Saddledome Nostalgia: Maple Leafs Prepare One Last Rodeo in Calgary’s Iconic Barn

CALGARY — The Toronto Maple Leafs close their final regular-season visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Monday before the Calgary Flames move into a new arena next season right across the street. The building’s history produced a range of reactions from the group Sunday, from personal childhood memories to complete indifference.

William Nylander, who was born in Calgary while his father, Michael, played for the Flames, has a long connection.

“It’ll be a fun one,” Nylander said. “This building’s got some character. I mean, I was here when I was born watching my dad play, so it’s been a long time, and I think the new one will be really nice, but it’ll be a fun, exciting last game.” 

Coach Jim Hiller played his first NHL game in the Saddledome in 1992. He remembered the era when the Saddledome and Joe Louis Arena were regarded as the league’s nicest buildings. 

“It was roughly a new building back then,” he recalled.

Darren Raddysh noted the distinctive architecture. 

“I scored a goal last year, when we were here, but other than that, not too many memories,” Raddysh said about his time while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. “We only came out here once a year but the history of this building is pretty cool and just to see the iconic saddle is really special when you come here. Just driving by the new rink today, it’ll be pretty cool once that’s open.”

Nylander’s brother, Alex, is spending a lot of time in the building. After signing with the Calgary Flames last year, the younger Nylander is back with the Flames’ AHL club that just so happens to share the same building.

There are sure to be a lot of Maple Leafs fans on hand for the final Toronto game. Leafs fans traveled well to Toronto’s 7-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. The Leafs have won a season-high four consecutive games.

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