Tonight is a special night at the Saddledome, as fans of the Calgary Flames were filling the arena 90 minutes before puck drop to recognize one of the team’s all-timers. Jarome Iginla’s No. 12 was sent to the rafters, a moment that wasn’t only resonant in Calgary but all of Canada.
Iginla’s No. 12 was projected on to the ice and free shirts in the arena seating also color-blocked a white 12 on a sea of red, as Iginla was honoured by the Flames in a special ceremony before the game. There were chants of “Iggy” from the crowd and a video tribute that ran eight minutes long.
Still, there was nothing quite like the look on Iggy’s face as his 12 was raised.
That wasn’t all, however, as the Flames took to the ice following the ceremony for warm-ups — all in Iginla jerseys.
All in all, it was a pretty special night for the Flames. Despite being one of the hottest up-and-comers in the NHL, tonight was all about the past, for a player whose contributions to the city of Calgary have lasted far longer than his tenure with the Flames.
h/t Instagram/nhl
