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Jarome Iginla
Jarome Iginla. 2008
Born (1977-07-01)July 1, 1977,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height
Weight
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position Right Wing
Shoots Right
Pro clubs Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins
Boston Bruins
Colorado Avalanche
Los Angeles Kings
NHL Draft 11th overall, 1995
Dallas Stars
Playing career 1996–2017
Hall of Fame, 2020


Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla[1][2]; born July 1, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger. He played over 1500 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

In junior, Iginla was a member of two Memorial Cup winning teams with the Kamloops Blazers and was named the Western Hockey League (WHL) Player of the Year in 1996. He was selected 11th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but was traded to Calgary prior to making his NHL debut. Nicknamed "Iggy", he led the NHL in goals and points in 2001–02, and won the Lester B. Pearson Award as its most valuable player as voted by the players. In 2003–04, Iginla led the league in goals for the second time and captained the Flames to the Stanley Cup Finals, leading the playoffs in goals.

A six-time NHL All-Star, Iginla is the Flames' all-time leader in goals, points, and games played, and is second in assists to Al MacInnis. Iginla scored 50 goals in a season on two occasions and is one of seven players in NHL history to score 30 goals in 11 consecutive seasons. He is one of 20 players in NHL history to score over 600 goals and is one of 34 players to record 1,300 points in his career. He is a past winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award and has been recognized by both the Flames and the league for his community work; while a member of the Flames, Iginla donated $2,000 to the children's charity Kidsport for every goal he scored. His number 12 was retired by the Flames during a pre-game ceremony on March 2, 2019.

Internationally, Iginla has represented Canada on numerous occasions. He was a member of championship teams at the 1996 World Junior and 1997 World Championships as well as the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He is a three-time Olympian and two-time gold medal winner, including at the 2002 Winter Olympics where he helped lead Canada to its first Olympic hockey championship in 50 years.

Iginla was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020,[3] during his first year of eligibility.[4] Iginla is the fourth Black player inducted after Grant Fuhr, women's hockey pioneer Angela James, and Willie O'Ree.

Early life[]

Iginla was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in the adjoining city of St. Albert.[5][6] His father, a lawyer, was originally from Nigeria and changed his first name from Adekunle to Elvis when he arrived in Canada.[6] His surname means "Big tree" in Yoruba, his father's native language.[7] Iginla's mother, Susan Schuchard, is originally from Oregon, and has worked as a massage therapist and music teacher. Iginla grew up with his mother and grandparents after his parents divorced when he was a year old.[6][8]

In addition to hockey, Iginla played baseball as a young man and was the catcher on the Canadian national junior team.[7] Before hockey, baseball was Iginla's favorite sport and his earliest sports memories were of attending amateur baseball tournaments in Western Canada.[9] He played baseball until he was about 17 years old and later in life told Sports Illustrated that he had hoped to become a two-sport professional athlete like Bo Jackson.[10]

He credits his grandfather for his hockey career, as with his mother working and father attending law school, he would not have had the opportunity to play sports at a high level if not for his grandfather's support.[11] Iginla grew up admiring other Black hockey players, including Edmonton Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr. Emulating Fuhr, Iginla played goaltender in his first two years of organized hockey before switching to the right wing.[12] He played his entire minor hockey career in St. Albert, leading the Alberta Midget Hockey League in scoring as a 15-year-old with 87 points for the St. Albert Midget Raiders in 1992–93.[7]

Playing career[]

Junior[]

Iginla played three years with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). As a 16-year-old in 1993–94, he recorded six goals and 29 points in 48 regular season games before playing an additional 19 in the playoffs.[13] The Blazers captured both the league title and the 1994 Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship.[14] In reference to the Blazers' dominance of the league at the time (they had won their third WHL title in five seasons), Iginla described the expectations of success as being similar to those placed on the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL's most successful franchise: "When you put on a Blazers jersey, it's like putting on the Canadians'. You've got to perform."[15]

Iginla scored 33 goals and 71 points in 1994–95, his first full WHL season.[13] The Blazers repeated as league champions, earning a trip to the 1995 Memorial Cup. Iginla scored five goals in the tournament to lead the Blazers to a second consecutive national championship. He received the George Parsons Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player of the tournament.[16]

The Dallas Stars selected Iginla with their first pick, 11th overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft; however, on December 20, 1995, they traded him to the Calgary Flames, along with Corey Millen, for the rights to forward Joe Nieuwendyk, who was then in a contract dispute with the Flames.[17]

In his final season in Kamloops in 1995–96, Iginla finished fourth in league scoring with 136 points, including 63 goals in 63 games played, and was awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the league's most outstanding player.[18] The Blazers were upset in the Western Conference Final by the Spokane Chiefs, but Iginla still finished fourth in playoff scoring, recording 29 points in 16 games.[19] His performance during the season earned him an invitation to play for Team Canada at the 1996 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Boston, where he led the tournament in scoring with 12 points and helped Canada to its fourth consecutive gold medal.[20]

Calgary Flames[]

Iginla made his NHL debut in the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs, as he was signed to a contract and flown to Calgary immediately after his junior season ended in Kamloops. He appeared in two games for the Flames in their series against the Chicago Blackhawks. In doing so, he became the first 18-year-old to play for the Flames since Dan Quinn in 1983.[21] In his first NHL game, Iginla assisted on a Theoren Fleury goal to record his first point;[22] he scored his first goal in his second game.[23] He remained with the Flames, and played his first NHL season in 1996–97. He earned a spot on that year's NHL All-Rookie Team and finished as the runner-up to Bryan Berard in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year after leading all first-year players in scoring with 50 points.[24]

By his third season, 1998–99, Iginla led the Flames in goals with 28.[24] His success complicated negotiations for a new contract, as he and the Flames struggled to agree on a new deal following the season. Hoping to help resolve the contract impasse, Iginla agreed to attend training camp without a contract and purchased his own insurance as the team would not have been responsible financially if he suffered an injury. He remained without a contract at the start of the 1999–2000 season and missed the first three games as a holdout before signing a three-year deal worth US$4.9 million, plus bonuses.[24][25] He finished the year with career highs in goals (29) and points (63). He then topped both marks in 2000–01 by recording 31 goals and 71 points.[24]

After participating in Canada's Olympic summer camp before the season, Iginla again set new personal highs in 2001–02 when he registered 52 goals and 96 points. This season elevated Iginla to superstar status.[26] He earned the Art Ross and Maurice Richard trophies as the NHL's leading point and goal scorer, respectively.[24] He was also awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the league's most valuable player as voted by his peers, and was a nominee for both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The Hart Trophy voting proved to be controversial: Iginla tied Canadiens goaltender José Théodore in voting points, but received fewer first place votes than Théodore.[27] However, one voter, rumoured to be from Quebec—Théodore and the Canadiens' home province—inexplicably left Iginla off his ballot. As a result of the controversy that followed, the Professional Hockey Writers Association changed the rules on how its members voted for the award to prevent a recurrence.[28]

There were fears Iginla would again hold out after his contract expired following the season.[29] They were unfounded, however, as he signed a two-year, $13 million deal before the season and was looked on to again lead the Flames offensively.[30] Iginla fell back to 67 points in 2002–03 as injuries, including a lingering finger dislocation following a fight, diminished his play.[31] His 35 goals were still enough to lead the Flames for the fourth time in five seasons.[24] Despite his offensive contributions, the Flames missed the playoffs.[32]

Flames captaincy[]

At the start of the 2003–04 season, Iginla was named the 18th captain in Flames franchise history, and 14th since the team moved to Calgary from Atlanta in 1980.[33] His predecessor as captain, Craig Conroy, cited Iginla's experience and leadership for his decision to relinquish the captaincy. "He was a leader on that team and old enough to where he'd been there a long time. It was time for him. He took us to the Stanley Cup Final that year so it worked out pretty well."[34] Iginla was reported to be the first black captain in NHL history,[35] though former Blackhawks captain Dirk Graham, who is of African descent, has also been said to hold that honour.[36]

Iginla responded to being named captain by capturing his second Rocket Richard Trophy, sharing the goal-scoring title with Ilya Kovalchuk and Rick Nash with 41 goals.[37] The Flames qualified for the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs as the sixth seed, the team's first playoff appearance in eight years.[38] Iginla led all playoff scorers with 13 goals as he captained the Flames to their first Stanley Cup finals appearance in 15 years. The Flames were unable to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning, however, falling to the Eastern Conference champions in seven games. A dejected Iginla sat in the Flames locker room after the final game and was met by his father, who told his son that "I'm proud of you. All of Canada is proud of you."[39]

While he was hailed as the best player in the world following his performance in the playoffs,[40][41] Iginla spent the 2004–05 NHL lock-out focused on improving his game further.[42] Following the lock-out, he was named as one of six player representatives on the newly created NHL competition committee, with a mandate to suggest recommendations for ways to improve the game. He held this position until early 2008.[43]

On December 7, 2006, Iginla reached career milestones when he scored his 300th career goal and 600th career point against the Minnesota Wild.[44] He was expected to play in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game in Dallas; however, he missed the game with a knee injury.[45] The injury kept him out of 12 games in 2006–07. He nevertheless scored 94 points, including a career-high 55 assists.[24]

I think it was a very classy thing to do. I think Jarome is one of the most classy players in the league, not only that, he's probably the best player in the league. When you have a captain like that, it was certainly a very classy move on their part, no doubt.
——Trevor Linden, after Iginla led a procession of Flames players in shaking Linden's hand following his final NHL game, April 5, 2008[46]

The 2007–08 season saw Iginla post his second career 50 goal season, adding 48 assists for a career high 98 points,[24] good for third overall in the league.[47] He was voted to the starting line-up of the 2008 NHL All-Star Game along with teammate Dion Phaneuf,[48] and was named captain of the Western All-Star team.[49] He broke the Flames' franchise record for games played when he played his 804th career game on November 29, 2007, against the Anaheim Ducks. He also broke Theoren Fleury's franchise record for goals when he scored his 365th on March 10, 2008, against the St. Louis Blues.[24] Iginla was nominated as a Hart Trophy finalist for league most valuable player for the third time, though he again did not win the award.[50] During the season, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Flames at $7 million per season.[51]

Jarome Iginla silver stick

Iginla is presented with a silver stick in honour of his 400th NHL goal, March 2009.

Iginla continued his pursuit of Fleury's franchise record of 830 points in 2008–09. He recorded his 800th point with a first period assist against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 19, 2008.[52] He ended 2008 with a career high five points in a New Year's Eve game against the Edmonton Oilers. He had 14 previous four point games.[53] In January, he was named to the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal, his fifth such selection.[54] Representing the Western Conference, Iginla scored his first career NHL All-Star Game goal in a 12–11 shootout loss.[55] He passed Fleury as the Flames' all-time scoring leader on March 1, 2009, by recording five points, including his 400th career goal, in an 8–6 loss to the Lightning.[56] He finished the season with 35 goals and 89 points, but a disappointing playoff performance led to questions of whether he had been playing with an injury. Iginla quickly denied the rumour, admitted that he had not played with the level of consistency he expected and stated that he would spend the summer focused on improving his play in 2009–10.[57]

Milestones[]

The Flames struggled in 2009–10, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2003.[58] Iginla accepted responsibility for the team's failure, admitting that finishing around 70 points for the season was "not enough".[59] The Flames' declining fortunes and Iginla's season led to increasing questions on whether he could be traded from the team with whom he has played his entire NHL career.[60] Iginla, who would have to approve any trade the team attempts to make due to a no-movement clause in his contract, expressed that he did not wish to leave Calgary, but would accommodate a trade if the Flames wished to do so.[61] Former Flames' general manager Craig Button argued against trading Iginla, blaming a lack of complementary players for both Iginla and Calgary's failures: "There's nothing easier in hockey than to be able to shut down one player. And the Calgary Flames, I would argue, have made it really easy for teams to shut down Jarome."[62] The Flames publicly stated that they had no plans to trade him.[63] Individually, Iginla reached 900 career points in a two-goal, two-assist effort against the Oilers on January 30, 2010.[64] Six nights later, he played his 1,000th career game against the Florida Panthers.[65] Iginla struggled offensively to begin the 2010–11 season, and with the Flames falling to the bottom of the standings, there was renewed speculation over his future in Calgary. Team management repeatedly reiterated that they were not interested in moving him to another team.[66][67] Improving his game as the season wore on, Iginla reached another personal milestone, recording his 500th career assist on January 11, 2011, the same day he was named to play in his sixth All-Star Game.[68] He announced several days later that he had declined to play in the All-Star Game as he wished to spend the time with his ailing grandmother.[69]

Iginla scored his 30th goal of the season on a penalty shot against the Nashville Predators on March 6, 2011, and in doing so became the 10th player in NHL history to score at least 30 goals in ten consecutive seasons.[70] A month later, he scored his 1,000th career point, notching the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues in a 3–2 win on April 1, 2011.[71]

Iginla scored his 500th goal on January 7, 2012, against Niklas Bäckström of the Minnesota Wild in a 3–1 victory. He was the 42nd player in league history to achieve the feat, and the 15th to do so with one organization.[72] Midway through the 2011–12 season, Iginla was named an All-Star for the seventh time in his career (the sixth played), representing the Flames at the 2012 All-Star Game.[73] Iginla scored his 30th goal of the 2011–12 season in a 3–2 win against goaltender Antti Niemi of the San Jose Sharks on March 13, 2012. He is the seventh player in league history to score 30 goals in 11 consecutive seasons.[74]

Pittsburgh and Boston[]

Iginla states intently into the distance as he skates near a net.

Iginla in 2014 with the Boston Bruins

Playing the final year of his contract in 2012–13 and with the team languishing near the bottom of the NHL standings, speculation about Iginla's future in Calgary was again raised as April 3, 2013, trade deadline neared.[75] National media outlets reported that Iginla, who had a clause in his contract preventing the Flames from moving him to another team without his permission, had given the organization a list of four teams he would be willing to accept a trade with: the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins or Pittsburgh Penguins.[76] Those four teams had won the last four championships and all four would go on to make the conference finals that season. The Bruins were considered the leading contender to acquire Iginla's services, and after he was held out of the line-up of Calgary's March 27, 2013, game against the Colorado Avalanche, it was reported that a trade between the two teams had been completed.[77] Instead, Iginla's 16-year career in Calgary ended when he was sent to the Penguins in exchange for Pittsburgh's first round selection at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and college prospects Kenny Agostino and Ben Hanowski.[78] Iginla stated that playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin played a factor in his decision to move to the Penguins.[79] The Bruins and Penguins met in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. Despite having the top scoring offence in the league, the Penguins lost the series without winning a game. Iginla, along with Crosby, Malkin, James Neal and Kris Letang, registered a combined 0 points in the series. Iginla was moved to the third line after a 6–1 Game 2 loss. Bruins forward Milan Lucic said after the series that Iginla's spurning of Boston ignited the series sweep: "When a guy chooses another team over your team, it does light a little bit of a fire underneath you."[80]

As a free agent following the season, Iginla chose to go to Boston and signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Bruins.[81] He required nine games before scoring his first goal as a Bruin, as part of a 2–1 win over the San Jose Sharks,[82] but later settled in on Boston's first line with Milan Lucic and David Krejčí.[83] He made his first return to Calgary on December 10, 2013, where the fans greeted him with a long standing ovation prior to the game as the Flames played a video tribute. Following the contest, a 2–1 Bruins victory, Iginla was named the game's third star and took two laps around the rink to more cheers from the crowd.[84] He recorded his 600th career assist in a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on February 4, 2014.[85]

Colorado and Los Angeles[]

Salary cap constraints prevented the Bruins from re-signing Iginla. Consequently, he left the team as a free agent and signed a three-year, $16 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche.[86] The Avalanche disappointed in 2014–15; by mid-February, they stood in last place in the Central Division, though Iginla himself was among the team's leading scorers.[87] He led the team with 29 goals, however the Avalanche failed to qualify for the playoffs.[88] On January 4, 2016, Iginla became the 19th player in NHL history to score 600 career goals. His milestone marker came in a 4–1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.[89] On December 10, 2016, Iginla played in his 1,500th NHL game, a 10–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. He is the 16th player to reach this milestone.[90]

On March 1, 2017, Iginla was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a 2018 conditional fourth-round pick.[91] He chose to wear the number 88, as number 12 was already taken by Marián Gáborík.[92] As a 10-year-old, Iginla had purchased a Kings jersey and placed his name and the number 88 on the back after Wayne Gretzky was traded to the team.[92] Kings general manager Dean Lombardi hoped a fresh start for Iginla would ignite him after playing for a struggling team in Colorado.[92]

Iginla was not re-signed by the Kings for the 2017–18 season.[93] It was reported that he had hip surgery in the autumn of 2017, but that he hoped to make a return to the NHL when interviewed during a practice that he took part in with the Providence Bruins in February 2018.[94]

On July 30, 2018, Iginla announced his retirement.[95]

On June 24, 2020, Iginla was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame, in his first year of eligibility.[4]

International play[]

JaromeIginla2010WinterOlympicsfaceoff

Iginla won gold medals at the Olympics in 2002 and 2010

Iginla first represented Canada at the 1994 Nations Cup, an unsanctioned tournament for players under the age of 18. He led Canada in scoring with five goals and nine points as it won the gold medal.[96] Two years later, he joined the national junior team at the 1996 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He led the tournament in scoring with five goals and 12 points as Canada won its fourth consecutive gold medal. He was named an all-star and the tournament's top forward.[7][20] One year later, Iginla played in his first tournament with the senior team, competing at the 1997 World Championships as a 19-year-old, the youngest player on the team.[97] He recorded two goals and three assists in 11 games as Canada won the gold medal.[13]

A late invitation to join Team Canada's summer camp in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics helped Iginla emerge as a star player. He was so surprised by the invitation he initially thought one of his Calgary Flames teammates was playing a prank on him.[98] He scored two goals in the gold medal game, a 5–2 victory over the United States, as Canada won its first Olympic gold medal in 50 years.[99] With this win, Iginla became the first Black man to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.[100] Iginla also represented Canada at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey as an alternate captain, playing on a line with Joe Sakic and Mario Lemieux.[101] Canada won the gold medal.[102]

Iginla participated in his second Olympics and was an alternate captain at the 2006 Turin games, recording three points in six games.[13] The Canadians were unable to defend their 2002 gold medal, losing to Russia in the quarter-finals.[103] Named an alternate captain once again for the 2010 team in Vancouver,[104] he opened the tournament with a hat trick against Norway.[105] He finished as the tournament leader with five goals,[106] and assisted on Sidney Crosby's overtime winning goal in the gold medal final against the United States.[107]

Playing style[]

In his prime, Iginla was considered to be one of the NHL's most prominent power forwards.[108] Upon entering the league, he tried to emulate players like Brendan Shanahan and Keith Tkachuk, hoping to match their combination of finesse and physicality.[41] He was one of the most consistent scorers in the league; between 1998 and 2008, only Jaromír Jágr scored more NHL goals than Iginla.[109] Even so, scouting reports have argued that Iginla's lack of speed makes it easier for opponents to isolate him and restrict his ability to move if his teammates rely on him too much to lead the offence.[110]

Att snvända materialet i ishockeyklubban som är gjord av Carbon är viktigt för att öka hastigheten i skottet

Iginla taking a shot.

The abuse he faced at the hands of opponents early in his NHL career prompted Iginla's coaches to work at developing his physical play. While he was not enthusiastic about fighting, Iginla accepted then head coach Brian Sutter's arguments that he needed to adopt a more aggressive style to improve as a player. Iginla is most effective when he has room to manoeuvre, and to create that space, he had to intimidate his opponents.[111] The lessons Iginla learned have carried throughout his career. "You've got a power forward who does it all," said Craig Conroy. "I mean, he'll fight, and hit, and score goals. Maybe it's not the end-to-end rushes, but he does all those little things that win games and get things done."[112] His opponents also respect his play. Rob Blake said that while Iginla is not known for fancy play, "he'll run you over. Or he'll fight somebody. And then he'll score a goal. He does pretty much everything you'd want a guy to do."[109]

Iginla has recorded several Gordie Howe hat tricks – a fight, a goal and an assist in the same game – and as it is not an official statistic, The Hockey News estimated that as of 2012, he was the active leader with nine.[113] His fights, including one with Tampa Bay Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier in the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, have had a motivating effect on his play and that of his teammates.[114] Iginla has suffered injuries as a result of his fighting, including a broken hand from a 2003 fight with Bill Guerin of the Dallas Stars.[115] His physical style of play also leads to a greater risk of persistent injuries and penalties.[110] Iginla's truculent style of play has gained approval from hockey commentator Don Cherry. In 2008 during a ceremonial handshake initiated by Iginla to Trevor Linden in his last game, Linden told Iginla he was the best player in the game at that time.

He commands the respect of his peers, and has been known to stand up to the coaching staff to defend a fellow player. Former teammate Andrew Ference — a former Bruins player himself, before Iginla's arrival on the Boston team's roster — once described following Iginla as like "following a friend."[109] Preferring to lead by example, Iginla is not regarded as a vocal captain. He likes to speak with players individually, and tries to ensure that all of his teammates are comfortable.[34] He was named the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2009.[116]

Personal life[]

Iginla married his high school sweetheart, Kara, and the couple have three children: daughter Jade and sons Tij and Joe. They had been dating since they were in grade eight.[7] His daughter Jade attended and played hockey for Shattuck-Saint Mary's and Kelowna's RINK Hockey Academy, before attending Brown University and playing for the Brown Bears in the NCAA.[117] Internationally she has played for Team Canada.[118] Tij was taken by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the first round of the WHL Bantam Draft, and will make his debut in the 2022–23 season.[117]

Iginla has four paternal half-siblings; two brothers, Jason and Stephen, and two sisters, Theresa and Elizabeth.[119] Theresa played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's hockey team for three seasons from 2004 to 2007. Jarome is an avid golfer and a regular participant in the Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic.[7]

Iginla is a Christian.[120] He has spoken about his faith in Jesus by saying, “I believe He died for us, and I believe He’s there for us and we can lean on Him. And I do.”[121]

Iginla is well known for his kind-hearted nature. Former Flames General manager Craig Button described Iginla as being grounded: "He doesn't carry himself with any attitude or arrogance. He's confident in his abilities. He's self-assured. He's genuine. He's a better person than he is a player, and we all know what kind of player he is."[122] In 2002, while in Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympic Games, Iginla struck up a conversation with four Calgarians sitting next to his table, and found out they were sleeping in their car outside of the hotel. He excused himself from the conversation, and booked them accommodations at his own expense at the hotel his family was staying in.[123]

Since 2002,[124] he has operated the Jarome Iginla Hockey School in Calgary as a non-profit organization, donating proceeds to the Diabetes Research Association.[7] In 2004, he was awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award for his community service and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in recognition of his humanitarian contributions.[125] Iginla supports many charities. In 2000, he began donating $1,000 per goal he scored to KidSport, a figure he doubled to $2,000 in 2005. Between 2000 and 2013, he donated more than $700,000 from this initiative.[126]

Iginla is a part owner of the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, for whom he played during his junior hockey days.[127] He purchased a minority share in the franchise, along with fellow NHL players Shane Doan, Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor, in October 2007.[128] He is also an ambassador with the NHL Diversity program, which supports youth hockey organizations that offer economically disadvantaged kids the opportunity to play.[129] Since 2008, he has been a hockey spokesperson for Scotiabank, appearing in commercials and at events supporting its grassroots hockey programs,[130] as well as for Samsung Canada.[131]

He was the cover athlete and spokesperson for the EA Sports video game NHL 2003.[132]

Since retiring, Iginla has resided in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts[133] and Kelowna, British Columbia.

Career statistics[]

Regular season and playoffs[]

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1993–94 Kamloops Blazers WHL 48 6 23 29 33 19 3 6 9 10
1994–95 Kamloops Blazers WHL 72 33 38 71 111 21 7 11 18 34
1995–96 Kamloops Blazers WHL 63 63 73 136 120 16 16 13 29 44
1995–96 Calgary Flames NHL 2 1 1 2 0
1996–97 Calgary Flames NHL 82 21 29 50 37
1997–98 Calgary Flames NHL 70 13 19 32 29
1998–99 Calgary Flames NHL 82 28 23 51 58
1999–00 Calgary Flames NHL 77 29 34 63 26
2000–01 Calgary Flames NHL 77 31 40 71 62
2001–02 Calgary Flames NHL 82 52 44 96 77
2002–03 Calgary Flames NHL 75 35 32 67 49
2003–04 Calgary Flames NHL 81 41 32 73 84 26 13 9 22 45
2005–06 Calgary Flames NHL 82 35 32 67 86 7 5 3 8 11
2006–07 Calgary Flames NHL 70 39 55 94 40 6 2 2 4 12
2007–08 Calgary Flames NHL 82 50 48 98 83 7 4 5 9 2
2008–09 Calgary Flames NHL 82 35 54 89 37 6 3 1 4 0
2009–10 Calgary Flames NHL 82 32 37 69 56
2010–11 Calgary Flames NHL 82 43 43 86 40
2011–12 Calgary Flames NHL 82 32 35 67 43
2012–13 Calgary Flames NHL 31 9 13 22 22
2012–13 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 13 5 6 11 9 15 4 8 12 16
2013–14 Boston Bruins NHL 78 30 31 61 47 12 5 2 7 12
2014–15 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 29 30 59 42
2015–16 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 22 25 47 41
2016–17 Colorado Avalanche NHL 61 8 10 18 54
2016–17 Los Angeles Kings NHL 19 6 3 9 16
NHL totals 1,554 625 675 1,300 1,040 81 37 31 68 98

International[]

Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
1996 Canada WJC Gold medal icon 6 5 7 12 4
1997 Canada WC Gold medal icon 11 2 3 5 2
2002 Canada OG Gold medal icon 6 3 1 4 0
2004 Canada WCH Gold medal icon 6 2 1 3 2
2006 Canada OG 7th 6 2 1 3 4
2010 Canada OG Gold medal icon 7 5 2 7 0
Junior totals 6 5 7 12 4
Senior totals 36 14 8 22 8

Awards and honours[]

National Hockey League
Award Year Ref.
NHL All-Rookie Team 1997 [134]
First Team All-Star 2002, 2008, 2009 [134]
NHL All-Star Game 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
Leading goal scorer
2002, 2004 [135]
Art Ross Trophy
Leading point scorer
2002 [135]
Lester B. Pearson Award
Most Valuable Player as voted by the players
2002 [135]
Second Team All-Star 2004 [134]
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Leadership and humanitarian contributions
2004 [135]
NHL Foundation Player Award
commitment, perseverance and teamwork in the community
2004 [135]
Mark Messier Leadership Award 2009 [135]
Hockey Hall of Fame 2020 [136]
International
Award Year Ref.
World Junior first All-Star team 1996 [137]
World Junior Best Forward 1996 [137]

Junior
Award Year Ref.
Memorial Cup Championship team 1994, 1995 [137]
George Parsons Trophy
Most sportsmanlike player of the Memorial Cup
1995 [16]
WHL West first All-Star team 1996 [138]
Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
WHL player of the year
1996 [139]
CHL first All-Star team 1996 [137]
Team awards
Award Year Ref.
Molson Cup
CGY – Most three star selections
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2011 [140]
Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award
CGY – Humanitarian contributions
2001, 2002 [141]
J. R. McCaig Award
CGY – Respect, courtesy and compassion
2008 [141]

Iignla poses beside a large silver chalice during a pre-game ceremony.

Iginla being honoured as part of a Molson Cup ceremony

See also[]

References[]

General
Footnotes
  1. LaPointe, Joe. "Iginla's dream season heads into overtime", The New York Times, June 18, 2002. 
  2. Wigge, Larry. "Iginla's name is as big as his game", National Hockey League, January 26, 2009. “Jarome Arthur Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla” 
  3. HHOF - Player Details.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Jarome Iginla highlights six-person Hockey Hall of Fame class (en-US).
  5. Jarome Iginla. National Hockey League. “Birthplace: Edmonton, AB, CAN”
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Cazeneuve, Brian. "Jarome Iginla", Sports Illustrated, March 5, 2007. “Adekunle was his first name in Nigeria before he came here [at age 18]; then he changed it to Elvis because he thought it was cool.” 
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Board, Mike (November 29, 2008). "Overtime: #12's Top 10". Blaze Magazine: 6–11. Calgary Flames Hockey Club. 
  8. Jarome Iginla
  9. "JONES: St. Albert's Jarome Iginla shares grand memories on way to hockey's Hall", www.saltwire.com, June 25, 2020. (en) 
  10. "SI Players: Jarome Iginla on his name, youth, music", Sports Illustrated, March 5, 2007. (en-us) 
  11. Spector, Mark (May 27, 2010). Strong roots. Rogers Sportsnet. “I wouldn't have been able to play at all had I not had my grandparents there for me.”
  12. Amber, David (October 28, 2005). Facing Off: Q&A with Jarome Iginla. ESPN. “I was a big fan of Grant Fuhr. I was a big Oilers fan growing up. I started out playing goal ...”
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Player Profile—Jarome Iginla. Hockey Hall of Fame.
  14. in Flett, Cory: 2008–09 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League, 206. 
  15. (1997) The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship. Harbour Publishing, 260. ISBN 1-55017-170-4. 
  16. 16.0 16.1 (1997) The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship. Harbour Publishing, 267. ISBN 1-55017-170-4. 
  17. Duhatschek, Eric. "Flames bank on future", Calgary Herald, December 21, 1995, p. C1. 
  18. in Flett, Cory: 2008–09 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League, 199. 
  19. in Flett, Cory: 2008–09 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League, 165. 
  20. 20.0 20.1 1996 – Boston, United States. The Sports Network.
  21. Board, Mike. "'Iguana' enjoys heat", Calgary Herald, April 22, 1996, p. D3. 
  22. Duhatschek, Eric. "A quick learner", Calgary Herald, April 23, 1996, p. D1. 
  23. Duhatschek, Eric. "Heartbreak", Calgary Herald, April 24, 1996, p. C1. 
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.8 in Hanlon, Peter: 2008–09 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 59–61. 
  25. Board, Mike. "Iginla signs 3-year deal", Calgary Herald, October 9, 1999, p. E1. 
  26. Allen, Kevin. "Iginla ready to break the bank", USA Today, March 5, 2002. 
  27. Harris, Cecil (2003). Breaking the Ice: The Black Experience in Professional Hockey. Insomniac Press, 20. ISBN 1-894663-58-6. 
  28. Dowbiggin, Bruce (March 7, 2008). Hart irony may burn Iginla. Calgary Herald. “... a single writer who inexplicably left Iginla off his ballot... . ..the Professional Hockey Writers Association subsequently made changes to the system to prevent any recurrence ...”
  29. "Jarome Iginla may hold out: report", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, August 21, 2002. “Iginla is contemplating a holdout ... will not report to training camp unless he has a new contract in hand ...” 
  30. Dolezar, John A.. "2002–03 season preview – Calgary Flames", CNN Sports Illustrated, September 16, 2002. 
  31. Canella, Stephen. "Catching Fire", Sports Illustrated, February 16, 2004. 
  32. in Hanlon, Peter: 2008–09 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 133. 
  33. in Hanlon, Peter: 2008–09 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 131. 
  34. 34.0 34.1 Rosen, Dan (December 9, 2008). Iginla honored to be captain of Flames. National Hockey League.
  35. Iginla becomes first Black captain in NHL history. ESPN (October 8, 2003).
  36. McKeon, Ross (January 16, 2008). O'Ree had vision as NHL pioneer. Yahoo! Sports. “Chicago's Dirk Graham was named the league's first black captain [in 1988] ...”
  37. St. Louis wins Art Ross; Iginla shares Richard Trophy. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (April 5, 2004).
  38. Johnson, George (May 23, 2004). Sutter attitude goes a long way. ESPN.
  39. Adelson, Eric (June 14, 2004). Iginla gives Flames hope, even in defeat. ESPN. “I'm proud of you. All of Canada is proud of you.”
  40. Heika, Mike (May 28, 2004). Iginla shining bright for Flames, NHL. Dallas Morning News.
  41. 41.0 41.1 Coffey, Phil (June 2004). The sky's the limit for Iginla. National Hockey League.
  42. Lawrence, Andrew (October 10, 2005). Power Train. Sports Illustrated.
  43. NHL competition committee gets a facelift. Toronto Star (April 22, 2008).
  44. Flames, Canucks clash in Calgary. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (December 9, 2006). “Calgary is coming off a 3–2 shootout loss in Minnesota on Thursday, a contest that saw captain Jarome Iginla score the 300th goal of his career and earn his 600th point.”
  45. Brodeur, Selanne, 28 others join list of NHL All-Stars. ESPN (January 18, 2007). “Iginla ... isn't among the Western Conference's 15 reserves because of a knee injury.”
  46. Dhillon, Sunny (2008). End of An Era?. Vancouver Canucks Hockey Club.
  47. 2007–08 NHL scoring – points. ESPN.
  48. Podell, Ira (January 8, 2008). Red Wings, Penguins' Crosby top NHL All-Star voting. USA Today. “Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf on the blue line while Jarome Iginla ... plays up front ...”
  49. Iginla, Lecavalier to handle captain duties. The Sports Network (January 26, 2008).
  50. Iginla named Hart Trophy finalist. Calgary Flames Hockey Club (April 29, 2008).
  51. Duhatschek, Eric (March 4, 2008). Iginla enjoying the ride. The Globe and Mail.
  52. Board, Mike (December 19, 2008). Iginla notches 800th point. Calgary Flames Hockey Club.
  53. Iginla, Cammalleri both tally five points each as the Flames beat Oilers 6–4. The Hockey News (January 1, 2009). “... both [Cammalleri] and Iginla notched two goals and three assists during a 6–4 win for the Calgary Flames over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.”
  54. Holland, Brad (January 7, 2009). Defense sets the table for Western All-Stars. National Hockey League.
  55. Kovalev scores shootout winner as East beats West. The Sports Network (January 26, 2009).
  56. Lightning rain on Iginla's record-setting night. The Sports Network (March 1, 2009).
  57. Hall, Vicki (April 30, 2009). Iginla nixes injury rumour. Calgary Herald. “"I'm going to take the off-season to recharge, refuel and work at it."”
  58. Hall, Vicki (April 7, 2010). Flames sink to defeat, officially eliminated from playoff race. Calgary Herald.
  59. Duhatschek, Eric (April 6, 2010). Iginla takes blame for playoff pickle. The Globe and Mail.
  60. Duhatschek, Eric. "Iginla's future in Calgary unclear", The Globe and Mail, April 7, 2010. 
  61. Questions swirl around Flames after fall from contention. The Sports Network (April 7, 2010).
  62. Bradford, Keith (April 10, 2010). Star needs better supporting cast: former GM. Calgary Herald.
  63. Iginla happy to stay a Flame. Calgary Flames Hockey Club (June 8, 2010).
  64. Slumping Oilers winless in 13 games after loss to Flames. The Sports Network (January 31, 2010). “Iginla's assist on Bourque's goal was his 900th career point.”
  65. Mingo, Rita. "Flames warriors set to join elite company", Calgary Herald, February 5, 2010. 
  66. Sportak, Randy. "Iginla rests easy after Flames quash trade rumours", November 22, 2010. “Last summer, he was told by the Flames ownership group he wouldn't be asked to accept a trade, which was reiterated recently amidst a spate of chatter of a deal which would send the face of the franchise for the past decade to the Los Angeles Kings.” 
  67. Acting GM Feaster figuring out what Flames need. The Sports Network (January 4, 2011). “... captain Jarome Iginla and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff – Feaster is loathe to ask either of them to go elsewhere in a trade.”
  68. Canes keep rolling as Jeff Skinner, Cam Ward bury Flames in SO. ESPN (January 11, 2011). “Iginla, named an All-Star for the sixth time, registered the 500th assist of his career ...”
  69. "Iginla will miss All-Star Game", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, January 19, 2011. 
  70. Iginla tops 30 goals in 10th straight year in win over Preds. The Sports Network (March 6, 2011).
  71. Jarome Iginla reaches 1,000 points as Flames rally past Blues. ESPN (April 1, 2011).
  72. Kimelman, Adam. "NHL Fills out All-Star game roster", National Hockey League, January 12, 2012. 
  73. MacFarlane, Steve. "Iggy rated an all-star", Calgary Sun, January 13, 2012, p. S11. 
  74. "Flames top Sharks in OT as Jarome Iginla reaches 30 goals for 11th straight season", ESPN, March 13, 2012. 
  75. Francis, Eric. "Iggy, Flames not talking", Calgary Sun, March 10, 2013, p. S2. 
  76. "Destination unknown", Calgary Sun, March 25, 2013, p. S3. 
  77. Johnson, George. "Iginla trade imminent", Calgary Herald, March 28, 2013, p. F1. 
  78. "Jarome Iginla traded to Penguins", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, March 28, 2013. 
  79. Perry, Rob. "Sidney Crosby Helped Lure Jarome Iginla to Pittsburg", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, March 30, 2013. 
  80. "Milan Lucic Says Jarome Iginla Did 'Light a Fire' Underneath Bruins by Choosing to Join Penguins", NESN. 
  81. "Iginla chooses to continue his career with Bruins", The Sports Network, July 5, 2013. 
  82. "Bruins solve Sharks behind David Krejci goal with less than second left", ESPN, October 24, 2013. 
  83. Johnson, George. "Iginla's return a bigger pandemonium than some teammates expected", Calgary Herald, December 9, 2013. 
  84. Johnson, George. "Unforgettable night as fans pay emotional tribute to Iginla", Calgary Herald, December 11, 2013. 
  85. "Jarome Iginla, Milan Lucic lead Bruins over struggling Canucks", ESPN, February 4, 2014. 
  86. Avalanche sign Iginla to three-years, $16 million deal. The Sports Network (July 1, 2014).
  87. Sadowski, Rick. "Iginla believes Avalanche heading in right direction", National Hockey League, February 18, 2015. 
  88. Chambers, Mike. "Jarome Iginla an asset for Colorado Avalanche, not an issue", The Denver Post, April 19, 2015. 
  89. Frei, Terry. "Milestone by Iginla highlights rout of L.A.", The Denver Post, January 5, 2016, p. 1B. 
  90. Farrell, Sean (December 10, 2016). Canadiens score 10 in win against Avalanche. National Hockey League.
  91. "Avalanche trade veteran forward Jarome Iginla to L.A. Kings", Sportsnet.ca, March 1, 2017. 
  92. 92.0 92.1 92.2 Dillman, Lisa (March 1, 2017). Jarome Iginla to wear No. 88 with Kings. National Hockey League.
  93. "Los Angeles Kings Should Re-Sign Jarome Iginla", December 1, 2017. 
  94. "Jarome Iginla eyes NHL Return", February 21, 2018. 
  95. Iginla retires after 20 NHL seasons. National Hockey League (July 30, 2018).
  96. La Copa Mexico 1994. Hockey Canada.
  97. 1997 IIHF World Championship. Hockey Canada.
  98. Johnson, George (August 20, 2009). Iginla for captain, and that's no joke. National Post.(subscription required)
  99. "Stand on guard for thee", CNN Sports Illustrated, February 24, 2002. 
  100. Zernike, Kate. "OLYMPICS: THE PIONEER; A Humble Iginla Raises His Profile", The New York Times, February 25, 2002. 
  101. Brodeur nabs first shutout of World Cup. ESPN (September 8, 2008).
  102. Lapointe, Joe. "Canada's Cup Victory May End Up Half Empty", The New York Times, September 15, 2004. 
  103. Gretzky questions future role with Hockey Canada. ESPN (February 23, 2006).
  104. Wyman, Ted. "Cream of the crop", December 21, 2008. 
  105. Jarome Iginla's hat trick propels Canada to 8–0 win. The Vancouver Sun (February 17, 2010).
  106. Goal scoring leaders – Men. CTV.
  107. Wharnsin, Tim. "Canada outlasts U.S. for hockey gold", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, February 28, 2010. 
  108. Nichols, Chris (September 18, 2008). NHL Power Brokers. Rogers Sportsnet.
  109. 109.0 109.1 109.2 Cruikshank, Scott (January 4, 2008). Iginla's scoring consistency amazes most. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix.
  110. 110.0 110.1 Yorio, Kara. "Scouting Report: Jarome Iginla, RW, Calgary Flames", The Sporting News, March 15, 2004, p. 61. 
  111. Maki, Allan. "Sutter tries to light flame under Iginla", The Globe and Mail, October 16, 1998, p. S5. 
  112. Hall, Vicki (October 9, 2008). Avery takes jab at Iginla. Calgary Herald.
  113. (March 16, 2012) "Howe to Hat Trick". The Hockey News 65. ISSN 0018-3016. 
  114. Calgary wins with intensity, goaltending. ESPN (May 30, 2004).
  115. Maki, Allan. "Iginla says fight not to blame for injured knee", The Globe and Mail, January 5, 2007. 
  116. Ovechkin captures Hart and Pearson Awards in Las Vegas. The Sports Network (June 18, 2009).
  117. 117.0 117.1 You know Jarome Iginla. Now meet the next generation of Iginlas making their mark (April 26, 2022).
  118. Daughter of Flames great Jarome Iginla to play for Canada at women's U18 worlds (May 30, 2022).
  119. Elicksen, Debbie (2003). Positive Sports. Freelance Communications, 90. ISBN 0-9730237-3-2. 
  120. Gulbranson, Davin. Jarome Iginla—The Smile Says It All. City Light News. “His mom is a Buddhist; his dad, a Christian. "I was playing in Kamloops as a junior when I actually accepted Christ as my Savior."”
  121. Jarome Iginla inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame after 20-year NHL career leaning on God (June 25, 2020).
  122. Ross, Sherry. "Jarome Iginla becoming hottest ticket in Canada", Daily News, October 6, 2002. 
  123. Francis, Eric (November 3, 2007). Iggy's Salt of the Earth. Calgary Sun.
  124. Willie O'Ree to appear at Jarome Iginla Hockey School. Canoe.ca (July 26, 2002).
  125. 2003–04 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner – Jarome Iginla. Hockey Hall of Fame.
  126. Zickefoose, Sherri. "Superstar's touch will continue to benefit charities: Iginla has been ambassador for non-profit body", Calgary Herald, March 28, 2013. 
  127. Meet the Kamloops Blazers owners. Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club.
  128. WHL Board of Governors Approve Sale of the Kamloops Blazers. Western Hockey League (October 10, 2007).
  129. Elicksen, Debbie (2003). Positive Sports. Freelance Communications, 49. ISBN 0-9730237-3-2. 
  130. Calgary Flames Captain Jarome Iginla Laces Up to Join Scotiabank's 2008–2009 NHL Lineup as Special Advisor on Hockey. Bank of Nova Scotia (October 2, 2008).
  131. Dickie, Mary (January 2009). Samsung's human touch. Strategy Magazine. Brunico Communications.
  132. Bonanno, Rocky (June 22, 2009). Kane lands on EA SPORTS NHL 10 cover. National Hockey League.
  133. Shinzawa, Fluto. "Jarome Iginla retiring as a Calgary Flame, but impact in Boston went beyond his ice time", The Athletic, July 26, 2018. 
  134. 134.0 134.1 134.2 (2012) 2012–13 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 25. 
  135. 135.0 135.1 135.2 135.3 135.4 135.5 (2012) 2012–13 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 26. 
  136. Iginla, Wilson, Lowe among HHOF's class of 2020. TSN (June 24, 2020).
  137. 137.0 137.1 137.2 137.3 (2012) 2012–13 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 73–75. 
  138. (2013) 2013–14 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League, 262. 
  139. (2013) 2013–14 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League, 265. 
  140. (2012) 2012–13 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 145–154. 
  141. 141.0 141.1 (2012) 2012–13 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club, 34. 

External links[]

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