Calgary Flames to retire Miikka Kiprusoff’s No. 34
Posted Jul 18, 2023 9:40 am.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2023 6:47 pm.
Number 34 is heading to the rafters of the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Calgary Flames announced Tuesday.
Miikka Kiprusoff’s number will be retired on March 2 when the Flames host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Today, we are proud to build on the Flames legacy by paying tribute to one of the all-time greats in Flames history. On behalf of the Flames ownership and the organization, we congratulate Miikka on an amazing career and this well-earned and rare achievement,” said Flames GM Craig Conroy in a press release.
#34 is heading to the rafters: https://t.co/GnKqRHPKoH pic.twitter.com/WXI1K3z7QW
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 18, 2023
“We are thrilled to have his number 34 deservingly displayed at the Scotiabank Saddledome so Flames fans can celebrate his contributions for years to come. And for me, personally, it was a privilege to have been his teammate. Under that mask was a fierce competitor who gave us the confidence and an opportunity to win every night. Thank you and congratulations Kipper.”
Kiprusoff played nine seasons of his 12-year career wearing the flaming ‘C’ and retired in 2013 as the franchise leader in wins (305), shutouts (41), goals against average (2.46), save percentage (.913) and games played by a goaltender (576).
The Flames say the retired netminder is the organization’s leader in playoff shutouts with six and sits second behind Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Vernon in games played and wins in the playoffs.
Kiprusoff holds the four single-highest regular season win totals for the Flames, with the highest being 45 in 2008-09.
“I loved my time in Calgary,” the former Flame said in a press release. “The fans are amazing, and it’s a wonderful place to live and play. Hockey really means something here and I was proud to wear the Flaming C and call Calgary my home for nine years. I would like to thank the Flames ownership, the organization, and the fans for my time in Calgary and for this tremendous honour.”
Kiprusoff originally joined the Flames via a trade with San Jose on Nov. 16, 2003. That year, he led the team to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The Flames came close to hoisting the Stanley Cup that year, falling within just one victory.
Kiprusoff was named a Vezina Trophy finalist three times, winning in 2006.
