Community gets behind Battle of Alberta

MRU concedes friendly wager with MacEwan University

Michelle Bodnar — Mount Royal University | Posted: May 20, 2022


 

Update: May 27

It is with a heavy heart that we must annouce our concession to MacEwan University and the Edmonton Oilers as the winners of the 2022 friendly university playoff challenge. The Flames fought mightily, and we remain extremely proud of our team. It was a wildly exciting night and a thoroughly entertaining series, with 45 goals racked up over just five games. The Flames appeared to be on the cusp of taking the team through to game six, but sadly it was just not to be this year. 

As the losing side, Mount Royal University made a $1,000 donation to both MacEwan's and MRU's student food banks and raised the Edmonton Oilers flag on campus on May 30.

"While this is not the result we predicted or wanted, a bet is a bet," said MRU president and vice-chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD.

"We wish the Oilers well for the remainder of their playoff run, and acknowledge MacEwan University got the best of us this time. We look forward to the next Battle of Alberta and a Flames victory!" 

Whether it is a lack of time, a lack of funds, or the increasing cost of basic foods, many students go hungry throughout the year. Every student deserves a healthy, balanced diet so they can focus on their studies.

To donate to SAMRU’s Student Food Bank please visit the MRU Giving page.

The Battle of Alberta was raucous, high-scoring and tense, with the Edmonton Oilers taking a commanding lead early on. As Calgary met Edmonton in round two of the NHL playoffs for the first time since 1991, Mount Royal University made a public show of support for our local hockey heroes. MRU cheered the Flames on, and to add fun (and pressure!) to the series entered into a friendly wager with Edmonton’s MacEwan University.

From left: Paul Rossmann, vice-president, University Advancement; Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor; Calvin the Cougar; Elizabeth Evans, interim provost and vice-president, academic and Amy Nixon, general counsel and university secretary.

From left: Paul Rossmann, vice-president, university advancement; Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor; Calvin the Cougar; Elizabeth Evans, interim provost and vice-president, academic and Amy Nixon, general counsel and university secretary.

MRU alumnus Brian Wong was at the first game against the Oilers in his role as a Chinese-language commentator for FeverSports.ca, his own sports broadcasting label. Wong has been covering a variety of sports for Chinese-language radio and other mediums for 21 years and is the host of Flames TV’s Chinese-language broadcasts. He also does a Daily Sports news segment on AM1470 Fairchild Radio in Vancouver.

“The ‘Dome was rocking, with passionate Flames fans screaming and shouting. It feels like the building is shaking,” Wong says, describing the fans as “persistent, patient, encouraging and appreciative.” Wong believes that Calgary Flames fever is so unique that the “‘C’ of Red” should be patented.

Wong says he’s a big fan of coach Darryl Sutter's brand of hockey, which has been evidenced by the performances of Johnny Gaudreau and many other players and how they have managed to elevate the game throughout the season and carry it over into the playoffs.

“One major difference about this version of the Flames is that the team is sticking to the plan, very patient, and was able to adjust when facing adversities. The quality is high. There is a reason why both teams have over 100 points in the regular season: consistency,” he says.

Watch MRU’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels for updates.