Diehard seniors get together every game to cheer on the Calgary Flames

It's hockey night in Calgary, and that can only mean one thing to several of the ladies at The Edward retirement residence.

It’s hockey night in Calgary, and that can only mean one thing for some of the ladies at The Edward retirement residence: the Flames are playing.

Jean Czaja is 91 years old and says she gets fired up to watch the Flames.

“When I get up in the morning and I know there’s a game, it’s a good day.”

Theatre setting makes it fun

When the Flames are playing, these fun-loving fans head to the theatre at The Edward to watch their favourite team.

Eva Danyluk, who turns 90 next week, started the group with a friend and says it’s a fun atmosphere.

“We started coming to the theatre because it’s a nice big screen,” she said.

“Lots of people watch, but in their rooms, but it’s more fun here in a group and on a big screen.”

Dressing up

On game day, the group gets dressed up in their Flames jerseys.

Audrey Thorner, 91, was the other super senior to start the fan club, and she says dressing up in Flames gear is part of the fun.

“The rest of the residents look at us and say, ‘Oh, I guess there’s a game tonight.’ It’s a bit of a giggle,” she said.

Favourite players

They all have their favourite players.

Jean and Audrey like Rasmus Andersson.

Eva says she prefers feisty players.

“I probably would tell you that when he started, I called him popsicle. But it wasn’t popsicle, it’s Pospisil,” she said.

“He’s a bit of a troublemaker. But I like the whole team.”

Knowledgeable

They’re all knowledgeable fans, and they know all of the statistics.

Jean says she’s pleasantly surprised with how well the Flames have played this season.

“They were supposed to be building a new team when we lost all of those other good players,” she said.

“I like this team better than the other team. They work hard, and they may make the playoffs.”

Big party

If the Flames do make it to the post-season, look out—Audrey says things might get a little rowdy at The Edward.

“Oh my gosh, there will be a big party here, for sure. We’ll let other people come to it even.”