Thank You Sean Monahan
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For the last 9 NHL seasons, Sean Monahan played a pivotal role for the Calgary Flames. However, his time as a Flame has now come to an end as he was traded the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
Drafted 6th overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft, Monahan ushered in a new era for the Calgary Flames, the post-Iginla era. Along with his favourite line mate and best friend Johnny Gaudreau, Monahan would go on to set franchise records, including most overtime game winning goals in franchise history. He finishes his Flames tenure with 462 points in 656 games.
A once dominant goal scorer, injuries have sadly taken a severe toll on his body. Hip surgeries in consecutive seasons are just the latest in a long list of injuries. Monahan literally sacrificed his body for this team, and whether you view it as a heroic act or not, in hindsight it probably wasn’t a good idea to do so. Nevertheless, it showed his unwavering dedication to the team that he loved, which we can all respect.
As much as Sean will be missed on the Saddledome ice and in the dressing room, he will be equally missed in the community. Sean has been a staple in many initiatives throughout Calgary since he’s been here, including yearly visits to the Ronald McDonald house, Alberta Children’s hospital, and many others. He’s done a lot of wonderful things for a lot of Calgarians in need, and never wanted any publicity or recognition for doing such kind acts.
As we bid farewell to this kind, genuine young man that we watched grow up in front of our eyes, we will fondly remember all of the amazing memories that number 23 has given us on the ice and off of it.
Thank you Sean for everything you’ve done for the city, for the organization, and for reigniting a lot of fans’ passion and love for this team. Best of luck in Montreal and resurrecting your career!