Giordano was a pillar both on the ice and in the community.
He walked through the doors at the Scotiabank Saddledome thousands of times in the past two decades, forging lifelong bonds that will never be forgotten.
So, when he stepped on the ice at 11:30 a.m. MT for Seattle's morning skate, it all seemed so…strange.
Giordano's departure, after all, came under the most unusual circumstance. There was no trade, no falling out between player and management, no disagreement about the direction of the team, or a desire to test the free market.
"I think there was some shock there for the first few days," he said of the July 1 Expansion Draft. "But after I got home, a few days later, you start planning to get to the city and then the excitement came.
"I know I've played a long time, but it's a new start for me, it's a new set of eyes watching me every night. Just looking forward to having a good year."
For some, the shock will understandably endure a bit longer.
The icy blue and 'midnight' colours are, admittedly, a stark contrast to the sizzling, C of Red.
And that's OK.
Giordano played at such a high level for so long, and as one of the great humans to ever grace our community, it's impossible think to think back at his immeasurable impact. He seemingly got better with age, matured as a leader and inspired every one of his teammates with an unparralled attention to detail and commitment to his craft.
"I think he was a perfect example for me on the ice and off the ice, being our biggest leader, being our captain," said Juuso Valimaki. "To see what he does every day, he's a true, true professional.
"He's the type of player that I want to become someday.
"He does it all and doesn't make mistakes. I think it was a perfect all around to look up from him and learn from him every day. He was a great guy in the room and an amazing guy to be around.
"Now we've got to learn how to live without him and play against him.
Last year, at age 37, he played in all 56 games and led the Flames in ice time at 22:57 per game, winning the inaugural Clayton H. Riddell Award as the team's top rearguard.
This, after winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top blueliner two years prior.
That campaign remains Gio's favourite in Flames duds. The individual achievement was the cherry on top of a magical regular season, with the locals winning 50 games and capturing the Pacific Division crown.
Flames fans will have a chance to salute the former skipper during the first TV timeout tonight. It promises to be electric and you can watch it all unfold live, right here on CalgaryFlames.com.
While there's little question that Gio will be happy to get this moment out of the way so early in the season, you can't help but think it will be an emotional night for him, too.
It is, after all, a chance to say so long and good luck.
But most importantly…
Thank you.
"I developed so many relationships," Giordano said. "I grew up as an adult here. The thing that I would want (the fans) to remember me as, I think playing well or playing poorly, I gave it my all every shift and every night and I'll continue to do that.
"That's the one thing I hope they'll remember me (for)."
