Earlier in June, we asked for Flames fans from around the world to tell us about their experiences cheering for the team from outside of Calgary. We did not expect to receive so many amazing replies from great fans all around the world.
So far, we’ve heard from fans spanning 102 cities and towns, 23 countries, and six continents. We’ve covered eight provinces and territories in Canada, and 19 states in the United States. The Flames community truly does cover the entire planet, and we’re lucky and proud to be part of that community. If you missed our post on the overall results and a coverage map, check it out here!
Full Global Flames Fan Series: Australia, England, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, Tajikistan, Brazil, China, the United States, and Canada outside of Calgary.
Next up in our Global Flames Fan Series are responses from a Flames fan in China. Enjoy!
How did you become a Flames fan?
Have been a fan since I was a child.
Tell us about your experience following the Flames from outside of Calgary.
Living in China, the NHL is trying to promote hockey over there so the Flames got to play a game in September, I bought a ticket and flew to that city to watch.
This was the O.R.G. NHL China Games, played between the Flames and Boston Bruins. The Flames played two games, the first in Shenzhen and the second in Beijing.
Do you watch games? If so, where do you typically watch and with whom?
I watch online. Followed news on Facebook and a WeChat NHL group.
WeChat is China’s largest messaging app, with similar functionality to Facebook Messsenger or WhatsApp, but loaded with more features including payment methods and ride-share integration.
What is the most popular sport where you live, and which teams? What challenges do you face following the Flames?
In China they like basketball
Basketball is huge in China. It’s the largest international market for the NBA, and over 18% of Chinese athletes play basketball. Hockey is a growing sport, and China even has a KHL team, the Kunlun Red Star; a Flames connection to the team is it’s former coach was former Flames coach Mike Keenan.
What is the best experience you’ve had as a Flames fan from where you live?
Getting to watch them play in China…
What is the worst experience you’ve had as a Flames fan from where you live?
They lost the game.
The Flames didn’t do too well in China, losing both games. The first 4-3 in a shootout, and the second 3-1 in regulation.
Who is your favourite player and why?
Gaudreau is my favorite, he’s young and really brings life to the team.
Thanks to this great Flames fan for providing such great answers to our questionnaire. The NHL has made a huge push to promote the game of hockey in international markets, and China looks to be one of the major nations they’re targeting. It’s great to see the Flames have some fan representation in China!
Are you from China and follow the Flames? Tell us about your experiences being a fan in the comments or on social media.
Stay tuned for the next Global Flames Fan Series article featuring our friends from the United States!
