Former Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla announces his retirement from the NHL, after playing 20 seasons, at a news conference in Calgary, Alta., on July 30, 2018.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
The Calgary Flames will retire former captain Jarome Iginla’s No. 12 during a ceremony on March 2 prior to a game against the Minnesota Wild.
The native of St. Albert, Alta., retired from the NHL after a 20-season career last July.
Iginla had 525 goals, 570 assists and 1,095 points in 1,219 games with the Flames. Iginla is the franchise leader in goals, points and games played. He reached the 30-goal mark 11 times and was a six-time NHL all-star with the Flames.
Drafted 11th overall by the Dallas Stars in 1995, Iginla was acquired by the Flames in a trade in December of that year.
After nearly 16 seasons with the Flames, Iginla was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March, 2013. He finished his career with stops in Boston, Colorado and Los Angeles.
Iginla played for Canada at three Olympics, winning gold in 2002 and 2010. He assisted on Sidney Crosby’s overtime winner against the Americans in the final in Vancouver in 2010.
“It’s humbling, a huge honour, a thrill and, to be honest, a little bit surreal,” Iginla said in a statement. “I am extremely grateful to the Flames ownership and organization for bestowing this tribute on me and my family.
“I’m looking forward to it but I don’t know what to expect or how I’ll handle my emotions. I’m obviously very excited but I think now that my kids are really into hockey and the NHL that it’s going to be so neat to share it with my family. To have them there, and friends, alumni and of course with the fans will really make the day special.”