Goaltender Miika Kiprusoff has informed the Finnish National Team that he has officially retired from the game of hockey. Kiprusoff, 36 has one year left on his six year $35 million dollar contract. The front end loaded contract was set to pay him just $1.5 million this season.
This retirement came as no surprise to the Calgary Flames organization or the teams supporters. Kiprusoff was very clear last season that it was probably going to be his last one. It also came as no surprise to others that Kiprusoff’s retirement was very low key, and quiet. It is reflective of the great, and well respected person that he is.
Kiprusoff was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected in the fifth round. On November 16, 2003 he was dealt to the Calgary Flames for a second round draft pick. He went on that season to lead the Flames on a marvelous playoff run. The newly acquired goaltender lead the Flames to game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. He ends his career by playing a total of 623 NHL games, winning 319 of those games. He posted some very impressive numbers such as a .912 save percentage, and a 2.49 goals against average. Kiprusoff also won the Vezina Trophy for the leagues top goaltender in 2005-06. Kiprusoff will be remembered as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders, and one of the top Calgary Flames of all-time.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.