Kiprusoff gets warm welcome from Flames fans

On Saturday night (March. 2) the Scotiabank Saddledome was rocking for Iron Maiden fan and legendary NHL Calgary Flames backstopper Miikka Kiprusoff.

Kiprusoff has officially joined five other Flames legends in having his jersey raised to the rafters and now forever solidifying himself as a part of the Calgary Flames story.

Mike Vernon is one of the players and the only other goalie to have his number retired in a Flames uniform. Kiprusoff during his speech before Saturday night's game joked about how he was happy he didn't play at the same time as Vernon.

"I never had the chance to play with "Verny", and that has been a good thing, because I never liked being a backup" Kiprusoff joked.

Calm before the storm.

Former Flames head coach and general manager Darryl Sutter got a warm welcoming from both Flames fans and his former keeper. Kiprusoff thanked Sutter for taking a chance on him when he was stuck being a third string goalie in the San Jose Sharks organization.

"I started my career in San Jose as a third string behind two really good goalies. I could have been buried there if it wasn't for Daryl Sutter believing in me and giving me a second chance here in Calgary" he said.

#34 to the rafters.

After thanking his former teammates, coaches, and even equipment staff, "Kipper" saved the best for last. Thanking the fans for believing in him and always welcoming him and his family to the city.

"Thinking about my years in Calgary, meeting so many great people inside and outside of hockey. Nine years went by too fast but, it was the best nine years that my family and I will always remember" Kiprusoff said.

Lights, camera. action. 

The celebrations wouldn't end there as the Flames had a wild comeback at the end of the third period scoring three unanswered goals to complete the comeback. Sharangovich would get the game winner on a phenomenal play that was former teammate of "Kippers" Mikael Backlund make a quick drop pass to Sharangovich, who would rifle it top corner to finish of the beautiful play.

The final score on the score clock was a perfect ending as it would read (PIT 3 - CGY 4) which is the number that Kiprusoff wore and is now retired, the number 34.