATCH: Sarah Freemark talks to fans about who has the edge in the Battle of Alberta

Since then, both players have exchanged words back and forth and the commotion has also led to a different kind of war between Flames and Oilers fans.

A GoFundMe page from one fan turned into a huge boost for several charities after he tried to raise funds to have a Matthew Tkachuk billboard placed in Edmonton.

That led to a challenge from an Oilers fan to donate funds to local charity Brown Baggin 4 Calgary Kids.

“Hockey’s more fun when the Battle of Alberta is more heated,” said former Calgary Flame Mike Commodore. “As far as the billboards, I’ve seen that stuff online, I think that’s great. There’s money being raised for charity so obviously that angle’s great.”

RELATEDCalgary charity receives thousands in donations after challenge from Oilers fan

The Battle of Alberta was one of the biggest rivalries in the NHL, especially in the 1980s.

Now that the All-Star break has finished and both teams ready to go for another round, the question is, will those hostilities return?

While many fans are hoping for Kassian and Tkachuk to drop the gloves once again, Commodore says that’s not likely.

“If Kassian does get into a little dust-up with somebody it won’t be with Tkachuk. I could see Kassian taking some runs at Tkachuk. As far as fight wise, I don’t see that happening and I think it’s in Tkachuk’s best interest.”

The Flames have beaten the Oilers in their two previous games this season.

Wednesday’s edition of the Battle of Alberta starts at 8 p.m.

You can catch the action on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today