March 11, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla (12) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
In this morning’s “Hot Start” article, I linked the NBC Sports ProHockeyTalk Calgary Flames preview. That site also posted something today that I would like the Flame For Thought family to chime in on. Who is the greatest Calgary Flame of all time?
I limited the poll to 10 players. I understand that I left off some great hockey players. Please feel free to mention any missed players in the comment section below.
I grew up watching Lanny McDonald, Al MacInnis and Mike Vernon. Growing up in Edmonton, those were always the players I respected the most. McDonald for his work ethic, MacInnis for his slap shot and Vernon for his ability to steal games for the Flames.
When Jarome Iginla joined the Calgary Flames, he brought with him an interesting dynamic. The Oiler fans I knew that jeered the Flames at all opportunities, cheered for Iginla. Not during Oiler games, of course, but the Edmonton-born-St. Albert-raised Iginla managed to achieve a respect level amongst Alberta hockey fans that went beyond a hockey rivalry.
For me, the vote for greatest Flame of all time is between those four players. I give the nod to Jarome Iginla.