Heartbreaking Turn of Events for Flames Forward Justin Kirkland

It's a heartbreaking turn of events for underdog Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland. After finally earning a regular job in the NHL at the age of 28, Kirkland's feel-good story has been cut short, as he is now done for the season after 21 games due to ACL surgery.

Justin Kirkland will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful ACL surgery, the Flames announced. pic.twitter.com/JVvSmtyJBm
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 4, 2024

Kirkland thought he'd earned a spot with the Anaheim Ducks less than two years ago, but after just seven games he was in a devastating car accident in January 2023, and as he put it recently, “I just kind of woke up in the back of an ambulance, trying to figure out, ‘what’s going on?’”

He suffered severe head trauma and facial fractures, ending his season. The 2014 third-round pick had his road to the NHL go on hold once again.

But Justin Kirkland doesn't give up.

Overall, following eight seasons of going up and down between the ECHL and the AHL, and a handful of NHL games, he had finally won a regular role as a 4th-liner with the Flames this season. In 22 games, he had eight points along with a plus/minus rating of +6, in just under 10 minutes a night.

We'll assume that despite the ACL tear, suffered last Friday, Kirkland's tremendous success story of perseverance and his will to pursue his dream against all odds will continue again in 2025.