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Alvin Libin, 95, Former Calgary Flames Co-Owner, Dies
Alvin Libin, 95, former co‑owner of the Calgary Flames, died on Monday, June 15, 2026. The Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) announced the death without providing a cause. Libin had been a member of the Flames ownership group since 1994 and was also involved in the ownership of the Calgary Hitmen, Roughnecks, Stampeders and Wranglers through CSEC.
Libin was born April 22, 1931, in Calgary. He built a career as a businessman and philanthropist. He is the president and chief executive officer of Balmon Investments Ltd., a private management services and investment company with interests in hotels, nursing homes, oil and gas, real estate and financial services. In addition to his business activities, Libin has been active in community service. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005 and has served on the boards of several health‑care and educational institutions in Alberta.
The Flames announced that Libin had passed away on Monday. The organization released a statement that read: “It is with deep regret and sadness that Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation, the Calgary Flames, their ownership group, and their employees acknowledge the passing of Alvin Libin.” The statement added that the Flames “extend their deepest sympathies to the entire Libin family.” The CSEC board chairman, N. Murray Edwards, said in a separate note that “Alvin was a great partner and friend to all owners over the years. His passion for the Calgary Flames and the other CSEC teams was second to none.”
Libin joined the Flames ownership group in 1994, a period that saw the team win its first and only Stanley Cup in 1989 and later host the 2011 Heritage Classic. During his tenure, the Flames have continued to compete in the National Hockey League’s Pacific Division. The team is one of two NHL franchises based in Alberta, the other being the Edmonton Oilers. The Flames’ long‑standing rivalry with the Oilers is known as the Battle of Alberta.
Beyond the Flames, Libin’s ownership interests through CSEC included the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League and the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League. The group also manages the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames’ home arena, and is developing a new multi‑purpose arena, Scotia Place, which is scheduled to open before the 2027‑28 NHL season.
Libin’s business and philanthropic work earned him recognition beyond the sports world. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. He has also received the Alberta Order of Excellence and has been inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.
The Flames organization has not yet released details about funeral arrangements or memorial services. The team will continue to operate under the ownership structure that includes Libin’s partners: N. Murray Edwards, Allan Markin, Jeffrey McCaig, Clay Riddell (deceased 2018) and Byron Seaman. The Flames’ current head coach is Craig Conroy, and the team’s general manager is Jay Feaster.
Libin’s death marks the loss of a long‑time partner who contributed to the Flames’ business strategy and community outreach. His legacy includes the growth of the Flames’ brand, the expansion of CSEC’s sports portfolio and his philanthropic impact on Calgary’s health‑care and education sectors. The Flames organization has pledged to honour his memory by continuing to support the community and the sport of hockey in Alberta.
The Flames will play their next home game on Sunday, June 18, against the Vancouver Canucks. The team’s schedule for the remainder of the season remains unchanged, and the organization will focus on maintaining competitive performance while paying tribute to Libin’s contributions.
Libin was born April 22, 1931, in Calgary. He built a career as a businessman and philanthropist. He is the president and chief executive officer of Balmon Investments Ltd., a private management services and investment company with interests in hotels, nursing homes, oil and gas, real estate and financial services. In addition to his business activities, Libin has been active in community service. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005 and has served on the boards of several health‑care and educational institutions in Alberta.
The Flames announced that Libin had passed away on Monday. The organization released a statement that read: “It is with deep regret and sadness that Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation, the Calgary Flames, their ownership group, and their employees acknowledge the passing of Alvin Libin.” The statement added that the Flames “extend their deepest sympathies to the entire Libin family.” The CSEC board chairman, N. Murray Edwards, said in a separate note that “Alvin was a great partner and friend to all owners over the years. His passion for the Calgary Flames and the other CSEC teams was second to none.”
Libin joined the Flames ownership group in 1994, a period that saw the team win its first and only Stanley Cup in 1989 and later host the 2011 Heritage Classic. During his tenure, the Flames have continued to compete in the National Hockey League’s Pacific Division. The team is one of two NHL franchises based in Alberta, the other being the Edmonton Oilers. The Flames’ long‑standing rivalry with the Oilers is known as the Battle of Alberta.
Beyond the Flames, Libin’s ownership interests through CSEC included the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League and the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League. The group also manages the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames’ home arena, and is developing a new multi‑purpose arena, Scotia Place, which is scheduled to open before the 2027‑28 NHL season.
Libin’s business and philanthropic work earned him recognition beyond the sports world. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. He has also received the Alberta Order of Excellence and has been inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.
The Flames organization has not yet released details about funeral arrangements or memorial services. The team will continue to operate under the ownership structure that includes Libin’s partners: N. Murray Edwards, Allan Markin, Jeffrey McCaig, Clay Riddell (deceased 2018) and Byron Seaman. The Flames’ current head coach is Craig Conroy, and the team’s general manager is Jay Feaster.
Libin’s death marks the loss of a long‑time partner who contributed to the Flames’ business strategy and community outreach. His legacy includes the growth of the Flames’ brand, the expansion of CSEC’s sports portfolio and his philanthropic impact on Calgary’s health‑care and education sectors. The Flames organization has pledged to honour his memory by continuing to support the community and the sport of hockey in Alberta.
The Flames will play their next home game on Sunday, June 18, against the Vancouver Canucks. The team’s schedule for the remainder of the season remains unchanged, and the organization will focus on maintaining competitive performance while paying tribute to Libin’s contributions.
