St. Albert’s hometown hero became only the 42nd player in the history of the National Hockey League to reach the 500-goal plateau Saturday.
Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla scored the milestone marker in the 1,149th game of his Hall of Fame career in the 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
At 8:33 of the third period, Iginla’s centring attempt towards the Minnesota net deflected off Mikko Koivu’s skate and past goalie Niklas Backstrom for his 16th goal of the season and 1,039 career point.
“It feels better and more special to do it at home here,” Iginla told reporters after the game. “I’ve been very blessed in hockey to have some great moments and memories that will stick with me.”
Iginla, 34, technically scored his first NHL goal in the 1996 playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks as a call-up from the Kamloops Blazers.
His first regular-season goal came on Oct. 5, 1996 against the Vancouver Canucks.
In the last 12 seasons, Iginla’s goal totals never dropped below 28. He has 10-straight seasons with 30 or more goals and hit the 40-goal mark four times and twice registered 50 or more goals.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist is one of only 15 players to score all of his 500 goals with the same organization. The others are Jean Beliveau, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur, Mario Lemieux, Stan Mikita, Mike Modano, Gilbert Perreault, Maurice Richard, Joe Sakic, Brian Trottier and Steve Yzerman.
Iginla is now tied with former Flames’ captain Lanny McDonald for 41st overall on the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring list. Within striking range are Peter Bondra (503), Beliveau (507), Perrault (512), Jeremy Roenick (515), Pierre Turgeon (515) and Dale Hawerchuk (518).
The former bantam AAA Sabre and midget AAA Raider is also third among active goal-scoring leaders and trails only Jaromir Jagr (658) and Teemu Selanne (648).
Iginla’s goal-scoring exploits include 34 against the Edmonton Oilers. His most victimized goalie is Dwayne Roloson with 15.
