Merci Montréal!
Wednesday night at Stade Saputo is one we'll carry with us for a long time.
Our Men's APL team fell 5-0 to CF Montréal in the Preliminary Round of the 2026 TELUS Canadian Championship — and we couldn't be more proud of every single one of them. This was a historic moment not only for Calgary Blizzard, but for the Alberta Premier League as a whole — our club becoming the first APL side to compete against MLS opposition in the TELUS Canadian Championship. That is something no one can ever take away from this group.
We Showed Up — In Montreal and Back Home
Let's be honest about what this matchup was. On one side of the pitch, a professional MLS club with an $11.1 million payroll. On the other, our guys — students, accountants, engineers, and businessmen — who have been grinding for months for the love of this game and the pride of this badge, with a payroll of exactly $0.
We think that's beautiful.
And while our players were giving everything they had at Stade Saputo, back home in Calgary, The Banquet was packed. Our fans and supporters filled the place and cheered with a passion that reminded every one of us exactly why this club means so much. You felt every save, every tackle, every moment — and we felt you right back. Thank you.
Head coach Ramon Mifflin summed it up perfectly after the final whistle: "I thought we weathered the storm in the first half; for us, it was about managing the nerves, and I think the boys did a great job. We've been preparing for two or three months for this game. I'm super proud of the team. What an experience to play against one of the strongest clubs in Canada."
Goalkeeper Hany Shafie was outstanding across the full 90 minutes, making multiple key stops to keep us battling against a relentless MLS attack. His finest moment came in the 42nd minute — a sharp, instinctive save that earned him the Allstate Save of the Match honour on the OneSoccer broadcast.
Jacob Hunter put in several strong defensive interventions throughout the night, and across the squad, our players gave everything they had — with composure, pride, and genuine heart.
To CF Montréal — Thank You
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to CF Montréal, their staff, and everyone at Stade Saputo for the warmth and professionalism they showed our club. From the moment we arrived in Montreal to the final whistle, we were made to feel welcome on the national stage. That means everything to a club like ours.
To the city of Montreal — merci. You hosted us beautifully.
This Belongs to All of You
This journey didn't start in Montreal. It started in our grassroots programs, in training sessions at Heidelberg Park, in the dedication of coaches who show up every week, and in the families and volunteers who invest in this club year after year. And it was felt on Wednesday night in every corner of The Banquet, where our community came together and showed the world what Blizzard support looks like.
Every young Blizzard player watching from home now knows what is possible within this club. That's the point of The Orange Way — not just to develop players for the next season, but to show them what the pathway looks like all the way to the top.
We are so proud of this group. We are so proud to have represented Calgary and League1 Alberta on the national stage.
The APL season begins Saturday, May 9. The journey continues.
Go Blizzard. 🟠
