A History of the Jersey Numbers of New Flames

As is the norm with any new regular season, the Flames brought in some new bodies for the 2016-17 campaign. Now with the rosters set and the season finally underway, we can look at the history of the jersey numbers given to each of these new players.

There are seven new players on the Flames opening day roster and we can look at the past players who dawned the Flaming C with the same number. For each player we will look at the three most recent Flames to wear the number, as well as the two most notable all time players to wear that number.

The players are: #1 Brian Elliott, #8 Nicklas Grossmann, #10 Kris Versteeg, #19 Matthew Tkachuk, #31 Chad Johnson, #36 Troy Brouwer, and #39 Alex Chiasson

#1 G Brian Elliott

Most Recent Flames to Wear #1:

• Jonas Hiller (2014-16)
• Curtis McElhinney (2008-2010)
• Roman Turek (2001-2004)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #1:

• Jonas Hiller (2014-2016)
• Roman Turek (2001-2004)

Not a lot of notable Flames have worn the #1 over time, so hopefully that changes with Brian Elliott. Many were goalies in the 80’s and early 90’s that barely played for the organization so there wasn’t a lot of choice. Elliott has a chance to bring some glory to the #1, hopefully with better performances than last night.

#8 D Nicklas Grossmann

Most Recent Flames to Wear #8:

• Joe Colborne (2014-2016)
• Krys Kolanos (2012)
• Brendan Morrison (2010-2012)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #8:

• Valeri Bure (1997-2001)
• Doug Risebrough (1982-1987)

Now we’re delving into the history books to find a couple players who made a big impact on the Flames organization. Grossmann has to follow in the footsteps of some decent players from long ago and looked pretty poor in Edmonton.

#10 F Kris Versteeg

Most Recent Flames to Wear #10:

• Corban Knight (2013-2015)
• Roman Cervenka (2012-2013)
• Blake Comeau (2011-2012)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #10:

• Dave Lowry (2000-2004)
• Gary Roberts (1987-1996)

While I was torn between Lowry and Tony Amonte, I gave Lowry the edge. However, Gary Roberts takes the top spot as his career began and blossomed in Calgary over 10 seasons. Just like his number...woah. Big shoes to fill Mr. Versteeg.

#19 F Matthew Tkachuk

Most Recent Flames to Wear #19:

• David Jones (2014-2016)
• Blair Jones (2011-2014)
• Fredrik Modin (2011)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #19:

• Oleg Saprykin (1999-2004)
• Tim Hunter (1981-1992)

Another tip of the cap to a longtime Flame in Tim Hunter while we give the other selection to Oleg Saprykin mainly because he scored the overtime goal in Game 5 of the 04 Cup Final. Will Matthew Tkachuk be the best #19 ever for the Flames?

#31 G Chad Johnson

Most Recent Flames to Wear #31:

• Karri Ramo (2013-2016)
• Curtis Joseph (2008)
• Curtis McElhinney (2008)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #31:

• Curtis Joseph (2008)
• Grant Fuhr (1999-2000)

We’ll give the nod to two goalies who had careers worthy of the Hall of Fame elsewhere, before coming to Calgary at the tail end of their careers. Both Joseph and Fuhr played in Calgary very late in their careers and only played a handful of games.

#36 F Troy Brouwer

Most Recent Flames to Wear #36:

• Matt Keetley (2007-2008)
• Mike Mottau (2002-2003)
• Ronald Petrovicky (2000-2002)

Most Notable Flames to Wear #36:

• Troy Brouwer (2016)
• Ronald Petrovicky (2000-2002)

Who is Ronald Petrovicky you ask? Well the only player in Flames history to play over 100 games in the #36 jersey. The rest? There’s been eight others not including Brouwer, and the average games played by them in Calgary is 16 games. So yeah, Brouwer is going to be on this list no matter what.

#39 F Alex Chiasson

Most Recent Flames to Wear #39:

• T.J. Galiardi (2013-2014)
• Carsen Germyn (2005-2007)
• Ryan Christie (2001-2002)

Most Notable Flame to Wear #39

• Doug Gilmour (1989-1992)

That’s literally it as the rest of the Flames to ever dawn the #39 jersey since Gilmour’s departure have been nobody’s. Perhaps Chiasson can change that, or perhaps it’s cursed.