The Calgary Flames and Jarome Iginla have announced their plans to retire the St. Albert-native’s jersey on March 2, 2019.
“It’s humbling, a huge honour, a thrill and to be honest, a little bit surreal,” Iginla told NHL.com. “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.”
Iginla was raised in St. Albert before starting his career with the Calgary Flames during the 1996-97 season. At 15 he led the AMHL in scoring with 87 points for the St. Albert Midget AAA Raiders in 1992-93.
Iginla played for the Calgary Flames for 16 years, where he was named the franchise’s 18th captain.
The jersey retirement is distinct for Iginla, as it suggests the Flames organization is doing more than their Forever a Flame program. Forever a Flame was introduced to honour former members of the Calgary Flames, without permanently retiring the number worn by players.
Two players prior to Iginla have had their jersey’s retired in the Calgary Flames organizations.
Stay tuned for more as Iginla’s March 2 event gets closer.
