On Thursday, the Calgary Flames announced that Jarome Iginla returned to the Flames organization in an executive capacity as Special Advisor to General Manager - Craig Conroy. Iginla joins GM Conroy to provide support in all areas of hockey operations.

Iginla's position with the Flames will be in an advisory role regarding all areas of hockey operations as assigned by the general manager. For this year, Jarome will continue his coaching responsibilities with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, BC and support the Flames in a shared time capacity.

"While the public focus of my contributions is on my playing career, I believe my hockey experiences since my retirement will also benefit the organization," Iginla said. "Conny [Craig Conroy] and I have 20-year-old pending work to complete, and I can't wait to get started."

Iginla was the 18th captain in Flames franchise history after receiving the honour in 2003 when then-captain, Conroy, passed the captaincy over to him. Iginla amassed 525 goals, 570 assists, and 1,095 points in 1,219 games as a member of the Flames while establishing himself as one of the best power forwards of his generation.

"Dating as far back as our playing days with the Flames, Jarome and I have always talked about one day working together in the NHL," said Conroy. "That day has finally come and I'm happy to welcome him back to Calgary. Jarome provides a creative approach and smart hockey mind to our team blended with a passion for the game, and a desire to win the Stanley Cup."

In 2003-04, Iginla led Calgary to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in his first year of captaincy, posting 22 points (13-9-22) over 26 postseason games while leading all playoff scorers in goals. He closed out 2003-04 with his second Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy as the league's leading goal scorer with 41 goals and led the way off the ice as a humanitarian while also winning the NHL Foundation Player Award and the King Clancy Memorial Award.

"Our relationship goes back 20 years and includes being opponents and teammates combined with a long-standing friendship," continued Conroy. "While our views on the game are similar, we often challenged each other on systems and playing style, always pushing each other to be better. I look forward to our team benefiting from his fierce competitiveness, career experiences and love of hockey." "

After nearly 16 seasons in his home province, the Flames traded Iginla to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 28, 2013. Jarome also suited up for the Boston Bruins in 2013, the Colorado Avalanche in 2014, and the Los Angeles Kings in 2016-17 marking his last season in the NHL. Iginla's final game saw him record the 1,300th point of his career with an assist. Iginla finished his career with 625 goals, and 675 assists for 1,300 points in 1,554 games. He finished his career ranked 15th all-time in games played (1,554), tied for 15th in goals in NHL history with 625, and ranks 9th all-time in game-winning-goals with 101.

"I am grateful to the Flames ownership and Conny for this opportunity to transition my career back to the NHL," Iginla added. "It's a very well-earned acknowledgment for Conny as general manager and I am looking forward to supporting him and the team in a more engaged capacity."

Iginla announced his official retirement on July 30, 2018, after playing 20 seasons in the National Hockey League. The Flames retired Iginla's number 12 jersey on March 2, 2019, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.

 

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