The Calgary Flames announced they will retire former goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff’s No. 34 in a ceremony on March 2.
Kiprusoff, 46, played in Calgary for nine seasons before his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season. He ended his career as the Flames’ leader in wins (305), shutouts (41) and games played by a goaltender (576). He also retired as franchise leader in both goals against average (2.46) and save percentage (.913).
“It’s the biggest honour you can get,” the Turku, Finland native said on Tuesday. “It feels great. It’s unbelievable, I’m so happy.”
Kiprusoff joins former Flames greats Jarome Iginla, Mike Vernon and Lanny MacDonald in the rafters at Scotiabank Saddledome, something the goaltender says is an “unreal feeling.”
“I loved my time in Calgary,” Kiprusoff said. “Hockey really means something here and I was proud to wear the Flaming C and call Calgary my home for nine years.”
Throughout his career, Kiprusoff was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy three times, winning in 2006. He was also a Jennings Trophy recipient and a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the league’s MVP in 2006. He played his first All-Star Game the following season.
Of course, the most memorable of Kiprusoff’s performances from that Flames era was the 2004 Stanley Cup run, where Calgary lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.
“We were so close to bringing another Cup to Calgary,” Kiprusoff said. “That weekend will also be a good time to see so many former teammates from that run and relive those fond memories.”
Flames general manager Craig Conroy was also part of that 2003-04 squad, and had the honour of announcing his former teammate’s jersey retirement.
The ceremony will take place on March 2, 2024, during Hockey Night in Canada against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
from Sportsnet.ca
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