Early Career And International Debut

Calgary Flames' goalie Mikka Kiprusoff: The quiet man, a star in net

Early career and international debut

1994 European Junior Ice Hockey Championships

Mikka Kiprusoff made his international debut with the Finnish junior team at the 1994 European Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he played in three games.

Turku TPS

Kiprusoff began his professional career with Turku TPS in the Finnish SM-liiga in 1994. He played for TPS for five seasons, winning the Finnish championship in 1999 and 2000.

NHL career

San Jose Sharks

Kiprusoff was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round (116th overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Sharks in 1999, and played for the team for two seasons.

Calgary Flames

Kiprusoff was traded to the Calgary Flames in 2003. He quickly became the Flames' starting goalie, and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004. Kiprusoff won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie in 2006 and 2007.

Retirement

Kiprusoff retired from the NHL in 2013. He finished his career with a record of 319 wins, 211 losses, and 57 ties. He also had a goals-against average of 2.53 and a save percentage of .914.

Conclusion

Mikka Kiprusoff was one of the best goalies of his generation. He was a quiet man off the ice, but a star in net. Kiprusoff helped the Calgary Flames reach the Stanley Cup Finals and won two Vezina Trophies. He will always be remembered as one of the best goalies in Flames history.