"Running in to escape the bitter cold, from where Lanny McDonald, Al MacInnis and others continued to defy the elements, signing programs and sweaters handed down by hardy souls hanging tough in the McMahon Stadium stands, Perry Berezan shook his head in mock exasperation. "Geez, I'm wearing a jersey . . . you'd think SOMEONE would ask for my autograph!" Inside, Doug Risebrough was looking for a beer, Mike Vernon a masseuse ("I just didn't want to move too quick, in case I couldn't get back up"). Big Joel Otto arched his back and grunted in discomfort. Coach Terry Crisp, like some patriarch overseeing a large, infrequent family reunion, sat off to one side, taking in the kibitzing, eyes twinkling. "These games,'' said Joe Nieuwendyk, "are a ton of fun.'' Brian Skrudland of the Habs wore shades over his tuque for pre-puck-drop introductions. Theo Fleury actually complained from the bench via Twitter about a goal waived off for a high stick ("Do you know how high I had to reach to get that puck? That's incredible hand-eye co-ordination!'' he griped later). The Calgary Flames' 1989 Stanley Cup-winning side, or much of it, anyway, was back on the ice together, in advance of today's Heritage Classic. They were older, slower, greyer replicas of the images that had graced the TV screen beforehand, performing feats of derring-do at the old, storied Forum in the spring of '89. A 5-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens' alumni didn't seem to be weighing heavily on anyone's shoulders afterwards. "I guess I should be madder,'' laughed Vernon, "but I'm just happy to have survived.'' Not even a 39-year-old whippersnapper ringer like Craig Conroy could tip the scales in Calgary's favour. After the recently retired Flame fired a backhander over the Montreal net, an astonished McDonald, being interviewed at the bench, wailed: "That Conny is KILLING us!'' For yesterday's heroes, this weekend is about what they shared 22 years ago, the unbreakable bonds and imperishable memories that one amazing season and unforgettable springtime have forged." Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports...same just little more pain/4316390/story.html
