They say the mark of greatness is one’s ability to maintain an even keel in the good times and the bad.

The imperturbable Jarome Iginla might be the best example of this.

When this writer sat down with Iginla for a feature interview in the Calgary Flames dressing room in the fall of 2002, there wasn’t much to be excited about in the hockey player’s world.

Calgary was in jeopardy of eventually losing the Flames franchise – the patience of the local ownership was wearing thin as losses mounted, the team looked like a longshot to make the playoffs and many thought Iginla would fold under the pressure of a new two-year, $13.5-million US contract.

Larry MacDougal photo, Business Edge
Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla has been upbeat throughout his career and now he’s savouring the playoff ride.

Yet, on October 7, 2002, a relaxed and upbeat Iginla never stopped smiling once throughout the interview at his dressing-room stall.

With the miraculous resurgence of the Flames this spring, Iginla is now the toast of Canada and being touted as the new face of hockey.

Success hasn’t seemed to spoil the 26-year-old Edmonton native one iota as he continues to flash that genuine smile, conduct himself in a gentlemanly manner (except when he’s wearing skates) and somehow keep his head out of the clouds.

“It’s a nice compliment,” the Flames captain shrugged during the Stanley Cup finals about suggestions he is the new face of hockey.

Some of the superstars of the business world could do worse than go to school on hockey’s dignified superstar.

For readers who may have missed the original interview, here it is again. Some things have changed, but the ‘new face of hockey’ is still the same ol’ Iggy.

1. How seriously do you take being a role model to kids?

“I look at being a role model to kids as an honour. I know I looked up to professional athletes when I was a kid. I’d want kids to look at me and think that they, too, can follow their dreams and realize that anything’s possible.”

2. Who’s the leader you most admire in sports, business or life?

“It is probably (former basketball superstar) Michael Jordan. I love the way that he wasn’t scared to try another sport (baseball) and give another sport a chance. He wasn’t worried about failing. He was always helping his teams win.”

3. What in your mind makes a great leader?

“I think it’s the way you treat people. It’s important to make people feel a part of the situation or a part of the team. That sums it up.”

4. Who has the greatest influence on your life?

“I don’t think I can pick one person. It was my family – my mom, my dad and my grandparents. I’m very close to them and I look up to them. I have a lot of admiration for what they’ve done in their lives and that has helped me in so many ways.”

5. What was most responsible for your breakthrough 50-goal season in 2001-02?

“I think a big part of it, if I was to pick one thing, was confidence. Once things start rolling, you start believing in yourself and you realize it’s possible.”

6. How do you deal with the pressure of being a highly paid franchise type of player?

“As an athlete, there’s sports pressure. It’s what we enjoy. It’s what I enjoy. To me, the more on the line, the better. The most exciting game and the most pressure-filled game I’ve played was that gold-medal game (Canada’s victory at the 2002 Olympics, in which Iginla had two goals and one assist). It’s what makes the regular season and the playoffs season more exciting than the preseason.”

7. What did you learn from watching Wayne Gretzky at Oiler games during your boyhood years in Edmonton?

“I looked up to him in the way he seemed to be enjoying the game. He’s obviously the best player that ever played. I admired the way he could make his teammates better and was able to win.”

8. What’s it like to walk into a store these days and see your picture on so many magazine covers?

“It’s different, that’s for sure.

That’s cool. It’s a rush for sure. I’m comfortable with (the newfound celebrity status). It’s fun. But I don’t take it too seriously.”

9. What’s your most extravagant toy?

“I bought a Porsche in 1998. I’d always dreamed about Porsches and, when I was a kid, I always wanted one. I consider myself very fortunate to have one.”

10. How important is money?

“It’s not the most important thing, for sure. I think there are some responsibilities that come with being able to sign a big contract, being in the NHL and being able to have great things. I’m able to help my family, enjoy it with family friends and also be a part of charities. I’m just very thankful for everything, you know.”

11. Are you investing in this bearish stock market?

“Sure I am. I think there are good buying opportunities. I watch it like everybody else, but I have a long-time horizon.”

12. What are your goals in hockey?

“I want to be a better player than I was last season. I want to get better in all areas. I want to score more goals and get more points. But team-wise, the pressure is on us to get into the playoffs.” (Ed. note: The Flames cruised into the playoffs this year for the first time in eight years.)

13. Is there a message you’d like to convey to the playoff-starved Flames’ fans?

“Well, they’ve been very patient with us and they’ve been very supportive. We really appreciate it and we look forward to having an exciting year together. It’s going to be fun for all of us. It’s been a building process, but we’re going to be in the playoffs and it’s going to be a good ride for us all.” (Iginla was right about the good ride, but his prediction of making the playoffs was premature by one year).

14. Do you think that some media pay too much attention to the colour of your skin or do you welcome the ‘black athlete’ angle?

“I welcome it. When I was younger, I knew I was a minority hockey player and I knew there weren’t many (black players) in the NHL. The (black players such as Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton Oilers) that I was able to see in the NHL when I was a kid made me realize that it was possible. It’s certainly harder to be the first black NHL player (like Willie O’Ree) and it was important for me to see other (black players) when I was pursuing my dreams. Do I think too much is made of it? No.”

15. What’s the best advice you can offer youngsters tormented by racial slurs?

“I think it’s something that is definitely not right. I’d tell them to just keep going. All it is is other people’s ignorance, so just keep going, follow your dreams, work hard to reach your dreams and don’t worry too much about what other people are saying.”

16. What’s your proudest achievement?

“Making it to the NHL.

It’s something I’d dreamed of since I was seven years old. Getting in my first NHL game (in 1996) was something I’ll remember forever. But winning the gold medal with Team Canada in the Olympics was my proudest achievement.”

17. One celebrity you’d walk over hot coals in bare feet to have a beer with?

“Probably (actor) Will Smith. He’s done everything, from music to acting to big movies. I like what he has achieved and he seems to have a lot of fun with whatever he does. I’d love to sit down with him for a drink.”

18. What’s your most important goal beyond hockey?

“To be happy. I don’t have any business plans or anything. But one day I’d like to be married (He would go on to marry junior high school sweetheart Kara Kirkland in August 2003) and have kids and help them out. And, well, just to be happy.”

19. Do you think you’ll become involved in business at some stage in your life?

“I do. That prospect intrigues me but right now, with hockey, I’m just concentrating on my career because a career is so short. I’m not sure what I’ll do (in business).”

20. Are you interested in endorsements?

“Endorsements are certainly part of the business of hockey and we’d like to get them, especially if it’s with companies that are very respectable. If there are some good opportunities, I’d definitely love to be involved with something like that.”

IN PROFILE: Jarome Iginla
* Occupation: Right winger/captain, Calgary Flames.
* Born/raised/age: Edmonton, 26.
* Career: Iginla has spent his entire eight-year National Hockey League career with the Flames. He was acquired by Calgary on December 19, 1995 in a trade from the Dallas Stars along with Corey Millen for Joe Nieuwendyk. He was drafted by Dallas in 1995, 11th overall.
* Accolades: Iginla burst into prominence in the 2001-02 season with his first 50-goal season, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy (most goals), the Art Ross Trophy (most points) and the Lester B. Pearson Trophy (most valuable player as voted on by the players). He also sparked Canada to the Olympic gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
* Boyhood Idol: Wayne Gretzky.
* Contract Status: Iginla's salary this season is $7.5 million US, but his current two-year, $13-million US contract expires on July 1, making him a restricted free agent.

THE COMPANY: Calgary Flames
* Brass: Ken King, president/CEO; Darryl Sutter, general manager/head coach.
* Arena: Pengrowth Saddledome.
* Ownership: The group is comprised of eight Calgary entrepreneurs: Harley Hotchkiss, Murray Edwards, Alvin Libin, Allan Markin, Bud McCaig, Byron Seaman, Daryl (Doc) Seaman and Clayton Riddell.
* Website: www.calgaryflames.com
* Phone: (403) 777-4646.
* Address: Box 1540 Station M, Calgary, T2P 3B9.