The Calgary Flames on Monday announced goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has retired from the NHL.
"I decided to retire at the end of last season," Kiprusoff said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciated [general manager] Jay Feaster and the Flames organization permitting me to take the summer to be 100 percent sure. It's an important decision for me personally, my family, the Flames organization and fans. Jay and I had conversations over the summer and nothing had changed for me and upon returning to Calgary last week, I once again spoke with Jay and confirmed with him that I would be retiring. I've been very lucky to have spent 10 years of my career in Calgary. There is no better place to live and play. I look forward to taking the next year with my family to enjoy everything wonderful about southern Alberta."
Kiprusoff retires as the Flames' franchise leader in games played (576), wins (305) and shutouts (41). He was acquired from the San Jose Sharks in a trade Nov. 16, 2003, and that season led the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final. He went 15-11 with five shutouts, a 1.85 GAA and .928 save percentage in 26 playoff games. His best season was 2005-06, when he led the League with a 2.07 goals-against average and 10 shutouts, was second with 42 wins and third with a .923 save percentage. He capped his season by winning the Vezina Trophy as the League's top goaltender.