As a new player in a new city, it's important to get to know the culture. As a player who just signed an 8-year, $84 million extension, it's even more important. For the next 8 years, Jonathan Huberdeau is set to be a member of the Calgary Flames and having visited Calgary and lived in Alberta, I can say with certainty that Albertans love their country music.
This past weekend, the Canadian Country Music Awards were presented in Calgary and Hubie was there to be a part of the festivities. The Canadian Country Music Association has been around since 1976, but they didn't start presenting annual awards until 1982. The awards were broadcast nationally in Canada on Global TV.
Huberdeau appeared as a surprise guest, alongside Canadian country music singer Jojo West to present the award for Best Country Music Duo/Group. For the second year in a row, the award went to The Reklaws, a brother/sister duo from Ontario, most famous for their breakout single, "Long Live the Night."
Time will tell whether Huberdeau will be able to replicate the success he had in Florida with his new team, or whether he will be as beloved by Flames fans as Matthew Tkachuk was. Based on his appearance at the CCMA's, if he can't, it won't be for a lack of trying, as he appears very amenable to being involved in community events.