Updated: July 1, 2009, 11:54 AM ET

Ultimate Standings 2009: No. 60

Calgary Flames

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By Doug Mittler
ESPN The Magazine
Archive

Title Track: 50
Ownership: 15
Coaching: 85
Players: 65
Fan Relations: 36
Affordability: 101
Stadium Experience: 89
Bang for the Buck: 67

As the new millennium began, the Flames were pondering a move out of Alberta because of lagging ticket sales. CEO Ken King still hasn't forgotten what that felt like. "It's like your parents coming through the Great Depression," he says. "It shapes how you view your customer." As King knows well, competing in a small market is never easy. But fans like Ownership's ability to lock up stars -- like immensely popular captain Jarome Iginla, defensive giant Dion Phaneuf and goalie Miikka Kiprusoff -- for the long term. While that means ticket prices aren't dropping soon -- the average price of $55.07 is almost six bucks higher than the league standard -- the Flames play to 100% capacity. Don't think King isn't appreciative. "We know we're not a 10-cent movie in the Depression, but we're a welcome relief in difficult times," he says. Still, a fourth-straight first-round playoff loss made it clear that fans had lost faith in Mike Keenan before management did (Iron Mike was dismissed in late May). Opinions on who should replace him can be voiced at Flames Central, a club-partnered restaurant in downtown Calgary, and at the breakfast and lunch gatherings that are held periodically to keep players in touch with the public. King himself likes to meet with season ticket­holders in small groups to encourage interaction. He says the response he gets is, "Let's get going,' rather than, 'What are you guys doing?' " In other words, this is no time to get depressed.