Seattle Kraken’s Mark Giordano known just as well for his impact off the ice

The Kraken defender and his wife, Lauren, have invested considerable time, energy, and money in community and philanthropic activities.

Calgary’s Saddledome was a “C of Red” as they call it on Wednesday night. But for the first time in the brief history of the Kraken franchise, you could find multiple fans wearing the Seattle logo on their chests.

That’s probably because of the player who embodied the home team and now plays for the Kraken.

“Nice to have Gio back,” said Dave Oakley, the original Flames season ticket holder, who wore the No. 5 jersey of Mark Giordano to honor the former Calgary captain who became the Kraken team leader.

Giordano was exposed by Calgary in the expansion draft and Seattle was more than happy to pick the player who spent all 15 of his career in Alberta.

“He’s irreplaceable. He was the captain – the heart of the team,” said Oakley.

“We weren’t ready for this, but get it,” said Flames ticket holder Mark Milligan, who also wore Giordano’s sweater.

Giordano is not only appreciated by fans.

Today’s Kraken defender and wife, Lauren, spent considerable time, energy, and money doing community and philanthropic activities. There are stories about the Giordano paying electricity and food bills for Calgarians last year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several people say that the Giordanos did most of the work outside of the public eye and without solicitation.

“Mark and Lauren have done so much behind the scenes that nobody knows, nobody will,” said friend Candice Goudie, who runs the Flames Foundation. She said she came to the organization at the same time as Mark and has been friends with the family ever since.

The Giordanos built houses for Habitat for Humanity and formed the GIO team to feed needy children and families.

“We had an immediate connection because we had a common goal of improving food security for children,” said Gino Marghella, general manager of the Italian Center Shop, who asked for Giordano’s help during the pandemic last year.

He said Mark and Lauren showed up with no fanfares or cameras to pack food for Calgarians in need. Simply put, he said, “Your community and charity work is legendary here in Calgary.”

Helen Nowlan-Walls heads Education Matters, a foundation that supports Calgary public schools with food, literacy, and life skills.

“Never, never, never, it is so painful to get these guys to brag about what they are actually doing in the community. They won’t.”

She said the Giordanos had an effect that could not be completely encapsulated and that it came from the upbringing that grounded the couple.

“They are both very humble people,” she said. “Happy Seattle, you are getting an absolute gem.”

Mark’s switch to an Kraken uniform also tests her longstanding loyalty to the flames. The question triggers a smile for most people.

Marghella said his daughter had already asked for an Kraken jersey.

“At first it was a bit strange. But guess what, he’s a good man and it’s not difficult to support him even though he’s on a different team.”

Goudie giggles. “I mean, I hope we finish one and you finish two. But definitely wish you success. Not as much success as we do, just like we did with us.”