Fresh off an all-star appearance in Tampa Bay, Mike Smith proved his star power in Chestermere.
For hours on Monday, Jan. 29, Chestermere residents and Flames fans lined up to meet the veteran NHL goalie, who is in his first year with Calgary.
Smith flew in that day from his relief appearance at the NHL All-Star Weekend and he didn’t disappoint the fans, signing jerseys, hockey cards, goalie sticks, goalie masks and posters for those who waited to see him.
“We had to block off the line at 320 people,” said Andrew Marriott, the Tim Hortons Chestermere owner. “It took him an hour and a half as it was and he was only scheduled for an hour.
“We only advertised through social media and with signs in our restaurant. Word got around quick.”
There was some worry about Smith’s late selection to the All-Star game and how that would affect his appearance. He replaced Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick on the Pacific Division roster at the last minute.
The Flames scheduled Smith’s visit with the thought he would be coming off the break and fully rested.
Although he was busy playing and taking in the festivities in Florida all weekend, Smith fulfilled his commitment to Chestermere fans and came out despite a long journey.
Marriott couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, as his establishment turned into a mini Sea of Red.
“We know there are a lot of Calgary Flames fans in Chestermere,” Marriott said. “We really wanted to find someone special to bring out to our restaurant, and bring a little charge into the community.”
Some of the fans were waiting hours to see one of the NHL’s best netminders. A 9-year-old boy and his father started the line at 1 p.m. ahead of the 5 p.m. appearance so they could be the first to meet the former Arizona Coyotes goalie.
Nobody went away empty handed as the Flames and Tim Hortons teamed up to make the event a special one for the Chestermere fans.
“Working closely with the Flames, and celebrating a renewed partnership, we were excited that Mike stepped forward,” Marriott said. “We were also thrilled that we were able to give away prizes to each guest coming in. Everything from Flames, Roughnecks and Hitmen tickets, special event Flames donuts but especially four authentic Mike Smith jerseys was given away, with a personalized autograph to the lucky guest.
“It was a great event. If you could see just one smile in one child’s face – it was all worthwhile. I heard of one story from a parent that their son was so excited he wasn’t able to eat before the event.”
