A goal worth celebrating

Imperial’s new partnership with the Calgary Flames – announced Sunday, January 25 – reflects a simple idea: strong communities grow from the ice up.

The kids learning to skate today are the fans, leaders, volunteers and players of tomorrow.

By supporting hockey across Canada for almost a century, and now Calgary’s only downtown community rink – we’re helping build opportunity, on the ice and beyond it.

“The Esso Community Arena will be an exciting new venue supporting Calgary’s ever-growing hockey community,” says John Whelan, Imperial’s Chairman, President and CEO. “Whether it’s kids lacing up for the first time or teams chasing a championship, this rink represents opportunity, resilience and community.”

John was among those on hand during Sunday’s Flames game to announce the Esso Community Arena – a 1,000-seat downtown community rink that will be attached to the new Flames arena.

The new Esso Community Arena will prioritize community access, and the multi-use facility will support local teams and serve as a practice rink for the Flames, Hitmen and Wranglers.

As Calgary’s only downtown indoor community rink, the Esso Community Arena – scheduled to open in 2027 – will be an integral component of the Scotia Place development and surrounding district.

Watch the video of the announcement here:

On brand for us

For years, we’ve supported hockey in communities across Canada through our Esso brand. We’ve sponsored tournaments and stood behind programs that make the game accessible, affordable and welcoming for kids and families.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Esso’s long history of support for Canada’s game, which is nearing a century of our association with hockey. Calgary is a hockey city and we’re proud to be on the ice with it,” says John.

Watch John Whelan's Global News interview to dive deeper into the details.