NaijaPositive.com

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Hockey Gets First Black Captain - NHL Opens Up

EUR
16th OCt. '03

Jarome Iginla is the first black captain in NHL history. The talented forward was chosen to wear the 'C' by the Calgary Flames, last Wednesday.

Iginla, 26, is entering his eighth NHL season. He won the NHL scoring title in the 2001-2002 season as well as an Olympic gold medal with Canada at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

"Jarome is a quality young man and a terrific hockey player who people look up to," Flames head coach and general manager Darryl Sutter said. "His work ethic and commitment to being the best are examples of how all players should prepare and compete."

Iginla had his own complimentary words to share about his team and his ability to grow in his organization. "I have been very lucky to have played with many great captains that I have learned from over the course of my career," Iginla said in a statement. "I believe I am better prepared to assume this role as a result of playing with players such as Craig Conroy and Dave Lowry. I'm ready for the next challenge and the responsibilities that go with it."

Conroy, Iginla's linemate, served as Flames captain the past two seasons. Conroy and defenseman Robyn Regehr will be alternate captains.

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Iginla was even featured in Momentum a Nigerian-American magazine in 2003. He was born Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Iginla, one of 5 children, to a Nigerian father and an American mother. He's popularly known as Iggy and has played hockey since he was 7 yrs old.

It's a pride he's gotten this far as he's one of the only 18 black players in the 650 member hockey league.

Cxsm

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm