The Calgary Wranglers are set to turn back the clock with a nostalgic nod to their storied past. Next month, for a couple of home games against the Manitoba Moose, they’ll be donning special Saint John Flames jerseys at the Saddledome on March 13 and 15. This tribute marks the 25th anniversary of the Saint John Flames' memorable Calder Cup victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins back in 2001-the only AHL championship clinched by the Flames’ top affiliate.
The Flames’ farm team has had quite the journey, moving across various North American cities over the years. But the Saint John era, from 1993 to 2003, stands out not just for its success but also for its iconic fire-breathing dragon logo.
The Wranglers unveiled these throwback jerseys with a splashy announcement and video on Monday. While they share a construction style with the Wranglers’ current alternates, the Saint John jerseys feature the dragon logo prominently. Fans will be pleased to know that Saint John replica jerseys will be available for purchase.
During their time in Saint John, the AHL Flames clinched two division titles and were a breeding ground for talents like Cory Stillman, Chris Clark, Martin St. Louis, Steve Begin, and Matthew Lombardi.
The 2000-01 squad, under the guidance of coach Jim Playfair, was a powerhouse. With standouts like Marty Murray, Sergei Varlamov, and a strong goaltending duo in Martin Brochu and Levente Szuper, they finished the regular season with a stellar 44-24-7-5 record.
They entered the playoffs as the top seed, eventually capturing the Calder Cup after a hard-fought series against the Penguins.
Since then, the franchise has been on the move, transforming into the Wranglers and settling at the Saddledome permanently in 2022. Before this, they were known as the Omaha Ak-Sar Ben Knights, Quad City Flames, Abbotsford Heat, Adirondack Flames, and Stockton Heat.
Currently, in their fourth season as the Wranglers, the team is battling in the AHL’s Pacific Division, sitting in ninth place with a 19-20-10-2 record. With 50 points from 51 games, they’re eyeing a spot in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, where the top seven teams from the division will advance.
This tribute to the Saint John Flames isn’t just about jerseys; it’s a celebration of a rich history and a reminder of the legacy that continues to inspire the team today.