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Flames fans say farewell to Jarome Iginla

'Thank you for the hits, goals, fights and for putting the Flames on your shoulders for so long'

Storified by Maclean's Magazine· Thu, Mar 28 2013 03:04:24

Hockey fans knew it was inevitable, no matter how hard it might be for the people of Calgary. Jarome Iginla, the Calgary Flames all-time leading scorer—with 1,095 points in 1,219 games—has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Speculation went into overdrive Wednesday night when the Flames announced Iginla would not be suiting up against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night.

Then BOS prospect Alex Khokhlachev a healthy scratch for Providence tonight and CGY announces Iginla a healthy scratch tonight.Bob McKenzie

Make of this what you will: Bruins scout was overheard at an NHL rink tonight saying Iginla deal is 100 percent done & he's going to BostonJoe Haggerty

How long is this Iggy fiasco gonna take..... My heart is gonna stop anytime #IginlaDibyajyoti Tripathy

Born in Edmonton and drafted by the Dallas Stars, Iginla has played his entire NHL career with Calgary. The Flames won 4-3 Wednesday night, but the loss of Iginla was the talking point around the Saddledome. Even before the trade was official, fans paid their tributes to their captain who played 16 seasons with the team.

The "Thank You Iggy" chant at the Saddledome (and around Calgary) should be loud enough for Jarome Iginla to hear from his house.Adam Proteau

Thank you. For the hits, goals, fights and for putting the @NHLFlames and #yyc on your shoulders for so long #iginla http://<a href="http://t.co/id8WpiJO5O" class="">pic.twitter.com/id8WpiJO5O</a>matthew field

A True Captain , Thank You For The Memories #iginla #iggy #neverforget04 #tsn #17thave #redmile <a href="http://t.co/I447Z8j3JR" class="">pic.twitter.com/I447Z8j3JR</a>Kyle Taylor

But you don't have to go iginla. Stay. We like you.Samantha

Oh Captain, my Captain. Forever. #Iggy @NHLFlames <a href="http://t.co/rjXbJ4DDSK" class="">twitpic.com/cex1ay</a>Kyle Stinn

On the phone with my mom: Mom: what's wrong? You sound down. Me: Iginla is about to be traded. Mom: who?Trevor Martins

Number 12 on the ice, number 1 in my heart #iggy #emotionaldayBrandon Fong

@NHLFlames who said #Iginla wasn't here ?? http://<a href="http://t.co/FAnUcN8mCz" class="">pic.twitter.com/FAnUcN8mCz</a>Scott Garner

I can't even picture Iginla in another jersey.Kate McKenna

1219 games. 525 goals. 570 assists. 28 playoff goals. I was there to see his very first live. Good luck Iginla. #NHL http://<a href="http://t.co/CvhJwmyZP5" class="">pic.twitter.com/CvhJwmyZP5</a>Darrell Romuld (CTV)

Iginla has been carrying the #Flames on his back for years, it would be great to see him have a chance at the cup.Ryan Horne

Thanks for everything Iggy. You're the best to ever wear the jersey. Now go win a cup, you deserve it.Adam

As Jarome Iginla heads off into the Calgary sunset... #CGY #Flames #iginlagone #THW #nhl #hockey http://<a href="http://t.co/wQ5j2pOuDA" class="">pic.twitter.com/wQ5j2pOuDA</a>Joshua Smith

#Iginla trending top 5 in the world right now on twitter. Gotta love cdn hockey fans.Jonathan Macpherson

Not even a Flames fan and feel their pain losing Iggy! Guys a class act and world class beauty!! #Iginla #IggyGarth Martin

To Jarome: Best of Luck! Scott #iginla @NHLFlames http://<a href="http://t.co/1TrvwP0D6n" class="">pic.twitter.com/1TrvwP0D6n</a>Scott Bolland

That hits home a little more... it's hard to imagine the #Flames with out Jarome Iginla... speechless <a href="http://t.co/wHJKdjqyHa" class="">pic.twitter.com/wHJKdjqyHa</a>JermainFranklin

While there was much speculation that Iginla had been traded to Boston. In the end, it turns out he's heading to Pittsburgh:

Jarome Iginla has been traded to Penguins. Iginla scored 525 goals in 16 seasons with Flames. Earlier report to Bruins was incorrectSportsCenter

The #Flames have traded Jarome Iginla to the Pittsburgh Penguins.Calgary Flames

Now hearing Jarome Iginla has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Done deal.Bob McKenzie

A full Q&A with Ray Shero regarding the acquisition of Jarome Iginla: <a href="http://t.co/cgo59gfXkL" class="">pens.pe/XIFa4U</a> (trade coverage presented by @Walgreens)Pittsburgh Penguins

17 years as the Flames Announcer I bid adieu to # 12. Thanks for the memories Jarrrrrrrome Iginla. Flame Forever! <a href="http://t.co/cRxLwgod6c" class="">pic.twitter.com/cRxLwgod6c</a>mister beesley

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