Red Mile catcalling prompts 'pussy cats consent' team during Flames game

The sexually charged catcalling and harassment of women that has sometimes spoiled the otherwise good clean fun along Calgary's Red Mile during the Stanley Cup playoffs has prompted one woman to fight back.

When Flames fans flock to the 17th Avenue bar and restaurant strip in hopes of celebrating the team advancing to the next round of the NHL playoffs Thursday night, Stasha Huntingford and her Pussy cats Consent Awareness Team will be there too. The Flames are just one win away, with a 3-1 series lead over the Vancouver Canucks, from advancing to the second round.

"Catcalling makes people unsafe. And it's not a compliment. And we just want people to know that," Huntingford says.

Huntingford says dozens of supporters will meet at Western Canada High School on the Red Mile and then march with fans along the strip to raise awareness of the importance of consent and condemn sexual violence.

A vulgar prank that originated on social media — and has inspired some copycats at the Red Mile — inspired the group's name.

The pranksters target TV journalists doing live reports, getting into the shot and shouting "F–k her right in the p—y" (FHRITP).

"I just want us all to stand together and have a good time with this hockey. It doesn't have to be like this," she said. "So I think we as Calgarians can rise to the occasion and set the standard for how we treat each other."

The Red Mile was born in 2004 during the Flames' unlikely run all the way to the Stanley Cup final.

The Calgary Police Service brought in RCMP officers and provincial sheriffs to try to keep a lid on the pandemonium.

On some nights, the crowds reached the tens of thousands and celebrations turned to fist fights, flashing and the infamous line "Shirts off For Kiprusoff," referring to now-retired goalie Miikka Kiprusoff.

This year, there have been signs saying, "Show yer cans for Monahan."

But police say the fans who showed up earlier this week to celebrate on the Red Mile have been enthusiastic, but very well-behaved.

"Right now, we're keeping a very high profile on the avenue and monitoring everyone as far as their behaviour is concerned, and everybody's been fantastic," said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson.

"Anyone should be able to go out, families individuals, men, women anyone should be able to go out and have fun and not have any fear of being harassed. We would not tolerate that at any level."