Mark Giordano

Lore & Background

Mark Giordano went undrafted in the NHL entry draft despite offensive success in junior hockey with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. After two seasons there, he enrolled at York University but received a late invitation from the Calgary Flames to attend their summer camp. The Flames signed him to a contract following the camp, and he was assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate for the 2004–05 season. He made his NHL debut on January 30, 2006, against the St. Louis Blues.

Giordano left the NHL for the 2007–08 season to sign with HC Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Super League, feeling he had proven himself in the AHL and seeking a higher-calibre league. He returned to Calgary on a three-year contract for the 2008–09 season. He was named the 19th captain in Flames history on September 20, 2013, succeeding Jarome Iginla. Giordano played in all situations, was known as one of the hardest workers on the team, and was willing to sacrifice himself to block shots or defend teammates.

In 2019, at age 35, Giordano was awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman, having a career-best performance. He also served as captain of the Seattle Kraken during the first six months of their inaugural season. Internationally, he played with Team Canada at the 2010 IIHF World Championship and was a member of the 2007 Spengler Cup winning team.

Reader's Guide

Mark Giordano's significance lies in his journey from an undrafted junior player to winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman in 2019, at age 35. The article notes that despite going unselected at the NHL entry draft, he impressed the Calgary Flames at a summer camp and signed a contract. He later left for Russia when contract talks stalled, but returned to Calgary and eventually became team captain for eight seasons. His Norris Trophy win came during a career-best performance, making him one of the oldest first-time winners of the award. The article also highlights his leadership, as he was named captain of both the Flames and, briefly, the Seattle Kraken. His international play includes representing Canada at the 2010 IIHF World Championship and winning the 2007 Spengler Cup. Giordano's career exemplifies perseverance and late-career excellence, as he achieved his highest individual honor well after most players peak.

Did You Know?

• Giordano was undrafted and signed with the Calgary Flames as a free agent in 2004.
• He taps his helmet twice with his stick at the end of the national anthems as a tribute to his sister Mia, who died in a car accident when he was 14.
• Giordano played for HC Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Super League during the 2007–08 season.