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Miikka Kiprusoff

Miikka Sakari Kiprusoff is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Miikka Sakari Kiprusoff is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames, won the Vezina Trophy in 2006, and helped Finland win a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He retired in 2013 after an NHL career that ended with 319 wins and 44 shutouts.

Early life and junior career

Kiprusoff was born in Turku, Finland, and developed as a goaltender in Finnish hockey before moving into professional play. Sources identify TPS Turku as part of his early career and development. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 116th overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL career

Kiprusoff began his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks and became a long-time starter for the Calgary Flames after being acquired from San Jose in 2003. He became one of Calgary’s most successful goaltenders, setting franchise marks for wins and shutouts. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2006 as the NHL’s top goaltender and also earned the William M. Jennings Trophy that season.

Awards and achievements

His most notable individual honour was the 2006 Vezina Trophy, and he also won the William M. Jennings Trophy that season. He was named a first-team NHL All-Star in 2005–06. Over his NHL career, he recorded 319 wins and 44 shutouts.

International play

Kiprusoff represented Finland internationally at multiple tournaments, including the World Championships, World Cup of Hockey, and the 2010 Winter Olympics. He won an Olympic bronze medal in 2010 and helped Finland to silver medals at the 1999 and 2001 Ice Hockey World Championships.

Key facts

  • He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 116th overall, in 1995.
  • He played in the NHL mainly with the Calgary Flames after being acquired from San Jose in 2003.
  • He won the Vezina Trophy in 2006 as the NHL’s top goaltender.
  • He retired in 2013 after an NHL career that ended with 319 wins and 44 shutouts.
  • He helped Finland win a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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Canadian context

Kiprusoff is closely associated with Canadian hockey through his long career with the Calgary Flames in Alberta, where he became one of the franchise’s most accomplished goaltenders.[6][9]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Miikka Kiprusoff?
He is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender best known for his NHL career with the Calgary Flames.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames in the NHL.
What is he best known for?
He is best known for winning the 2006 Vezina Trophy and for his standout seasons with Calgary.
When did he retire?
He announced his retirement in September 2013 and last played in 2013.
Did he play for Finland internationally?
Yes. He represented Finland at major tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympics, where Finland won bronze.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miikka_Kiprusoff
    Supports: Biographical outline, teams played for, playing career, and international achievements.
  2. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/454/miikka-kiprusoff
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, and draft information.
  3. Hockey-Referencehttps://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kiprumi01.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, career end year, and Hall of Fame / Stanley Cup status.
  4. NHLPAhttps://www.nhlpa.com/news/player-of-the-week-miikka-kiprusoff/
    Supports: Vezina Trophy, trade to Calgary, first Finnish goaltender NHL postseason victory, and international résumé.
  5. NHL.comhttps://www.nhl.com/fi/player/miikka-kiprusoff-8462147
    Supports: Retirement date, career totals, and Calgary franchise records.
  6. Olympediahttps://www.olympedia.org/athletes/119308
    Supports: 2010 Winter Olympics participation and bronze medal.
  7. NHLPAhttps://www.nhlpa.com/player/993/miikka-kiprusoff/
    Supports: Position, birthdate, and draft position.