A True Pro: Congrats to Jarome Iginla

Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22

Nineteen years ago (has it really been that long?!), I was asked as part of a larger Hockey Digest story on up-and-coming stars in the NHL which young player I thought, from the perspective of being a former NHL player and a then still-active veteran NHL official, had the best chance to make a long-term impact in the league.

I chose Jarome Iginla, saying of the Calgary Flames second year player that I liked his approach to the game and the way he conducted himself in a mature and professional manner. I was hardly alone in that assessment, of course, but it has not surprised me in the least that he's gone on to achieve a Hall of Fame worthy career that now spans 20-plus years.

Iginla always had an "it" factor about him, even as a young player. He went about his business while also giving 100 percent for his team. He was respectful to the game, skilled, strong as an ox, physical and a tough guy who few opponents dared to mess with. He's always kept himself in good shape and is an unselfish, team-oriented player.

While known for his goal scoring, Iginla actually has more career assists than goals. He's known for his physical play, but he's never had a 100 penalty minute season. Iginla is a savvy and complete player. It is a shame that he's never won a Stanley Cup but that's the only thing missing from his resume for ranking among the best of his era. In fact, he could have played in any era and fit in just fine.

In some ways, Iginla has evolved as a player a lot like my playing day contemporary Clark Gillies, except Jarome became an even better version -- and that's saying a lot, because Clark could really play this game and was a tremendous leader. Even their rivals could not help but hold them in the highest of respect.

Off the ice, Iginla has always been known as one of the game's great people: humble, charitable and caring. Let's put it this way. If a young player was looking for an on-ice and off-ice role model, he couldn't do much better than Jarome Iginla.

Last night, playing in his 1,432nd NHL regular season game, the 38-year-old Iginla became just the 19th player in league history to reach the 600-goal mark. While it's impossible to accurately predict that sort of career success for anyone -- injuries and other variables can come into play -- Iginla was one of those rare kids who had the right stuff from day one.

************************************************************************

The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.