The following information was sent to me in an email from the Calgary Flames:
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Flames will honour one of the greatest players in team history by retiring goaltender Mike Vernon’s number 30.
Vernon spent 13 seasons of his 20 year NHL career in Calgary, highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989.
The Flames will pay tribute to Mike Vernon by raising his number 30 jersey to the rafters of the Pengrowth Saddledome in a pre-game ceremony when the Flames host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, February 6, 2007.
“Mike Vernon’s name is synonymous with the success of the Calgary Flames franchise in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and we are pleased to recognize Mike’s outstanding NHL career and his contribution to the Flames organization by retiring his number 30 Flames jersey,” stated Calgary Flames President, Ken King.
Through the 26 year history of the franchise, the Flames have only bestowed this tremendous honor on one other player, Lanny McDonald. McDonald’s number nine was hoisted to the rafters on March 17, 1990.
Lanny McDonald was a co-captain during of the 1989 Stanley Cup Championship team, and has fond memories of winning the cup with teammate Mike Vernon, “Vernie is the biggest reason we are all wearing Stanley Cup rings,” said McDonald. “A good friend, a great teammate and a fierce competitor; Calgary can be proud of their hometown boy.”
Image courtesy: NHL