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End of an era: Flames announce Kiprusoff retirement

Calgary Flames v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 27: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on November 27, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Justin K. Aller

The Calgary Flames bid farewell to one of the greatest players in franchise history on Monday, announcing that goalie Miikka Kiprusoff has officially retired.

Here’s the statement from Flames GM Jay Feaster:

“Miikka Kiprusoff has been the backbone of the Calgary Flames since his arrival here in 2003, and every night for more than 70-nights per season, his magnificence between the pipes gave the team a chance to win.

“He inspired hope and confidence, and he made those around him better players as a result of his brilliance.

“Miikka will take his place in the pantheon of great NHL goaltenders, and his place in Flames’ history is secure. He will be missed by players, teammates and fans, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

In the release, Feaster also explained that Kiprusoff wanted to finish his career as a Flame -- thus explaining why he wasn’t moved at last year’s trade deadline -- and that the Flames organization wanted to give the 36-year-old Finn all the time he needed to finalize his decision.

“Had we been prepared to accept Miikka’s position back in April we could have announced his retirement at the end of the season,” Feaster explained. “We purposely chose to wait and give him more time to ensure this was the course he wanted to take.

“In returning to Calgary this month he advised us that his decision remained the same, and that he was retiring as a player.”

Acquired from San Jose in 2003 for a second-round pick, Kiprusoff arrived in Calgary with little fanfare but quickly emerged as a bonafire All-Star.

He backstopped the Flames to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final -- losing in seven games to Tampa Bay -- and his 2005-06 campaign will go down as one of the finest in franchise history.

Kiprusoff compiled a 42-20-11 record with a 2.07 GAA and .923 save percentage that season, capturing the Vezina and Jennings Trophies, along with a spot on the NHL’s First All-Star team.

He was also nominated for the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

All told, Kiprusoff played nine seasons for Calgary and finishes as the Flames all-time leader in wins (305); games played (576) and shutouts (41).

“I’ve been very lucky to have spent 10 years of my career in Calgary. There is no better place to live and play,” he said. “I look forward to taking the next year with my family to enjoy everything wonderful about southern Alberta.”

Related: Goalie Ramo is wild card for Calgary