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A celebration will take place in St. Albert on Sunday to rename a local arena after former Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla.

Iginla, who grew up in St. Albert (northwest of Edmonton), will soon have his name on the facility currently known as Akinsdale Arena.

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The City of St. Albert announced the naming celebration Monday.

“We are so proud to honour this great player and Hometown Hockey Hero,” the city said in an event notice on its website.

Iginla started playing hockey at seven years old and played for local teams including the St. Albert Eagle Raiders.

“The City of St. Albert would like to thank Jarome for creating such great memories for St. Albert and for hockey fans everywhere,” the city said.

“He has inspired many youngsters to pursue their dreams and we are proud to rename the Akinsdale Arena, where he spent so many of his formative years, the Jarome Iginla Arena in his honour.”

When he was 16, Iginla moved to B.C. to play for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL.

He played for the Calgary Flames for 16 seasons. The team retired his number 12 jersey this year.

The renaming ceremony will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at 66 Hebert Road. Iginla will attend the ceremony, as will Mayor Cathy Heron, members of council and Iginla’s friends and family.