It’s been over two years since Jarome Iginla returned to the Calgary Flames organization.
The 48-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer spent six years away from the NHL after retiring in 2017, living briefly in Boston, before heading to Kelowna with his wife and three children.
Those kids are growing up fast and are excelling in their own hockey careers. Jade, the oldest, is in her senior season with Brown University. Tij, who was drafted sixth overall by the Utah Mammoth in 2024, is expected to play for Canada in the upcoming World Junior Championship.
Joe, the youngest of the bunch, is expected to be selected in next year’s NHL draft.
“I feel very blessed that they enjoy hockey and that I’ve got to share that with them. Lot of [time] on the backyard rink, knee hockey, all that stuff while they were growing up,” Jarome Iginla said, beaming while speaking about his kids in an exclusive interview with Daily Hive.
“I really enjoyed competing, so I get excited when I see them win some battles in the corner or in front of the net. If they bang an ugly one home or hit someone, then make a play, I like that stuff. I get excited when I see that.”
As much fun as he’s had watching his children fulfill their dreams, the competitive fire in Iginla still burns deep.
Iginla explains role with Flames
You can count Iginla as one person who wasn’t surprised to see Craig Conroy become an NHL general manager in 2023.
“He’s definitely cerebral,” Iginla said of his former Flames linemate. “He likes to think about things, but he’s also very personable. He was a great leader on the teams that we played on, a glue-type guy. He makes every team he’s on better and closer. He always just knew how people were feeling, and what to say, and he means it. He’s very genuine.
“I thought he’d be really good at it. I think he’s doing a good job. He’s well-suited for it. He’s got a lot of energy, which is good, because I know he’s a busy guy.”
Less than a month after hiring Conroy, the Flames announced Iginla was rejoining the organization as a “special adviser” to the general manager.
What does that job entail?
“I’m just another guy for Conny to talk hockey with,” Iginla explained.
“Anything about the organization. He has me working with some of the amateur scouts. I work with Tod Button and his big staff, and try to follow players and give opinions on them.”
Though not around the management team on a daily basis, Iginla monitors the NHL closely, which is very important in his current role.
“Sometimes, it’s opinions on a trade. What do I think are some pros and cons, mainly [with] forwards. Do I like this guy, what don’t I like. Really just brainstorming. [Conroy] knows that I’ll tell him what I actually think. I’ll be honest with him, and he knows that. It’s nice to have that relationship.”
Conroy has been a hot-button topic in Calgary as of late.
Flames management has been under fire by a large portion of the fan base this season, questioning why trades aren’t being made to ensure the team bottoms out. Iginla, who has 1,554 career games under his belt, did his best to explain the regime’s thought process.
“It’s important to have veterans around,” Iginla said. “They do teach. From [on-ice] habits, off-ice habits, how to be a better pro. I remember when I broke in at 19 years old, I got to play with Dave Gagner. He was [about] 30 years old. I learned a ton from him.”
Iginla was also quick to point out all the positive steps taking place in the organization that he believes will help turn the team into a contender down the road.
“The players that have come up from the Wranglers have been really good, and they’re ready. [Yan] Kuznetsov looks like he’s a top-four defenceman. We’re excited about [Matvei] Gridin. [Sam] Honzek took a huge step, [Adam] Klapka too. [Matt] Coronato, when he came up, he was ready.”
Excitement over Scotia Place
The new arena is beginning to rise from the ground (Colton Pankiw/Offside)
Let’s face it, there aren’t a ton of players around the NHL champing at the bit to come to Calgary. That goes with the territory given the Flames’ struggles on the ice, but their outdated arena and lack of a dedicated practice facility play a part, too.
That said, things are changing.
There has been ongoing construction for nearly a year and a half on the Flames’ new arena, Scotia Place. The new building is set to open for the 2027-28 season, and could help drastically when it comes to turning this franchise in the right direction.
“The Saddledome has a lot of character and great memories, but it’s time… For players to have your practice rink right there, play your games and everything right out of there, it makes a difference when you’re trying to get free agents.
“You go in, you have an amazing practice facility, you have a workout area right there. It does make a big difference when you’re trying to plan what the next seven years of your career are going to be.”
Practice with a Pro contest
Iginla has teamed up with Giuseppe’s “Practice with a Pro” contest, a program Iginla has been working with for the past four years.
Minor hockey teams can enter for a chance to win a practice with Iginla at the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna.
“The winning team will get to practice with a pro, so I’ll get to be on the ice with them,” Iginla said. “It will be a good weekend in part with the Memorial Cup in Kelowna.”
Teams have until Feb. 27 to enter the draw. Each submission requires a 30-60 second video to help show how minor hockey has helped bring team spirit to their respective communities.
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