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For the first time in a decade, the Calgary Flames have needed a new captain and on Friday they got it. Mark Giordano will wear the C on his chest this season for the Flames.
The role of captain had long been held by face of the franchise Jarome Iginla. He donned it first in 2003 and held it until his trade last season to Pittsburgh. That left the Flames without a captain for the remainder of the season but they'll have one back out there when this campaign starts.
Giordano now becomes the 19th captain in franchise history. The defenseman has spent all 385 games of his NHL career in Calgary. Last season he played in 47 games and posted four goals with 11 assists in 23:10 of ice time per game.
"Mark represents all the qualities that we set as a coaching staff and an organization," coach Bob Hartley said. "He is a quality man who is proud to represent the Calgary Flames both on and off the ice. We are very happy with these three men leading and setting the example for our team, and especially our young players, as we move through this crucial yet exciting period in the history of the Flames franchise."
In addition to being a key player on the ice, Giordano has been active in the community and has been honored in the past for his approach on and off the ice.
The alternate captains -- who get to wear the old Atlanta Flames logo in one of my favorite uniform traditions in the NHL -- will be Curtis Glencross and Mike Cammalleri.
