The summer is winding down just as the CBA talks are winding up. No one knows when the very rich owners and the merely rich players will finally agree on how to split a $3.3 billion pot. The NHL’s white collar slap fight may go on for a few weeks, a few months, or, god forbid, the rest of the year.

(comic courtesy our very own Arik James)

On top of that, the Flames are heading into an era of increasing uncertainty. With their stars both aging and approaching free agency, there doesn’t seem to be any clear path back to surefire contention for the club. There’s darkness and questions around every corner.

But for now, forget that noise.

Let’s go with a little irrational exuberance for a change. There are some bright spots popping up amidst the gloom on the horizon, so I think it’s time for another FN photopshop contest to help us all celebrate them.

I am, of course, talking about the kids: Sven Baertschi, Johnny Gaudreau, Max Reinhart and Mark Jankowski represent real hope for Calgary going forward – the sort of hope that has been entirely lacking from the organization’s prospect base for altogether too long. 

So starting today and running through September 7th, we will be accepting entries depitcing the kids – all, some or just your favorite – as the Flames great new hope; as water in the desert, friends to the lonely, wins to an Oiler fan, etc.

As per prior contests, the winner wil be determined via reader input and judging by FN contribtuors. Humor, quality of the work and originality will be the primary cirieria. Feel free to take inspiration from VF’s BIG JANKOWSKI title pic today, ON’s recent contest or anywhere else.

First Prize will be $150 in gift certificates to Hudson’s Tap House here in Calgary. We will grant 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $100 and $50 if there enough entries to warrant it.

So start warming up those, uh, pixels folks. And good luck.