The Calgary Flames have officially unveiled the details surrounding the highly anticipated jersey retirement ceremony for franchise icon Miikka Kiprusoff. In a grand event presented by Michelob Ultra, Kiprusoff’s iconic No. 34 will ascend to the rafters of Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, March 2, coinciding with the Flames’ exhilarating clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Time: 6:20 PM local time
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Coming to Saturday’s game to watch Kipper’s #34 head to the rafters? Make sure you arrive early for the ceremony!#Flames | @MichelobULTRACA pic.twitter.com/b0nPIZrogZ
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 1, 2024
The evening’s festivities will commence at 5:30 PM with the opening of the doors to Scotiabank Saddledome, welcoming fans to partake in this historic moment. The ceremonial proceedings will kick off at 6:20 PM on the ice, followed by the customary warmup sessions for both the Flames and Penguins. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM.
The ceremony promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring exclusive appearances by Calgary Flames Alumni, captivating displays of Hockey Hall of Fame trophies commemorating Kiprusoff’s illustrious career, a touching video tribute, and a heartfelt message of gratitude from the man of the hour himself.
As the ceremony reaches its crescendo, Kiprusoff’s No. 34 jersey will gracefully ascend to the rafters, joining the esteemed company of Lanny McDonald, Jarome Iginla, Mike Vernon, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Al MacInnis.
Special Events Surrounding Miikka Kiprusoff’s Jersey Retirement:
In addition to the ceremony, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy an extended hockey happy hour, featuring select food and beverage items available for just $6.
Furthermore, fans can commemorate this momentous occasion by purchasing a limited edition Miikka Kiprusoff branded can, courtesy of Banded Peak, available at various locations within Scotiabank Saddledome.
For an extra special memory, fans can capture a unique photo opportunity with a Kiprusoff-branded goalie mask on the main concourse.
To mark this historic event, every fan in attendance will receive a limited-edition t-shirt celebrating Kiprusoff’s enduring legacy, thoughtfully placed on every seat at Scotiabank Saddledome prior to the game. Additionally, exclusive Original 16 Miikka Kiprusoff aluminum draught cups will be available at select locations on the main concourse.
Notable Achievements of Miikka Kiprusoff:
Hailing from Turku, Finland, Kiprusoff dedicated nine of his 12-year career to the Flames, ultimately retiring as the franchise’s leader in various statistical categories. His remarkable career boasted 305 wins, 41 shutouts, a 2.46 goals against average, a .913 save percentage, and an impressive 576 games played as a goaltender.
“So many good memories from here, now coming back with my family, it’s a great feeling.”
Miikka Kiprusoff looks back on his time with the #Flames and talks about seeing his #34 head up to the rafters on Saturday night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0eWA2sfvT8
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 1, 2024
In the playoffs, Kiprusoff’s legacy shines brightly, holding the franchise record with six shutouts and ranking second in games played and wins, trailing only Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Vernon. Additionally, Kiprusoff claimed the four highest single-season win totals for the Flames, reaching a pinnacle of 45 wins during the 2008-09 season.
Kiprusoff’s exceptional performance earned him three nominations as a Vezina Trophy finalist, clinching the award for the NHL’s top goaltender in 2006. During that remarkable season, he boasted a stellar 42-20-11 record, accompanied by a team-record 10 shutouts, solidifying his place in Flames’ lore.
Let us come together to celebrate the remarkable career of Miikka Kiprusoff, an enduring symbol of excellence and dedication in the world of hockey.