Flames 'salute' Jets on season well done

In a surprising gesture of support from the Calgary Flames, the team posted a message on Twitter Thursday, which will also appear in the Saturday edition of the Winnipeg Free Press congratulating the Jets on their season.

"Cheers to the #WPGWhiteout! That was impressive, and we know a little thing about impressive crowds," the message says.

The message includes a Canadian flag image with Jets' fans decked out in white.

Below the flag, the message continues, "The #CofRed salutes the #WPGWhiteout."

Now the Flames are 'saluting' the Jets?

"To Mark Chipman, True North Sports & Entertainment, Winnipeg Jets Coaches, Players and Fans....Congratulations on a great season! From your friends at the Calgary Flames."

Well isn't that special? They're friends. They could be since both franchises once called Atlanta home.

But that aside, it is a bit unusual for two rival, competing organizations, in any sport or league, to offer an 'attaboy' for a great season. Don't forget the Flames and Jets were big rivals in the 1980s.

Why would the Flames do this?

The Winnipeg Free Press reports Flames' Director of Communications, Sean Kelso says it's a gesture of respect, not an attempt to court Jets' fans.

"To be honest with you it's one Canadian team congratulating another Canadian team on a great year, and realizing what a good job they've done," Kelso said. "I don't think there was any backhanded intention there. It was just respect."

The Jets must interpret the gesture the same way as they thanked the Flames for the message with a post on Twitter.

Give peace a chance but a few tough games between the clubs and we'll see how much saluting happens.