Dallas, Calgary share much in common despite lack of playoff history

Dallas and Calgary have never met in a Stanley Cup playoff series, and that's a shame.

The two cities have a lot in common, and so do the two fan bases.

They could have a pretty good chat over a Shiner … or maybe a Big Rock.

"They have the Stampede, we have the rodeo. … They have the Bow River, we have the Trinity. … They have the Calgary Tower, we have Reunion Tower. There's a lot of things you can compare just physically," said former Stars defenseman Brad Lukowich, who moved from Lethbridge, Alberta three years ago to start working for the Stars. "And I think the people are a lot alike, too. I definitely think we could get along great."

Despite the lack of playoff history, there would be plenty to talk about. Dallas traded for Joe Nieuwendyk back in 1995 and the Flames favorite went on to lead the Stars to the 1999 Stanley Cup, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in the process.

He also helped Calgary win the 1989 Cup and his No. 25 was honored by the team in 2016.

In the trade to get Nieuwendyk, the Stars gave up a young forward by the name of Jarome Iginla. He went on to become the Flames' all-time leader in games played, goals and points. He was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame's 2020 class.

So talk about a trade that worked for both sides.

"You have some history there," said former Stars player Bob Bassen, who was born in Calgary and now serves as director of alumni relations for the Stars. "We've played Edmonton so much that it's surprising this is the first time we're playing Calgary because there is so much in common."

The Minnesota North Stars played Calgary in the 1981 playoffs with Minnesota taking a six-game victory, but the two haven't met since. Dallas has played Edmonton six times in the postseason since moving from Minnesota in 1993.

"It's an interesting conversation up there, because that's such a huge rivalry," said Lukowich, who has plenty of family in Alberta. "You know that both cities are always watching what the other team is doing and who they are playing."

Hockey drives a lot of Albertan pride in the province, and the Flames are one of the few teams that wear a provincial flag on their uniform. Hmm, sounds like something you might see in Texas.

"There's definitely that same vibe up there, same feeling of pride and confidence," Lukowich said. "But at the same time, if you bump carts in the supermarket, you always say, sorry, and step aside. That's the same feeling down here."

Bassen's dad, Hank, was a goalie for the Calgary Stampeders in the WHL before heading onto an NHL career. He managed the junior Calgary Wranglers after he retired. Bassen said his memories of watching hockey in Calgary are still very vivid.

"I just remember watching games when I was young there, and it was so fun and so exciting," Bassen said, noting the 1974 Memorial Cup as a highlight. "That was a great old barn."

Teams played in the old Stampede rink, which is part of the rodeo complex. Calgary is nicknamed "Cowtown" just like Fort Worth, and the rodeo plays a big part in the culture.

"You have to be there during the Stampede," Lukowich said of the annual rodeo. "It spills out onto the street and just takes over the entire town."

You can find plenty of cowboy hats and pickup trucks and country music, so maybe there is a lot these two fan bases have in common.

"Fort Worth reminds of downtown Calgary. There's a lot of oil business in both cities. It's pretty similar," Bassen said. "The players from up there who stick around down here, I think they like the feel. That, and the weather is pretty good here, too."

And when you're playing hockey in August, that might come up in the conversation.

"I think people are lucky to be in both places," Lukowich said. "It should make for a heck of a series."

Game 2: Stars vs. Flames (CGY leads 1-0)

Thursday, 9:30 p.m. CT

Where:Rogers Place, Edmonton

TV:FOX Sports Southwest, NBCSN

Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM, 1310-AM

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.