Over the course of his time in the NHL, Jamie Macoun embodied all the intangibles hockey folks prize so highly: dependability, competitiveness and an innate will to excel.

These days, two decades on from his playing career, he brings those same attributes to his work as the driving force behind Macoun Real Estate in Calgary.

Perry Berezan was 24 years old and in his fourth NHL season by early spring of 1989, part of a carefully crafted Calgary Flames team teetering on the precipice of history.

Calgary's new $550-million arena will be a catalyst for future private investment in East Victoria Park as part of the massive Rivers District master plan, according to the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).

That master plan, which underwent intensive community engagement, envisions four million square feet of mixed-use development and more than 8,000 new residents within 500 acres on the east side of Calgary's downtown.

The press release haphazardly tacked up on the bulletin board inside the Saddledome media work room heralding the arrival of an unknown, undrafted, 6-foot-4 centre out of NCAA Division II Bemidji State was brief – all of one paragraph.

Over two decades later, the number remains as familiar as the signature 22 above the nameplate on the back of his Calgary Flames jersey through those many winters.

"Eight-fifty-seven,'' said Craig Conroy, reminiscing. "Kirkwood, Missouri. A little cul-de-sac, right at the back of town. Very private.

The first trip through the front door of his first home is a memory Martin Gelinas will never forget.

Well, a fella has a right to celebrate something as unique and remarkable as his first 50-goal season with a little extravagance, doesn't he?

Iconic status was off in the future for the 22-year-old winger. The bushy moustache had yet to grow out and become a trademark.

Big things are in store for East Victoria Park

What would you do if you had a chance to remake a large area of Calgary's inner city to meet the needs of today?

That's the opportunity the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) was given when it began redevelopment of the Rivers District along the Bow and Elbow Rivers near downtown.

First it tackled the Downtown East Village, but now the City of Calgary-owned corporation has turned its sights to East Victoria Park, in an effort to transform the area into a cultural, entertainment and residential hub.

Find out where Calgary's councillor candidates stand on several housing-related issues