Social media reacts to Flames' retiring of Jarome Iginla's No. 12

Jarome Iginla laced up his skates for the better part of 16 seasons with the Calgary Flames, serving as the heart and soul of the franchise. On Saturday, his No. 12 became the third retired number in the Saddledome's rafters joining Lanny McDonald and Mike Vernon.

A pure power forward, the right wing skated in 1,219 games with Calgary recording 525 goals and 570 assists for 1,095 of his 1,300 career points. Not one to shy away from dropping the gloves, he also accumulated 831 penalty minutes. The Flames leader in games, goals and points, Iginla served as the team's captain for nine seasons.

Long admired and respected, the hockey world took to social media to honor the future Hall of Famer:

Congrats to iggy on his special night. Well deserved. pic.twitter.com/HyTe17tu3s

— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) March 3, 2019

I second that- congrats Jarome on a great career and well deserved honor from @NHLFlames https://t.co/5XyTvrgkHR

— Martin St.Louis (@mstlouis_26) March 3, 2019

15yrs ago I met my hero & he couldn’t have treated me better. 6yrs later I played my 1stgame against him & afterwards he went above & beyond how he treated me the 1st time we met. Congrats Iggy. You’ve inspired minority kids like me on the ice & thousands of people off the ice. pic.twitter.com/dZT4lcG5NI

— Mark Fraser (@TheRealShug_) March 2, 2019

 

 

 

 

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Jerome Iginla gave me this jersey a week after I had my stroke in 2002.  I’ve always treasured it because it meant so much that he and his wife visited me in the hospital during such a challenging time in my life. Congratulations on the jersey retirement and thank you for so many great seasons. All the best to you, Kara, and your family.  Bret

A post shared by Bret (@brethitmanhart) on Mar 2, 2019 at 3:02pm PST

Enjoy your night @NHLFlames #ThankYouIggy pic.twitter.com/H8esFoNRc4

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) March 2, 2019

Happy Jarome Iginla day Flames fans!!! #iggy12 pic.twitter.com/5pqIoZ35f7

— Matt Stajan (@MattStajan18) March 2, 2019

Huge congrats to Iggy tonight on a fantastic career! Awesome guy, great competitor and terrific human!#Iginla pic.twitter.com/QWGejJrlGP

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) March 3, 2019

Tons of love for #Iggy tonight at the @blazerhockey game in #Kamloops, including from his billet family! #CongratsIggy @NHLFlames pic.twitter.com/wEmyUR1wXy

— Adam Donnelly (@DonnellyTV) March 3, 2019

Congrats to one of the #BattleOfAlberta's fiercest competitors & St. Albert product, Jarome Iginla. #ThankYouIggy pic.twitter.com/uXCMjm83iu

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 3, 2019

 

 

 

 

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I remember meeting Jarome when he was just 18 years old- already a phenomenal hockey player, I was struck by his humble character, strong leadership, and of course...that incredible ability to score from pretty much anywhere on the ice. A fellow Alberta boy, I couldn’t have been more proud. 🏒 🏒 ...fast forward to today, hanging up the skates after more than two decades of one phenomenal career, Iggy! You are a legend, a hero, an idol. Thank you for what you’ve done for our sport and the community...congrats buddy, and enjoy retirement! 🥅 #teammates #nhlalumni #icalliggyformyteamboys #500goals #seeyouonthecourse #thankyouiggy #jaromeiginla

A post shared by Lanny McDonald (@lannymac9009) on Jul 30, 2018 at 8:49pm PDT