Fred Brathwaite, a Canadian goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being undrafted in the NHL. Born on November 24, 1972, in Ottawa, Ontario, Brathwaite's career began in the early 1990s. Despite not being selected in the NHL Entry Draft, he persevered and found opportunities to showcase his skills.
Brathwaite's professional career took off when he signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 1993. He spent several seasons with the Oilers organization, primarily playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers. His time in the AHL allowed him to hone his abilities and gain valuable experience between the pipes.
In the 1996-1997 season, Brathwaite made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers. Although his time with the Oilers was relatively short, he managed to make an impression with his agility and quick reflexes. After his stint in Edmonton, Brathwaite moved on to the Calgary Flames, where he played from 1998 to 2001. During his tenure with the Flames, he became known for his reliable goaltending and ability to perform under pressure.
One of the highlights of Brathwaite's career came during the 1999-2000 season with the Flames. He played in 61 games, recording a 2.75 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. His performance that season helped solidify his reputation as a dependable goaltender in the league.
Following his time with the Flames, Brathwaite joined the St. Louis Blues for the 2001-2002 season. He continued to demonstrate his goaltending prowess, providing the Blues with a steady presence in net. Brathwaite's tenure with the Blues lasted until 2003, after which he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His time with the Blue Jackets was brief, as he played only a handful of games before moving on to play in Europe.
Brathwaite's career extended beyond the NHL, as he found opportunities to play in the Russian Superleague and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) in Germany. His international experience allowed him to continue playing at a high level and further develop his skills.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite was known for his athleticism and ability to make acrobatic saves. His perseverance and determination enabled him to overcome the challenges of being an undrafted player and establish himself as a reliable goaltender in the NHL and beyond.
After retiring from professional hockey, Brathwaite transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles.
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