Since joining the Flames last summer, head coach Glen Gulutzan has worked closely with Giordano and is still amazed at the sheer volume of his captain's community work.
"The biggest thing you see is the time and effort he puts in with his foundation, with charity events and the stuff he just takes on himself without anyone asking," said Gulutzan. "And he does it without seeking any credit or notoriety … he just wants to give back.
"He sets a great example, too … our young guys see what it is to be an NHL player - a player in a Canadian city - and how you have to give back and give your time.
"He's a big reason we're so involved in the community. We have lots of guys that are involved but when your captain is involved to the extent Gio is, the young guys see that and realize this is the way it is here. They've got a role model as soon as they enter the league and see that this is a part of the game and our organization."
In his 11 years with the Flames, Giordano has worked with a multitude of community organizations, ranging from his 5-For-5 program with Habitat For Humanity, acting as a spokesman for the Reading … Give It A Shot! program, his involvement with Flames Foundation events, and his work with Hockey Alberta to make the game more accessible at a grassroots level.
He and his wife Lauren's latest initiative, Team Giordano, is one of the Flames' most ambitious and wide-ranging player programs and has impacted the lives of thousands of students across the city. Partnered with the Calgary Board of Education, the program has worked with four high-needs schools in providing resources necessary for students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. It aims to encourage physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, community involvement, and leadership skills.
Founded in 2014, Team Giordano has donated $300,000 to the schools to purchase new computers, school supplies, gym equipment, and a journal for students.
