You likely know him as the big, fluffy dog with a crimson tongue and dopey eyes gallivanting around the Saddledome during Calgary Flames games.
Harvey the Hound is a pillar in the Flames’ history, and his reach extends far beyond the ’Dome. From walking in the annual Stampede Parade to visiting hospitals with the team, Harvey is the heartbeat connecting the Flames to their community.
“Harvey is remarkable because it doesn’t matter what age you are — you want a photo with Harvey,” says Austin Shaw, director of game presentation for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “You’re excited when he shows up.”
Harvey was dreamt up by Grant Kelba in 1983. Kelba pitched the idea to then-Flames public relations director Al Coates, who agreed to give Kelba’s 6-foot-6 hound a shot.
Kelba borrowed $1,000 from his mother to craft Harvey. He wore the costume for Harvey’s first Flames game in the dome on Feb. 16, 1984, and made history as the NHL’s first team mascot.
The Flames bought Harvey’s costume and trademark from Kelba in 1996. Kelba continued to wear Harvey until 1999 when Chris Dingle took over for the next 14 years. From 2013 to 2023, Kelba’s nephew Scott Vickers wore Harvey. Cris Howgate then took over and still portrays Harvey today.
As the Flames play their farewell season in the Saddledome before moving to Scotia Place in 2027, Harvey continues to fire up the “C of Red” night after night.
