Kiprusoff to have No. 34 retired by Flames on March 2 against Penguins

The goalie played nine seasons with the Flames and is the Calgary/Atlanta Flames all-time leader in wins (305), games played (572) and shutouts (41). Among goalies to play more than 50 games for the franchise, his 2.46 goals-against average is the lowest and his .913 save percentage is the highest.

He will be the fourth player to have his number retired by the Flames, joining Lanny McDonald (No. 9), Jarome Iginla (No. 12) and Mike Vernon (No. 30). Calgary also has banners honoring Al MacInnis (No. 2) and Joe Nieuwendyk (No. 25) although their numbers are not officially retired.

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition of my career in Calgary,” Kiprusoff told the Flames website Tuesday. “To have my name and number hanging next to those great Flames players and especially my friend and legendary goalie Mike Vernon, is truly a highlight of my career.

“I loved my time in Calgary. 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 honor.”

Kiprusoff played his first three NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks, but his career turned when he was traded to the Flames on Nov. 16, 2003. He took over as the Flames starting goalie during the 2003-04 season and went 24-10 with four ties in 38 games, led the NHL with a 1.70 GAA (minimum 10 games) and helped the Flames reach the 2004 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. Kiprusoff was runner up for the Vezina Trophy as the League’s top goalie that season (Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils).

In 2005-06, he played 74 games, the first of seven straight seasons he played at least 70, went 42-20-11 with an NHL-best 10 shutouts and ranked first in GAA (2.07; minimum 10 games). He won the Vezina Trophy and finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy as the NHL most valuable player.

“Today we are proud to build on the Flames legacy by paying tribute to one of the all-time greats in Flames history,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy, who was teammates with Kiprusoff for six seasons (2003-04; 2006-11). “On behalf of the Flames ownership and the organization, we congratulate Miikka on an amazing career and this well-earned and rare achievement. We are thrilled to have his No. 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 was a Vezina finalist three times, and helped the Flames reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times. His 24 wins and 52 games in the postseason are second to Vernon (43 wins, 81 games) in Flames history.

Kiprusoff announced his retirement Sept. 9, 2013. His 319 wins in 623 games with the Sharks and Flames are tied for 31st in NHL history with Craig Anderson, and second among goalies born in Finland, behind Pekka Rinne (369).

“It’s a team sport and I was lucky to play with so many great players,” Kiprusoff said. “Everybody knows we are talking here today because of my great teammates. One big thing about playing hockey is those friendships and so many good guys there. Can’t wait to see them again.”