Flames fans celebrate after the team defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1 in Calgary.

The Calgary Flames are Canada's team, and 17 Ave. S.W. -- where thousands danced in celebration after the Flames barbecued the Sharks last night -- is definitely Canada's street. Hockey fans from across the country have seen Calgary's Red Mile of Flames fandemonium on television, and many are here to check it out in person, as Calgary becomes the first Canadian team in a decade to reach the Stanley Cup Final following a stunning 3-1 victory over San Jose.

The Flames won the best-of-seven series 4-2 over the Sharks, and begin play Tuesday in the Stanley Cup Final against either Tampa Bay or Philadelphia.

"This is the street to be on in Canada," said Quebecois hockey nut Oliver George. "I'm from Montreal and everyone over there is into it."

It wasn't just 17th, either -- jubilant fans were expressing their support and getting behind the hometown team by showing off their colours and gathering with family and friends in backyards, front yards and school yards throughout the city.

"This is the best thing to happen to this city since 1989," said long-time fan Paul Smith.

"This shows Canadian hockey is here to stay and that we're contenders," added Brayden Unwin.

Last night, the Red Mile seemed more like a procession in ancient Rome than a Calgary street following the big Flames win.

Horns blasted, hundreds of flags flew like ensigns and red became the colour of prestige.

But Calgary's version of the Coliseum -- the Pengrowth Saddledome -- is not big enough to contain the masses' hunger for glory.

Bars, pubs and even sidewalks along the famous strip were packed with Calgary fans cheering their modern-day gladiators on to victory.

Under wet snow and standing shoulder to shoulder, thousands of ecstatic fans spanning the width of the avenue celebrated as police closed off the street for several blocks.

"I never thought I'd see anything like this on 17 Avenue ... now we're taking the Cup," said Darren Nightingale, who wore Styrofoam flames over his hair.

And the vibe they created was hard to explain, even for those who were in the middle of the celebrations.

"You can't explain it to anyone," said Charles Morris.

"You actually have to come down here and see that yes, this is amazing, that yes there is a flag on almost every car."

For many, the delirium that's descended on the city is something they've never experienced.

"I wasn't here in '89, so I've never seen the city like this ... this just awesome," Morris said.

"No one expected us to get by Vancouver and no one expected us to get by Detroit but they did and the party keeps getting bigger," said Andy Hodge.

Even Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier was out celebrating the team's latest feat, one most hockey- watchers thought Calgary didn't have the tools to make a reality.

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FLAMES FANS ARE STOKED!

Not everyone made it down to the Red Mile to celebrate last night. For those who couldn't join the crowd, here are a few highlights:

* A paper-mache shark on a dinner plate being wheeled down the avenue, with a sign reading 'Catch of the Day: Shark Meat.'

* People actually wearing skates.

* A semi-clad man helping police, standing in the middle of the road directing traffic.

* Calgary's mayor lining up with everyone else to get inside a packed watering hole. It doesn't matter who you are, you're just another Flames fan...

* Police pouring out illegal beer, while high-fiving naughty fans.