'It Was In': Calgary Flames Star Miikka Kiprusoff All Set For His Number Retirement Celebation

Kiprusoff, the franchise's all-time winningest goaltender, admits falling one win short of the Stanley Cup 'still hurts'

Miikka Kiprusoff is not the type to spend his days reminiscing. He has never watched any of his games during the Calgary Flames wild 2004 Stanley Cup playoff run that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

But that time will forever be linked to Kiprusoff in the Stampede City, so he was forced to think about those days on the eve of his No. 34 being retired by the Flames.

“It still hurts a little bit,” said Kiprusoff, who returned to Calgary with his family from their home in Finland. “I’m proud for that run, that’s one memory that is a good memory, but still hurting.”

As for what memories among it stand out, you bet it’s the obvious.

“I should say it was in, because it was in,” he said, noting the infamous Game 6 potential Cup-winning tally that never counted.

Looking forward, though, Kiprusoff will be deservedly feted, and the reclusive and reserved goaltender who holds the franchise record with 305 wins, earned myriad individual honours during his nine-season run with the Flames has been thrust into the spotlight.

“I’ll try not to cry, but we’ll see,” he said.

“It’s weird for me. Giving speeches, talking to all you, I never felt that comfortable,” he added. “But it’s part of the weekend and it’s been so great and so fun.”

A litany of former teammates have gathered for the celebration to be held prior to Calgary’s clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kiprusoff, whose contribution was as big as anybody’s in turning the fortunes of what was a moribund franchise, spent the past couple of days reuniting with old faces and meeting the new generation of the team.

“It’s so great to see them. I always think I should come back more often because it’s always good times. I think I’ll come back next time a little faster than five years,” he quipped.

Naturally, the stories have flown about those days.

“Stories, there’s some truth in them, but stories change and grow,” he said, knowing fully all the tales about him that have been told. “But good stories.”

The fact Kiprusoff, who like almost every hockey player enjoys a beverage or two, has his likeness on a can of beer for the occasion was not lost on him.

“Oh, that’s a big honour,” Kiprusoff said with a wry grin. “That’s cool actually.”

Amidst the jokes and quips, the goaltender was touched to think how this honour leaves a legacy.

“I think I’m a team guy. It’s my jersey going up there, but I think it’s our teams’ time,” he said. “It’s not just my moment. It’s for the guys I played with and helped me out a lot.”