A First NHL Game, A Lasting Memory: Mercedes and Jayden’s Night in Huby’s Hangout

Sep 24, 2025

When Jayden Larocque stepped through the doors of the Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday night, his eyes widened in disbelief. He had expected to sit in the crowd, surrounded by rows of fans. Instead, he was ushered past closed doors, into a private suite filled with food, excitement, and a perfect view of the ice. For Jayden and his mom, Mercedes, this was not just their first Flames game. It was their very first NHL experience.

And it was a night they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

A Night of Firsts

The opportunity came through Huby’s Hangout, Jonathan Huberdeau’s initiative with the Flames Foundation that gives kids and families the chance to experience NHL hockey from his personal suite. For Mercedes and Jayden, the experience was more than hockey. It was about connection, time together, and joy that stretched far beyond the final buzzer.

“Huby’s Hangout was the first NHL experience for both my son, Jayden, and I,” Mercedes shared. “Sunday night’s Calgary Flames game will be a lifelong memory, filled with inspiration. From this opportunity, Jayden has now created a new goal for his future. He is determined to be in a position to purchase a suite experience for his friends and family.”

For a family used to the rush of busy schedules, the night was a rare gift of intentional quality time.

Joy, Wonder, and a Surprise

Mercedes said her favorite part of the evening was watching her son’s reaction. She had told Jayden they had “sweet seats,” but kept the details of Huby’s Hangout a surprise. When he saw where they were going, his excitement was impossible to miss.

Jayden described the night as “being treated like royalty.” The suite, the view, and the endless spread of pizza, wings, nachos, popcorn, and more left him speechless at first, then overflowing with joy. “The seats were incredible and the food was amazing,” he said.

For Mercedes, the memory was even sweeter because of what it meant for them as mother and son. “We smiled, laughed, cheered, and danced the night away,” she said. “It has been days since the game, and we are both still vibrating with excitement.”

More Than Hockey

What happened inside Huby’s Hangout was more than a hockey game. It was a bonding experience that Mercedes said she could not have given Jayden on her own. “Sunday night’s game in Huby’s Hangout is a memory that will last our lifetimes,” she said. “I am grateful for Jonathan Huberdeau and the Calgary Flames Foundation who made this experience possible. The night was full of magic.”

Our Gratitude

At CMHA Calgary, we are reminded by stories like Mercedes and Jayden’s that the power of community is often found in moments of joy and connection. Huby’s Hangout is not only about sharing hockey, it is about opening doors, inspiring hope, and showing families that they belong.

To Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames Foundation, and the Calgary Flames organization, thank you for creating opportunities like this. And to Mercedes and Jayden, thank you for reminding us that sometimes one night is all it takes to create a memory that lasts a lifetime.