Flames hire Jarome Iginla as special advisor to general manager

The Calgary Flames have hired former captain Jarome Iginla as special advisor to the general manager, the club announced Thursday.

The move reunites Iginla with former teammate Craig Conroy, the Flames’ new general manager.

“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,” Conroy said. “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.”

Iginla’s position with the Flames will be in an advisory role regarding all areas of hockey operations, as assigned by Conroy. This season, Iginla will continue his coaching responsibilities with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna, B.C., where his son plays.

“I am grateful to the Flames ownership and Conny for this opportunity to transition my career back to the NHL,” said Iginla. “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 was named the 18th captain in Flames franchise history after receiving the honour in 2003 when then-captain Conroy turned the captaincy over to him. Iginla had 525 goals, 570 assists, and 1,095 points in 1,219 games as a member of the Flames.

The Flames retired Iginla’s No. 12 jersey in 2019, and he was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.

“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,” said Iginla, who also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings before ending his playing career in 2017.

“Conny and I have 20-year-old pending work to complete, and I can’t wait to get started.”

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