Miikka Kiprusoff

Miikka Sakari Kiprusoff (; born October 26, 1976), nicknamed "Kipper", is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player who was a goaltender in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames between 2000 and 2013. He was selected in the fifth round, 116th overall, by the Sharks in the 1995 NHL entry draft, and has also played professionally for TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga, as well as for both AIK IF and Timrå IK of the Swedish Elitserien.

Kiprusoff represented Finland several times on the international stage, earning silver medals at the Ice Hockey World Championships in 1999 and 2001, as well as leading the Finns to a surprise second-place finish at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He also helped the Finnish national team win the bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Kiprusoff began his professional career with TPS in 1994, and was named the best goaltender and best player of the playoffs in 1999 as he led them to the SM-liiga championship. He then moved to North America in 1999, and after two All-Star seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL), made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks, where he served primarily as the team's backup. A trade to the Calgary Flames in 2003–04 brought Kiprusoff into a starting role, and he set a modern NHL record for lowest goals against average (GAA) at 1.69 as he helped the Flames reach the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. He won the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender in the NHL in 2006 along with the William M. Jennings Trophy for giving up the fewest goals in the League. He played in his first NHL All-Star Game in 2007. Having won over 300 games after turning 27, he is the franchise record holder in both wins and shutouts for the Flames.

Playing career

Europe Kiprusoff was sponsored by his hometown team. TPS, playing two seasons in the Finnish junior league for them between 1993 and 1995. He was then selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 116th overall, at the 1995 NHL entry draft, on July 8, 1995. For his efforts, he was named the winner of the Urpo Ylönen trophy as the best goaltender in 1998–99 and the Jari Kurri trophy as the best player of the playoffs. He made his first start on April 8, again against Anaheim, and earned his second win. In doing so, he became the first Finnish born goaltender to win an NHL playoff game. He was named the AHL Player of the Week during the assignment after winning all four games he played in Cleveland.

Nabokov entered the 2002–03 season as a holdout player without a contract, giving Kiprusoff a chance to become the starter. Despite the opportunity, Kiprusoff struggled, losing his first three games and posting a 5.65 GAA in that time, forcing the Sharks' hand, as they quickly agreed to terms with Nabokov on a new contract. Relegated to the backup role, Kiprusoff continued to struggle, winning just five of 22 games played before his season ended with a knee injury. Despite his poor season, the Sharks offered him a new contract for one year at US$800,000.

Kiprusoff began the 2003–04 season competing with Vesa Toskala for the backup spot behind Nabokov, leading to speculation of a trade. Ultimately relegated to third-string status, Kiprusoff grew increasingly frustrated, as he did not play in any games through the first quarter of the season. He was then finally traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a second-round draft pick on November 16, 2003, after Calgary starter Roman Turek suffered an injury.

Calgary Flames (2003–2013) alt=Kiprusoff in the white Flames away jersey with a stylized red C logo on his chest and his mask raised above his forehead stares down at the ice as he is skating. The trade provided immediate dividends for the Flames, as Kiprusoff recorded 22 saves in a 2–1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in his first game with Calgary on November 20. He won 12 of 17 starts between November 20 and December 29, giving up one goal or fewer 11 times in that stretch. He was named the defensive player of the month for December by the League,

Kiprusoff's play remained strong upon his return, as he was counted on to lead the Flames to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. A 1–0 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes clinched a berth in the 2004 playoffs for the Flames, an achievement which earned Kiprusoff a standing ovation from the Calgary fans. He finished the regular season with a modern NHL record-low GAA of 1.69. He was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the best goaltender in the League, and was given a one-year, $2.95 million contract for 2004–05 by an arbitrator, an increase in salary of nearly four times his previous contract.

As the 2004–05 lockout led to the cancellation of the season, Kiprusoff chose to play in Sweden. He played 41 games for Timrå IK, recording five shutouts and a 2.14 GAA. He was not only touted as the top goaltender in the League, but also argued to be a candidate for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player in the NHL. Finishing the season with a 42–20–11 record and a team-record 10 shutouts, he was named a first team all-star and awarded the Vezina Trophy, as well as the William M. Jennings Trophy for being the goaltender on the team that gave up the fewest goals in during the season. though the award was won by Joe Thornton.

Kiprusoff making a save against the San Jose Sharks in April 2007. alt=View from behind the left shoulder of a goaltender as he reaches out with his left hand and catches a puck shot into his glove as several players look on. Kiprusoff struggled to begin the 2006–07 season, winning just four of his first 12 decisions, and giving up nearly three goals per game. He rebounded to finish the season with 40 wins, won his 100th career game, and played in his first All-Star Game. Kiprusoff was outstanding in the 2007 playoffs, keeping the overmatched Flames close to the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings despite the Flames giving up nearly 50 shots per game in their first two contests. He led them to consecutive wins in Games 3 and 4 to even the series, and gave the Flames hope they could win the series, but the Flames were unable to parlay his performance into a series win, losing the best-of-seven series 4–2. Kiprusoff earned his third consecutive nomination for the Vezina Trophy, ultimately won by Martin Brodeur.

Nicknamed "Captain Hook" for the way he handled goaltenders, the Flames decision to hire Mike Keenan as head coach in 2007–08 created speculation that Kiprusoff might choose to leave Calgary when his contract expired at the end of the season. Nonetheless, he agreed to a six-year extension worth $35 million that would keep him in Calgary until the end of the 2013–14 season. He struggled at times, as his GAA and save percentage fell outside of the top 30 goaltenders in the League by mid-November. His play improved throughout the season, however, and he finished the season third in the NHL with 39 wins. He won his 200th career game on March 18, 2009, in a 2–1 victory over the Dallas Stars, but questions about whether he was playing too many games continued throughout the season. Although he led the League with 45 wins, his statistical averages had deteriorated for the fourth consecutive season as he admitted he struggled.

New head coach Brent Sutter promised that Kiprusoff would face a lighter schedule in 2009–10, he played 76 games in 2008–09, while Kiprusoff hired a personal trainer and set aside his previously indifferent attitude towards off-season training. His efforts appeared to pay dividends early in the season, as he lost only three of his first 17 decisions, leading his teammates to compare his early performance to his first years in Calgary. He finished in the top ten in the League in wins, save percentage and GAA and while considered a potential candidate for the Vezina Trophy, he was not named a finalist in part due to the fact the Flames failed to qualify for the 2010 playoffs.

Kiprusoff, as well as the entire Flames team, struggled early in the 2010–11 season, and during a period of struggle late in January, he became a target of the fans' jeering. He admitted that he had struggled and was trying to focus on returning his play to where he felt it should be. Kiprusoff's fortunes improved in February, as he won his 250th game as a member of the Flames in a 9–1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on February 14. Six nights later, he became the first goaltender in NHL history to record a shutout in an outdoor game with a 4–0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the 2011 Heritage Classic. In a March 4 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he became the first goaltender in 25 years to stop two penalty shots in one game to preserve a 4–3 victory.

On February 8, 2012, Kiprusoff became the 27th goalie to record his 300th career win. He reached the mark with a 4–3 victory over his former team, the San Jose Sharks. A knee injury forced Kiprusoff out of Calgary's lineup for a month of the 2012–13 season, but a victory in his return — a 4–1 decision over the Sharks on March 6, 2013 — marked his 300th win as a member of the Flames.

At the 2013 NHL trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly attempted to acquire Kiprusoff, but he elected not to waive his no-trade clause amid speculation that he intended to retire at season's end. Finnish news agency STT-Lehtikuva reported in June that the goaltender had informed the Finnish national team that he had decided to end his playing career, and the Flames formally announced his retirement on September 9, 2013. He ended his career as the Flames' franchise leader in wins (305), shutouts (41) and games played by a goaltender (576).

The Flames retired Kiprusoff's no. 34 on March 2, 2024, making him the fourth Flames player to receive the honour.

International play Kiprusoff backstopped Finland to a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Kiprusoff made his international debut with the Finnish junior team at the 1994 European Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he played in three games. Kiprusoff was named the starting goaltender for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and earned a shutout against the Czech Republic. He posted four wins and a tie, including a second shutout, and a 1.18 GAA to lead the upstart Finns into the championship game against Canada. In spite of his 30 saves, the Finns were defeated by Canada 3–2. Kiprusoff did not play his best game in the final, according to Finland Head Coach Raimo Summanen, though he expressed pride in his team's effort.

Kiprusoff again declined an invitation to play at the 2006 Winter Olympics, citing the need to rest a hip injury. His announcement generated considerable controversy in Finland, where the fact that he did not miss a game with the Flames due to the injury led some to question if he was injured at all. Country-mate Teemu Selänne questioned the goaltender's lack of interest in playing for the national team, a comment that stung Kiprusoff. When considered to play for the Finns at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Kiprusoff said he would join the team, but only if he felt healthy and if he was named the starting goaltender for the team. Kiprusoff was named the starter and allowed only four goals in his team's first four games, leading the Finns to a semifinal game against the United States. The Americans blitzed Kiprusoff early in the game, as he gave up four goals on just seven shots in the first minutes of the game before being replaced in net by Niklas Bäckström. He returned to the net for the bronze medal game, however, leading Finland to a 5–3 victory.

Personal life Kiprusoff is of Russian descent through his grandfather. He and his wife Seidi have two sons, Aaro and Oskar, and call Helsinki home. His older brother, Marko, is a defenceman who last played for TPS in 2009, and previously played in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders.

Kiprusoff is a spokesman for the Rainbow Society of Alberta, an organization that aims to grant wishes for children with chronic or life-threatening conditions. He donated $10 for each save he made in an NHL game, which totalled $18,720 in 2009–10.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP W L T OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV% 1993–94 TPS FIN U20 35 20 9 5 — 2,101 100 0 2.85 .910 6 3 3 369 26 0 4.23 .874 1994–95 TPS FIN U20 31 13 14 4 — 1,896 92 2 2.91 .924 — — — — — — — — 1994–95 TPS SM-l 4 3 1 0 — 240 12 0 3.00 .897 2 2 0 120 7 0 3.50 .896 1994–95 Kiekko–67 FIN-2 1 0 1 0 — 60 6 0 6.00 .846 — — — — — — — — 1995–96 TPS FIN U20 3 1 2 0 — 180 9 0 3.00 .927 — — — — — — — — 1995–96 TPS SM-l 12 5 3 1 — 550 38 0 4.14 .881 3 0 1 113 4 0 2.12 — 1995–96 Kiekko–67 FIN-2 5 5 0 0 — 300 7 1 1.40 .950 — — — — — — — — 1996–97 AIK SEL 42 — — — — 2,440 93 3 2.29 .907 7 — — 420 22 0 3.14 — 1997–98 AIK SEL 43 — — — — 2,517 111 1 2.65 .908 — — — — — — — — 1998–99 TPS SM-l 39 26 6 6 — 2,259 70 4 1.86 .936 10 9 1 580 15 3 1.55 — 1999–00 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 47 23 19 4 — 2,759 144 3 2.48 .924 5 1 3 239 13 0 3.27 .904 2000–01 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 36 19 9 6 — 2,038 76 2 2.24 .926 — — — — — — — — 2000–01 San Jose Sharks NHL 5 2 1 0 — 154 5 0 1.95 .902 3 1 1 149 5 0 2.01 .937 2001–02 Cleveland Barons AHL 4 4 0 0 — 242 7 0 1.73 .949 — — — — — — — — 2001–02 San Jose Sharks NHL 20 7 6 3 — 1041 43 2 2.49 .915 1 0 0 7 0 0 0.00 1.000 2002–03 San Jose Sharks NHL 22 5 14 0 — 1,199 65 1 3.25 .879 — — — — — — — — 2003–04 Calgary Flames NHL 38 24 10 4 — 2,300 65 4 1.69 .933 26 15 11 1,655 51 5 1.85 .928 2004–05 Timrå IK SEL 46 — — — — 2,719 97 5 2.14 .918 6 — — 356 13 0 2.19 .890 2005–06 Calgary Flames NHL 74 42 20 — 11 4,379 151 10 2.07 .923 7 3 4 428 16 0 2.24 .921 2006–07 Calgary Flames NHL 74 40 24 — 9 4,419 181 7 2.46 .917 6 2 4 383 18 0 2.81 .929 2007–08 Calgary Flames NHL 76 39 26 — 10 4,398 197 2 2.69 .906 7 2 4 336 18 1 3.21 .908 2008–09 Calgary Flames NHL 76 45 24 — 5 4,418 209 4 2.84 .903 6 2 4 324 19 0 3.52 .884 2009–10 Calgary Flames NHL 73 35 28 — 10 4,235 163 4 2.31 .920 — — — — — — — — 2010–11 Calgary Flames NHL 71 37 24 — 6 4,156 182 6 2.63 .906 — — — — — — — — 2011–12 Calgary Flames NHL 70 35 22 — 11 4,128 162 4 2.35 .921 — — — — — — — — 2012–13 Calgary Flames NHL 24 8 14 — 2 1,344 77 0 3.44 .882 — — — — — — — —SM-l totals 55 34 10 7 — 3,049 120 4 2.36 — 15 11 2 814 26 3 1.91 —NHL totals 623 319 213 7 64 36,169 1,500 44 2.49 .912 56 25 28 3,284 127 6 2.32 .921

International Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV% 1994 Finland EJC 3 — — — 179 13 0 4.36 .888 1995 Finland WJC 2 — — — 116 5 0 2.58 .889 1996 Finland WJC 3 1 2 0 159 9 0 3.39 .905 1999 Finland WC 3 — — — 156 3 0 1.16 .954 2001 Finland WC 3 2 1 0 140 5 1 2.14 .889 2004 Finland WCH 6 4 1 1 363 9 2 1.48 .940 2010 Finland OLY 5 3 2 — 250 11 1 2.64 .894Senior totals 17 — — — 909 28 4 1.85 .922

All-Star Games Year Decision MIN SA GA GAA Sv% 2007 — 20 11 3 9.00 .727 All-Star totals 0–0–0 20 11 3 9.00 .727

Awards and honours Award Year SM-liiga Kanada-malja champion 1995, 1999 Urpo Ylönen trophy 1999 NHL William M. Jennings Trophy 2006 NHL first team All-Star 2006 Calgary Flames Molson Cup 2006, 2007, 2009 No. 34 retired 2024