The Calgary Flames planned to offer fans the ultimate outdoor viewing-party experience during this long-awaited Battle of Alberta matchup against Edmonton.Mother Nature, unfortunately, had other ideas.The Flames were able to host a sea of supporters outside the Saddledome throughout their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. But Calgary was forced to cancel its festivities ahead of Game 2 in their second-round…

Rick Bowness is stepping aside as Dallas Stars head coach after three seasons, the team announced on Friday.Bowness, 67, had his two-year contract expire after the Stars were eliminated by the Calgary Flames in seven games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Assistant coaches Derek Laxdal, John Stevens and Todd Nelson will also not return to the…

TAMPERE, Finland -- Finland got back to winning ways at the world ice hockey championship when it beat Britain 6-0, while Germany beat Italy 9-4 in the highest-scoring game of the tournament on Friday.Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia was among six different players to score for host Finland, while Jussi Olkinuora faced 10 shots for the shutout as the Finns…

CALGARY, Alberta -- Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk has his tough-guy persona down on the ice.In real life? Tkachuk's got a soft side. Even when it comes to the Battle of Alberta.The Flames and Edmonton Oilers are locked in to a heated second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, and the Oilers have had a special fan along for the ride. Ben…