Flames to Retire Miikka Kiprusoff's Number 34

The Calgary Flames announced today the retirement of Miikka Kiprusoff's number 34. The ceremony and celebration to raise Kiprusoff's number 34 to the rafters at the Scotiabank Saddledome will take place on Saturday, March 2nd when the Flames play host to 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 General Manager Craig Conroy. "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."

"I loved my time in Calgary," said Kiprusoff. "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 9 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 played nine of his 12-year career with the Flames and retired as the franchise leader in wins (305), shutouts (41), goals against average (2.46), save percentage (.913) and games played by a goaltender (576). He also is the franchise leader in playoff shutouts (6) and sits second behind Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Vernon in games played and wins in the playoffs. He holds the four single highest regular season win totals for the Flames with the highest being 45 in 2008-09.

"I am honoured and humbled by this recognition of my career in Calgary. 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."

Kiprusoff originally joined the Flames via a trade with San Jose on November 16, 2003. The trade provided immediate dividends for the Flames as he was counted on to lead the Flames to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. A 1-0 victory on March 31st over the Phoenix Coyotes clinched a berth in the 2004 playoffs for the Flames. He finished the 2003-04 regular season with a modern NHL record-low GAA of 1.69. His stellar play continued into the playoffs, as he won 15 games, five of them by shutout, leading the Flames to within one victory of a Stanley Cup championship.

"Since I was informed, there have been so many favourite moments that come flooding back. The 2004 Stanley Cup run is the most vivid of course. We were so close to bringing another Cup to Calgary. That weekend will also be a good time to see so many former teammates from that run and relive those fond memories."

The native of Turku, Finland was named a Vezina Trophy finalist on three occasions, winning the award for the NHL's best goaltender in 2006. Finishing that season with a 42-20-11 record and a team-record 10 shutouts, he was also named a first team all-star, awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy and was named as a Hart Trophy finalist as League MVP. The following season, he was selected to play in his first NHL All-Star Game.

On February 8, 2012, Kiprusoff became the 27th goalie in NHL history to record his 300th career win. He reached the mark with a 4-3 victory over his former team, the San Jose Sharks. He would also notch his 300th win as a member of the Flames, a 4-1 decision over the Sharks on March 6, 2013. He would finish his career with 319 career wins; 305 with the Flames.

"My boys, Aaro and Oskar (Päka), were too young to really understand how special it was to play in the NHL and how important the team and players are to Calgary fans. I can't wait for March and share this experience with my family."

Kiprusoff represented Finland several times on the international stage, earning silver medals at the World Championships in 1999 and 2001, as well as leading his country to a second-place finish at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He also helped the Finnish national team win the bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Kiprusoff formally announced his retirement from the Flames and the NHL on September 9, 2013. Miikka, his wife Seidi and boys Aaro and Oskar (Päka) reside year-round in Helsinki, Finland.