Flames Foundation wins big at poker tournament

Economic challenges certainly didn’t dampen the attendance — nor dollars raised at The Calgary Flames Ambassadors 12th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held recently at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. An impressive $415,000 was raised this day for the Calgary Flames Foundation bringing the cumulative total raised since inception to $4.3 million. In the 2015-2016 year, the foundation committed nearly $2 million to health and wellness initiatives, $146,000 to education, and more than $547,000 to amateur, grassroots sports. Go Flames (Foundation) Go!

Calgary Flames players, coaches, alumni and local celebrities — including Calgary Stampeders — competed against 400 other poker players at the 12th annual tournament. Participants bought in to play against their hockey heroes and the chance to win more than $50,000 in prizes. Curtis Stewart defended his 2016 championship, becoming the only player in the history of the tournament to win in consecutive years. Along with the milestone, Stewart won a $10,000 Poker Championship ring from Maxime’s, $5,000 cash, two Top Shelf Flames tickets and a 2017 Poker Championship belt buckle and jersey. Second place went to Sean Thompson while third spot was claimed by Paul Chipuer. The last Calgary Flames player standing was Dennis Wideman who made it to the final table and finished eighth overall.

Kudos to all involved on the enormous success of the tournament and take a bow sentiments go out to: co-chairs Ken King, president and CEO, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, Steve Major and Rollie Cyr. Accolades as well to committee members: Allison Earl, Candice Goudie, Dan Forigo, David Zaleschuk, Hanif Manji, Jorgia Van De Sype; Shannon Warren; Shelby Robinson; and Wade Sparks.

Others in attendance are pictured at right.

Pictured with 415,000 reasons to smile at the 12th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held at the Grey Eagle Casino are tournament co-chairs Rollie Cyr, left, and Steve Major. The $415,000 raised this night for the Calgary Flames...

The poker tournament’s success is thanks in large part to the tireless committee members. Pictured from left are co-chair Steve Major, Jorgia Van De Sype, Shelby Robinson, Dan Forigo and Candice Goudie.

The event’s phenomenal success is thanks in part to the terrific live and silent auction items up for grabs. Pictured, from left, are Elevate Auctions’ John Murray, Renee Rothzen and legendary auctioneer Bill Brown.

The tournament held at the Grey Eagle Casino raised an impressive $415,000 for the Calgary Flames Foundation, bringing the total raised through the poker event to $4.3 million in 12 years. Pictured at the tournament are president of hockey operations...

Artist Chris Tutty, left, and That Don Cherry Guy Clark Robertson had a great time at the tournament.

Pictured at the 12th annual Flames Ambassadors Celebrity Poker Tournament held at the Grey Eagle Casino are Lift Psychology’s Leanne Edwards and her father, Lyle Edwards, past chair, Calgary Flames Ambassadors. The tournament raised $415,000 for the...

Pictured at the SRO tournament are Flames right winger Michael Frolic, left, with tournament volunteer committee member David Zaleschuk.

Pictured are poker commentator Beesley, left, and emcee Jamie Macoun.