But before the puck drops, Abbott and his young family face a bigger task: They must give up their lives in Ontario and cross the three provinces to the west.
The move – and the time frame that comes with it – is causing a bit of chaos, but he’s embracing it and looking forward to putting down roots in a city that’s already quite familiar to him from previous NHL trips.
“I’m fortunate to have friends who call Calgary home and have for over a decade. One of them actually works at the Foothills (Hospital),” he said. “When I stopped at different places and commentated on games, I would often come into town, visit them at home and spend time with them and get to know the community that they live in.
“I always enjoyed it and through her I was able to get to know the city without even knowing it before I made it my home. I’m very happy about that.”
He also calls himself a “big lacrosse guy” because he has commentated on the National Lacrosse League championship series for the past two years.
It’s safe to say that when the Flames’ schedule allows, he and his family will attend one or two Roughnecks games to satisfy that longing.
“I’m just a huge sports fan and I love lacrosse too,” Abbott said. “I’m looking forward to being able to take my kids to some other sporting events in Calgary. I’m really going to enjoy having them be sports fans with me because we don’t always get that opportunity.”
“This is really the first time we’ve been able to go out as a family and support other Calgary franchises. We’re just excited to be part of the community and the sporting landscape in Calgary.”
