Calgary Flames All-Time International Roster: Team Canada

With the NHL finally making some progress with getting the 2021 season scheduled, things are starting to pick up hockey-wise again. First though, we have the upcoming World Juniors from Edmonton. In the spirit of international hockey, I wanted to assemble rosters of All-Time Calgary Flames players from each country and see what ends up being the strongest and if there are any surprises.

First, I think we have to start with the Team Canada roster. My main consideration to be eligible for this list is that the player has to have played at least 200 regular season games with the Flames.

Forwards

Line 1: Gary Roberts – Joe Nieuwendyk – Jarome Iginla

Not a ton of discussion to be had here. All three are franchise icons, with Iginla obviously being the big one. Roberts had 505 points in 585 games with the Flames from 1986-1996. Joe Nieuwendyk had 616 points in 575 games between 1986-1995. Iginla had 1095 points in 1219 games and also played a role in arguably the biggest goal in Canadian hockey history at the 2010 Olympics.

Line 2: Jim Peplinski – Doug Gilmour – Theo Fleury

A very solid second line to round out the top six. I’m going to take this opportunity again to say the Flames should retire Fleury’s number ASAP.

Line 3: Alex Tanguay – Sean Monahan – Lanny McDonald

I feel bad putting the great Lanny McDonald on the third line but I think you can’t keep Iggy or Fleury out of the top six. Tanguay would be a great set up man for both Monahan and Lanny from his 66 goal season.

Line 4: Cory Stillman – Doug Risebrough – Colin Patterson

Gotta get Risebrough into the lineup to go out there and be a pest. Stillman and Patterson provide some solid winger depth as well.

Scratches: Daymond Langkow, Tim Hunter

Defense

Line 1: Mark Giordano – Al MacInnis

Absolutely solid pairing of Norris winning defensemen. There’d be a ton of points from this pairing in their prime.
Line 2: Robyn Regehr – Paul Reinhart

Again, very solid.

Line 3: Brad McCrimmon – Jamie Macoun

You have to throw some grit in your third pairing.

Scratch: Jay Bouwmeester

Goaltending

Starter: Mike Vernon

You have to roll with Mike Vernon all day in net. Absolute legend with two Stanley Cups.

Backup: Rejean Lemelin

Yep, not much shock with the backup either. Third all-time in franchise wins behind the aforementioned Vernon and Kipper.

Let me know if you think I missed anyone or made an egregious mistakes. The other teams will come in the following days.

by Michael MacGillivray