Details on that and more here:

• LMFAO:  Party rockers LMFAO return to Calgary this week with the Cherrytree Pop Alternative Tour along with special guests Far East Movement & Natalia Kills, Frankmusik, Kay, Rye Rye and Colette Carr.  It all starts Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster. (Note:  This concert was originally scheduled for December 20, 2011 at the Stampede Corral.  Ticket refunds are available at your original point of purchase for those unable to attend the re-scheduled date)
• WHL Hockey:  The Calgary Hitmen play thrice this week at the Saddledome.  First, the Hitmen take on the Edmonton Oil Kings on Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.  Next, they take on the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday, February 10 also at 7 p.m.  Finally, they end off the week by playing against the Kootenay Ice on Sunday, Feburary 12 at 4 p.m.  Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• AHL Hockey:  Come see potential future participants in the Battle of Alberta play as the Abbotsford Heat (AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames) take on the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers) for one night only at the Saddledome.  Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.  Tickets for this special game are available through Ticketmaster.
• Calgary Boat & Sportsmen’s Show:  Showcasing over $16 million of marine products and accessories, the Calgary Boat & Sportsmen’s Show is southern Alberta’s biggest outdoor show.  Highlights include the Fishing and Hunting Demonstration Pool and Seminar Stage, the Honda Junior Red Rider Program for the kids and a multitude of special guests.  February 9 – 12 in the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door.
• Benny Benassi and Sander Van Doorn:  Two of the world’s hottest DJs join forces for an unforgettable night.  Grammy Award winning Italian DJ Benny Benassi and Dutch DJ and host of Identity Sander van Doorn will rock the house with their memorable beats along with the help of some very special guests.  It all starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 10 in the Big Four Building.  Tickets for the show are available through Ticketmaster.
• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames take on the Vancouver Canucks at the Saddledome this Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m.  Tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster.
• Danone SuperSkills:  The Flames’ official skills competition is back!  Bring the whole family and see which player will win this year’s Hardest Shot, Puck Control Relay, Fastest Skater, Breakaway Relay and Shooting Accuracy titles. Sunday, February 12 at the Saddledome.  Doors open at 10 a.m. and the competition starts at 11 a.m.  Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and proceeds from the event are directed to the Flames Foundation for Life and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede and show why We’re Greatest Together, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

As anticipated, the centennial year is off to a lively and exciting start! I hope that everyone was able to enjoy the holiday season with their families and loved ones.

January has proved to be the perfect beginning to this 2012 Calgary Stampede Centennial for me and my Stampede Sisters. Recently, we four attended the 2012 Stars and Spurs Gala in support of STARS: the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society. This is a charitable cause very close to our hearts as STARS helped save our royal sister, 2010 Stampede Princess Janelle Phillips, who is now a spokesperson for this life-saving organization. I believe we should all be appreciative of this service as none of us can ever be certain if we too will ever need their aid some day in our lives.

The Stampede Queen and Princesses and I were asked to contribute our efforts in raffling off a beautiful VIP table. We also greeted guests as Stampede ambassadors as they bid on some spectacular auction items. Thankfully, none of us had personally needed to see STARS close-up, so we all appreciated getting the opportunity to tour the STARS mobile unit and get a taste of STARS on the ground. Thanks to the many generous hearts and the support of many an organization STARS raised a total of $720,000.

We also visited Big Rock Elementary school in Okotoks for their Celebrity Reading Week. The royalty were invited to read stories to the students. A love of reading has been impressed on me since I was a child and I believe that an appreciation of books is a quality to be nurtured in all of us. In my life I have personally known adults that have committed themselves to overcoming illiteracy. To make reading accessible and fun for young minds is important to eradicate illiteracy, build self-esteem and make learning enjoyable.

Princess Jessica and I had so much fun sharing the stampede spirit and reading to the students.

I was so very proud to share my culture with the trio as we attended the 40th Annual Napi Friendship Center Pow Wow in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Taking the girls to my home reserve and having them take part in the grand entry and intertribals was a source of great pride for me.

Candace, Jessica and Dani have shared so much with me about cowboy culture and I was so pleased to have them take part in First Nations culture and to share with them and have fun with it. My community was excited to see the royalty there as they took in the sights and mingled with all in attendance.

I look forward to many more pow wows with the girls as our year together continues.

As we move closer and closer to the Calgary Stampede Centennial I am provided with more and more opportunities to represent the Indian Village presented by Penn West Exploration and the Calgary Stampede.

In February I will be travelling and performing in Memphis, Tennessee with the aboriginal performance duo Young Medicine on behalf of Travel Alberta, Travel BC abd Globus to promote all that Western Canada has to offer.

Another exciting endeavour will be travelling to China in February and March with Canadian Tourism Commission.   I’m so excited to be travelling internationally as the Indian Princess as I never dreamed that I would be so fortunate and I look forward to experiencing authentic Chinese culture and find out all there is to discover.

The countdown to Centennial begins!

Your Stampede Indian Princess

~ Amelia ~

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames play twice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome, taking on the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, January 31 and then the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, February 3.  Both games start at 7 p.m. and tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.
• AKC Winter All Breed Dog Show:  The Alberta Kennel Club returns with their 2012 Winter Show featuring three All Breed Champion dog shows and three rally obedience trials.  February 3-5 in the Big Four Building, lower level.  Tickets available at the door.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede and show why We’re Greatest Together, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames take on the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday, January 24.  Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. and tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey:  Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen play thrice this week at the Saddledome.  First, they take on the Brandon Wheat Kings on Wednesday, January 25, followed by the Vancouver Giants on Friday, January 27 with both games starting at 7 p.m.  The Hitmen finish off the week with the Tri-City Americans on Sunday, January 29 at 4 p.m.  Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• Heroes Hockey Challenge:  A fundraiser for soldiers, veterans and their families, come watch as Calgary Flames Alumni take on members of the Canadian Forces clad in specially designed “desert cam” based hockey jerseys on the ice in an old-fashioned hockey game.  It all starts Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m. in the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Tickets for this special game are available through Ticketmaster.
• Calgary R.V. Expo & Sale:  The 43rd annual Calgary RV Expo & Sale will feature many RV dealerships from the Calgary area where you can learn about at all the latest models and more about the RV lifestyle.  January 26 – 29 in the BMO Centre, Halls A, B, C, D and E.  Tickets will be available at the door and advance tickets are available online.
• Canadian National Speedball Championships:  The 20th annual Canadian National Speedball Championships will be taking place this week as teams vie for over $25,000 in prizes.  Featuring the X-Division All-Star Game on January 27 at 7 p.m. and the largest paintball tradeshow of the year, this exciting event is free for spectators and open to the public.   January 27 – 29 in the lower level of the Agriculture Building.
• Lucha VaVoom:  It’s Sexo Y Violencia as luchadores take over Stampede Park as part of this year’s High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts!  Authentic masked Mexican wrestling, saucy striptease and comedy collide at Lucha VaVOOM, a non-stop, action-packed scream-a-thon where heroic técnicos battle evil rudos in Lucha Libre exhibition-style matches! Masked wrestlers flip and fly, performing breathtaking acrobatic feats, bringing the bizarre world of ’60s Mexican Lucha cinema to life.  January 27 and 28 in the Big Four Building, with both shows starting at 8 p.m.  Tickets for both shows are available through hprodeo.ca.
• NLL Lacrosse:  The Calgary Roughnecks take on the Toronto Rock on Saturday, January 28 at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede and show why We’re Greatest Together, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

I hardly know where to start this blog off because I am so excited to tell you about my day! Our lovely Indian Princess Amelia Crowshoe and her family invited us three ladies to the Napi Friendship Centre 40th Anniversary Competition Pow wow in Pincher Creek, Alberta! The more time I spend with Amelia, the more I crave to learn about her cultural background. Now I’ll admit… I am not the best dancer (hard to believe, I know ), but I had so much fun participating in the dancing and the grand entry that they have at the beginning of the day! As we got to stand in the middle of the room with other royalties and dignitaries, all the dancers were introduced by category and came dancing in. The sea of colour, jingles, and music was enough to get my adrenaline going!

Being the Centennial Queen, my goal this year is to make sure I do the best of my abilities to support all aspects of the Calgary Stampede. Being able to go today gives me a bit more confidence that I will be able to support the Indian Village in times where Amelia may be at different events or traveling to promote the Calgary Stampede Indian Princess Program.

It didn’t matter where you were from, everyone was family there today. Just the sense of community in that building was incredible and I was so happy to be apart of that. As Amelia’s Stampede sister I was a little biased and thought she was obviously the best , but all the dancers in each category for men, women, youth, kids, and seniors brought their own unique presence and passion to each dance.

Thank you again to the Crowshoes, the Napi Friendship Centre and everyone involved for having us there and letting us be apart of it!

Details on that and more here:

• WHL Hockey:  The Calgary Hitmen play thrice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  First, the Hitmen take on the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, January 18 and the Prince George Cougars on Friday, January 20.  Both games start at 7 p.m.  Finally, the Hitmen take on the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday, January 22 at 4 p.m.  Tickets to all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• NLL Lacrosse: The Calgary Roughnecks’ 2012 home opener is this week against the Colorado Mammoth at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, January 21 at 7 p.m.  Tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster.
• Calgary Wedding Fair:  Ease some of the pressure of planning a beautiful wedding by attending the Calgary Wedding Fair where you can compare, taste, touch and see what top wedding specialists in the Calgary area have to offer, all in one place!  Sunday, January 22 in the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door and online.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede and show why We’re Greatest Together, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

This weekend I headed down to the Calgary Motorcycle Show at the BMO Centre on the Stampede grounds to check out all the new “toys” (I was sure they had changed drastically since 1980). Drifting from one shiny bike to another and then through the historical parade – one thing caught my eye….Evolution of Extreme Show. I figured this ought to be entertaining!

I was fully expecting the Freestyle Motocross – but did not expect to a Quad doing Freestyle nor did I expect Sled Freestyle (Is it just me or don’t those things typically need snow to operate?). These boys truly put on an amazing show – flying through the air pulling tricks like the Superman, Side Winder and one handed back-flips. This show definitely added a side to riding that I hadn’t experienced before. Although I do have to ask – how many times does one fall learning how to pull stunts like that?

I’m excited for the show next year– Think they’d let me take one for a test ride….

Freestyle Through the Air!

Stunt Riders

Teaching Kids to Ride....Wonder if they would let me try?

From the very beginning, Candice, Dani, Amelia and I have been having so much fun representing the Stampede as a unit. From searching for ghosts at the Banff Springs Hotel during the travel Alberta conference, to watching an outrageous fashion show in Edmonton during the C.F.R. to practically blowing the speakers out of our minivan in Vancouver during the Grey Cup, we haven’t stopped laughing! Even riding in the pouring rain in Vancouver during the Grey Cup Parade was a fantastic experience!

Many of the events that we have done closer to home have been amazing as well. I especially loved our day of volunteering with Operation Christmas Child, helping to pack shoeboxes to be sent to less fortunate children around the world. We also helped to pack hampers of groceries for less fortunate families right here in Calgary at St. Michael’s Church. It is so amazing to be able to use the position we have been given to help give back to those who need it most.

We were also fortunate enough to be invited to the George Canyon Country Christmas concert where he and his very talented band collaborated with the amazing Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The music and entertainment were amazing and the perfect way to kick off the Centennial Celebrations for the Calgary Stampede.

One of the most interesting events we have done was to attend a Queen’s Alumni meeting and meet all of the past Stampede Royalty, including the very first Stampede Queen, Patsy Rodgers, who was Queen in 1946! Hearing about the history of the past royalty from the ladies themselves and about how things have changed was fascinating.

We are so fortunate to have had the opportunities to participate in these, and many, many more incredible and entertaining events. I’m sure I have left out many of my favorite memories in this blog, we have been very busy since the very beginning of our reign in October, and I know that this year is just getting started! So Happy New Year to all of our blog readers, I’m looking forward to all that is yet to come during this incredible journey as Calgary Stampede Royalty!

Details on that and more here:

• Calgary HOMEXPO:  Calgary’s home, renovation and decor show, the 40th annual Homexpo is the largest of its kind in Western Canada.  The first home show of the season, it’s the perfect show to take in if you’re thinking about starting new renovation and other home projects this year.  Special guests this year include Sarah Richardson from HGTV’s Sarah’s House, John Sillaots from HGTV’s In the Workshop, and Andrew Downward from HGTV’s Divine Design.  It all takes place January 13-15 in the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door.
• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames play thrice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  First, they take on the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.  On Saturday, January 14 at 8 p.m. the Flames take on the Los Angeles Kings, and it’s also Western Night at the Saddledome!  Calgary Stampede mascot Harry the Horse will be making appearances all night, prizes will be given away, and Stampede volunteers will be on hand to greet people at the gate so make sure you show up wearing your western duds! Who knows, you might just win a prize.  Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey:  Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen play twice this week at the Saddledome.  They take on the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday, January 13 at 7 p.m. followed by the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday, January 15 at 2 p.m.  Tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

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Growing up within the Piikani-Blackfoot culture I was taught that its values originated within a spirit of love and compassion for your family and community, and for humanity in general. In my cultural education, I was taught that we should have compassion for our neighbour and to recognize that we are all only human beings in need of consideration and support; even more so when we stumble and cannot meet our basic needs or help those we care for.

Traditionally First Nations communities measured their success as a society not only through the accomplishments of its individuals but through the health of their communities as a whole. If a fellow member of your tribe was suffering and in need, you were too: your merit was reflected in your ability to help those around you. Chiefs and community leaders often gave away food and goods so that the community could benefit from their individual success; it was viewed not only as a responsibility but as an opportunity to celebrate through the spirit of giving. The spirit of charity and compassion are values that remain strong within my heritage.

Because of these traditional values I believe that we all are better served when we are a strong and healthy community; when we are a society that expresses itself through acts of compassion, charity, and by the giving of our time and efforts to those around us in need. In a city as thriving as Calgary we can invest not only to eradicate poverty, hunger, homelessness and despair, but to contribute to a much happier, healthier city for all individuals and families. At one time or another I am sure that we have all wondered how anyone should go without when there are so many people in this wonderful city of ours able to give.

In giving we provide those in need with respite from suffering; it is a gift that is priceless to those who receive it. A donation to the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund is an opportunity for us to provide hope and positive change to those who need it most. The Calgary Herald Christmas Fund empowers its recipient charities to continue to provide support and compassion to Calgarians in need.

People in need often times do not make the decision to be in their predicaments and are sometimes helpless to overcome the obstacles they are faced with. We can make the decision to help them find the resources and strength of spirit to succeed. The Christmas Fund provides the means for us to make an impact and affect change in our society – to make us all successful as a city and a community.

In my own First Nations community there are many people who struggle with crisis issues such as homelessness, hunger, addictions, abuse and poverty. I have personally seen the shadows these plagues may cast. As a result of charitable giving and volunteerism, I have been fortunate enough to witness the power of transformation that these pursuits may invoke. These acts truly affect the lives of those in need. In investing your time to a support program or making charitable donations to an organization that services those struggling with critical needs you give something that cannot be measured, you give hope to all of us that this world can be better.

Remember, your candle loses nothing when it lights another…be generous today.

On behalf of the five tribes of Treaty 7, Indian Village and the Calgary Stampede, we ask the Creator to bless each of you and fill your heart with the warmth and joy of the holiday season. May you always have the Spirit of the season which is Peace, the Gladness of the season which is Hope, the Heart of the season which is Love.

Amelia Crowshoe is the 2012 Calgary Stampede Centennial Indian Princess. A graduate from the University of Calgary, Amelia has ambitions to become a lawyer specializing in the needs of the First Nations community in the realm of business and corporate law. Follow Amelia on facebook at “Calgary Stampede Indian Princess” or at indianvillage.ca

Details on that and more here:

• IIHF WJHC Hockey:  The final week of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships are at hand, with all remaining games taking place here in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

  Here’s the rest of the tournament schedule for this week:

  • Monday, January 2:
    • Relegation:  Switzerland vs Denmark at 11 a.m.
    • Quarter-final:  Finland vs Slovakia at 3 p.m.
    • Quarter-final:  Russia vs. Czech Republic at 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, January 3:
    • Relegation:  USA vs Latvia at 11 a.m.
    • Semifinal:  Sweden vs Finland or Slovakia at 3 p.m.
    • Semifinal:  Canada vs Russia or Czech Republic at 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 4:
    • Relegation:  Latvia vs Denmark at 11 a.m.
    • Relegation:  Switzerland vs USA at 3 p.m.
    • Fifth Place:  Finland or Slovakia vs Russia or Czech Republic at 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 5:
    • Bronze Medal Game at 1:30 p.m.
    • Gold Medal Game at 6 p.m.

  Limited tickets for the WJHC’s may still be available through Hockey Canada or Ticketmaster.

• Calgary Motorcycle Show:  The Calgary Motorcycle Show is Calgary’s premiere motorcycle show and is the Canadian Motorcycle and ATV industries’ official event for the launch of new 2012 models.  Featuring the latest products, services, accessories and new models direct from the manufacturers, highlights this year include the Yamaha Riding Academy for kids 6-12, an extreme MX Freestyle show, celebrity racers, a vintage motorcycles display, and more.  January 6-8 in the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door or through participating Motorcycle Dealerships.
• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames take on the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, January 7 at 8 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey:  Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Sunday, January 8 at 2 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, so make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

Over the past few weeks, we have only had a few events, but one in specific was very moving for all of us. On December 19th, we spent the day at St. Michaels Catholic Community Church filling food hampers for different families across Calgary. It was so fun to meet all the different volunteers that day, have the opportunity to put together the grocery lists, and give families one less thing to worry about at Christmas.
Along with the food hampers, Christmas gifts were given to all the families. I am an avid winter sport fan, and have always had the opportunity to ski and snowboard and think nothing else of it. The volunteers were able to get one younger boy a snowboard and boots for a Christmas gift. The fact that this boy is going to be able to enjoy snowboarding and the thrilling feeling of shredding down that hill or mountain as much as I do brought me to tears. I am so excited that I was able to be part of this event and help over 100 families in Calgary have an amazing Christmas.

This humbling experience made me appreciate my family and our cheesy christmas and holiday traditions more than ever and I am so thankful for that. This New years my goal is to pay it forward more than ever. If I can change one persons life, whether it be at work, as Calgary Stampede Queen, or just a close friend I’ll know that my goal was attained.

I hope everyone has a great New Years and please do me a favour… HAVE FUN! Let’s bring in this Centennial year with a bang!

Details on that and more here:

• IIHF WJHC Hockey:  The 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships are here, and this year they’re taking place all over Alberta!  Games will be split between Edmonton and Calgary from December 26 to January 5, with the Calgary games taking place at the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Preliminary games take place this week, while finals take place next week.  Here is the Saddledome schedule for this week:
  • Monday, December 26:
    • Team Sweeden vs Team Latvia at 3:30 p.m.
    • Team Russia vs Team Switzerland at 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 27:
    • Team Latvia vs Team Slovakia at 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 28:
    • Team Switzerland vs Team Sweden at 3:30 p.m.
    • Team Slovakia vs Team Russia at 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 29:
    • Team Russia vs Team Latvia at 8 p.m.
  • Friday, December 30:
    • Team Slovakia vs Team Sweden at 3:30 p.m.
    • Team Latvia vs Team Switzerland at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 31:
    • Team Switzerland vs Team Slovakia at 4 p.m.
    • Team Sweden vs Team Russia at 8 p.m.

  Limited tickets for the WJHC’s may still be available through Hockey Canada.

• Mac’s AAA Midget Hockey Tournament:  For over 30 years, midget-aged hockey players from all over the world have travelled to Calgary for a chance to participate in the annual Mac’s AAA Midget Hockey Tournament.  Throughout this week, the tournament will take place in various venues around the city, ending with the championship finals on Sunday, January 1.  The Male Championship will be played at the Scotiabank Saddledome at 6 p.m. and tickets for that game are available through Ticketmaster.  Tickets for all tourney games are available at all Calgary and area Mac’s Convenience Store locations and at each of the tournament facilities during the tournament.
• Stampede Casino: Open all year-round and featuring all your favourite slots, tables, a 24 hour poker room, as well as excellent food and special events throughout the year, there’s always something going on down here so why not drop by for a visit? Here’s a taste of what’s happening this week:
  • UFC 141:  Catch UFC 141 Friday, December 30 featuring Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair “The Reem” Overeem.  Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.  Tickets available through Stampede Casino Guest Services.
  • Vintage Vegas New Year’s:  The Stampede Casino is going retro this year with our Vintage Vegas New Year’s party!  Come ring in the New Year with us as you can have a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas every hour on the hour from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Live DJ, no cover and complimentary champagne at midnight!

Make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!