The Calgary Flames turned up the heat for Nazem Kadri’s 1,000th NHL game.
On Wednesday, the team honored the veteran forward’s milestone achievement with a special pregame ceremony before their matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Kadri’s wife, Ashley, daughter, Naylah, parents, Sam and Sue, joined him on the ice.
A special tribute of Kadri’s highlights throughout his career aired on the arena video board. Fans in the stands gave the veteran forward a standing ovation once the video ended.
The Flames Foundation then presented a check for $50,000 to the Nazem Kadri Foundation, which helps support mental health causes.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy and Kadri’s father presented the Flames forward with a custom painting from a local artist.
On behalf of the Flames ownership, Allan Markin presented Kadri with the commemorative silver stick. Teammate Blake Coleman gifted Naylah her own mini silver stick.
Before the game, the Flames sported custom Kadri T-shirts during player arrivals.
Flames forward Ryan Lomberg held up a copy of Kadri’s memoir “Dreamer: My Life on the Edge” as he walked into the arena.
“It was great, I mean fantastic. It was very emotional,