Well, it happened. The Seattle Kraken selected Mark Giordano from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, signifying the end of an era in the Stampede city. The now former captain played all 949 games of his NHL career wearing the flaming C, but in October he will take to the ice for game 950 as a Kraken.
So many incredible memories come to mind when you think of Gio’s tenure as a Flame, including him winning the Norris trophy in 2019 (the first Flame to ever win the prestigious award). His accomplishments on the ice were just one part of what made Gio great, his work off the ice is what made him a true legend in Calgary. Alongside his wife Lauren, Mark did so many amazing things in the community that touched the lives of so many. They started what is known as the Team Giordano Project in 2014, where they, along with the Flames' charitable arm, donated funding to three Calgary schools to supply new gym equipment and computers, as well as to visit the schools and offer mentorship to the students. This initiative led to him winning the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in 2017. The Giordano’s were also known to pay for the groceries of the less fortunate, as random acts of kindness. That is just the kind of people they are.
Giordano will make his return to the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 23rd, for the first time as a visitor. You can be sure the C of Red will give him the standing ovation he rightfully deserves. It’s safe to say when his playing career is over, that #5 will hang in the rafters where it belongs.
And so we say goodbye Gio. Thank you for everything you have done for the Flames organization, and for the city of Calgary. We’ll miss you. Best of luck with the Kraken.
O captain, my captain!