Call it a civic compulsion. Calgary just can’t resist putting its heroes on horseback.
And the calls are mounting to have ex-NHL enforcer John Scott named this year’s Stampede Parade marshal.
A Twitter campaign began in earnest almost before Scott’s triumphant performance at the NHL All-Star game Sunday was even finished, and now there’s a petition circulating online that’s well on its way to reaching its goal of 500 signatures.
Scott — who rode a wave of fan support to the NHL All-Star Game — stole the show Sunday, scoring twice during the league’s new 3-on-3 tournament and netting MVP as a write-in candidate after captaining the Pacific Division squad to a 1-0 win in the final.
More importantly, in the days leading up to the All-Star weekend, the Alberta-born underdog opened up in the press with rare humility, winning hearts and transforming Scott from an instrument of disgruntled fans into a genuine hero of the game.
For many fans, the icing on the cake was watching the NHL humbled in the face of overwhelming support for an underdog who was never supposed to be there:
Now, amid chatter of Scott being summoned up from the Habs’ minor league affiliate, some are calling for him to be recognized with one of Calgary’s highest honours:
It wouldn’t be the first time the city has honoured an athlete for their character and actions off the ice.
Olympic speed skaters Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison were made honourary marshals in 2014 alongside William Shatner. A groundswell of fan support helped put Junio in the saddle that year after he selflessly gave up his spot at the Olympics to Morrison.
And if that precedent isn’t enough, Scott might even have the support from previous two-time parade marshal and astronaut Chris Hadfield:
You can find the petition here.
