Jarome Iginla is officially hangin’em up.
After taking the 2017-18 season off, Iginla ended any discussion about a possible return on Wednesday when he announced he’ll be stepping away from the game.
Iggy gave hockey fans too many good moments to count, but we pulled out three in particular that will never be forgotten.
CANADIAN GOLD MEDAL GOAL
He may not have won a Cup, but the Edmonton native managed to collect the next best thing (or arguably better, depends who you ask). The 41-year-old played a huge role in Canada’s Gold Medal run at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, scoring 3 goals and 1 assists in six total games. He saved his best for last when he scored the fourth goal in a 5-2 win to help Canada defeat the Americans in dramatic fashion.
Don't forget about that assist he had on Crosby's Golden Goal in 2010 either!
STANLEY CUP FIGHT WITH LECAVALIER
Iginla came within two goals of winning a Stanley Cup in 2004, before ultimately losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Finals. In Game 3, Lightning captain Vincent Lecavlier dropped the gloves with Iginla in a fight for the ages. As far as fights go, it doesn’t get much better than that!
TIES FOR ROCKET RICHARD TROPHY
Iginla finished in a rare three-way tie with Rick Nash and Ilya Kovalchuk for the 2004 Rocket Richard Trophy with 41 goals, which is very low by today’s standards. He barely squeaked in with a goal in the last game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
500 GOAL CLUB
On January 7, 2012, Iginla became the newest member of the 500 goal club on an awkward goal from the sidewall. He went on to score 625, finishing in a tie with Joe Sakic for 15th on the all-time list.
The NHL will miss you, Jarome. Enjoy your retirement!
