Flames forward Blake Coleman won the Peter Maher Good Guy Award

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Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman has had countless conversations with local media this season.

So when he was announced as the repeat winner of the Peter Maher Nice Guy Award on Sunday morning, he believed he would give his two biggest fans a little pep talk.

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The proud dad offered encouragement as his adorable daughters, four-year-old Charlie and two-year-old Carson, leaned into the microphone and said, “Thank you.”

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“Like I said last year, I know everybody here has a job to do and a really hard job,” Coleman said Sunday during the awards ceremony at the Saddledome, where Hockey Hall of Fame announcer Peter Maher was present to present the equipment. “This year was difficult for our team. We are not where we expected to be. Our hopes were high from the start of the season. I think it makes the job a bit more difficult at times. As a player, I know that sometimes I have to come to the rink and ask tough questions and get tough answers. I know sometimes players can take it the wrong way, but I always try to look at it while you're doing your job. You have always treated me with great respect and I wanted to return the favor whenever I could.

“Obviously it's hard to be in a good mood all the time, but having these two in the house makes it a little bit easier. I am proud to be here and to be considered.”

The Peter Maher Good Guy Award honors the Flames player who best exemplifies the qualities of the legendary radio voice — honesty, integrity, dedication and respect. Every member of the media is asked to list their top three picks, and Coleman, 32, has been on every ballot this year.

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Mikael Backlund and Coleman were co-winners in 2022-23. Other past recipients include Joe Colborne, Eric Gudbranson, Travis Hamonic, Chad Johnson, Derek Ryan and Matt Stajan.

Coleman, who needs another step to reach the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career, is currently sidelined with an upper body injury, although there is optimism that he will be back for the final game or two.

“I hope so. Fingers crossed,” Flames bench boss Ryan Huska said. “We would like to see him reach 30 if possible. It's the little things that matter to the players, they matter to their teammates.”

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