Iginla sets franchise games record

Nov 30, 2007 - 2:26 AM CALGARY, Alberta (Ticker) -- Jarome Iginla has several of the Calgary Flames' franchise marks in his sights. He took care of the first one on Thursday.

Iginla became the Flames' all-time leader in games played when he took the ice against the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, skating in his 804th regular-season contest with the club.

Iginla, who currently is second in club history in goals (337), third in points (697) and fourth in assists (360), surpassed the games played mark set by Hall of Famer Al MacInnis. The defenseman was selected 15th overall by the Flames in 1981 and patrolled the team's blue line from 1981-94.

Drafted 11th overall by Dallas in 1995, Iginla was acquired by Calgary later that year in the deal that sent Joe Nieuwendyk to the Stars. The 30-year-old made his NHL debut in the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs, recording one goal and one assist in two games.

Named team captain prior to the 2003-04 season, Iginla has been the heart and soul of the Flames since becoming a regular in 1996-97, leading the club to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004 and eclipsing the 30-tally mark each of the last six campaigns. The Edmonton native enjoyed his best season in 2001-02, notching 52 goals and 96 points en route to winning the Maurice Richard and Art Ross Trophies and the Lester B. Pearson Award.

Iginla, who also captured the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2004 by netting 41 tallies, is a three-time All-Star and two-time Olympian, helping Canada to the gold medal at the Salt Lake Games in 2002.