Gilles Meloche, a goaltender hailing from Montreal, Quebec, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. Selected 70th overall, Meloche began his NHL career with the Black Hawks during the 1970-71 season. However, his time with Chicago was brief, as he was traded to the California Golden Seals in 1971.
With the Golden Seals, Meloche quickly became the team's primary goaltender. Despite the team's struggles, he showcased his skills and resilience in the net, often facing a high volume of shots. His tenure with the Seals lasted until the franchise relocated and became the Cleveland Barons in 1976. Meloche continued to serve as the starting goaltender for the Barons, maintaining his reputation as a reliable presence between the pipes.
In 1978, the Barons merged with the Minnesota North Stars, and Meloche found himself as part of the North Stars roster. It was with Minnesota that he spent the majority of his career, playing ten seasons with the team. During his time with the North Stars, Meloche was instrumental in helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times. His performance in the 1980-81 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in leading the North Stars to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the New York Islanders.
Meloche's style of play was characterized by his quick reflexes and ability to remain calm under pressure. He was known for his work ethic and consistency, attributes that earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. Over the years, he became a fan favorite in Minnesota, admired for his dedication to the team and his ability to deliver strong performances in crucial games.
In 1985, Meloche was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he spent the final three seasons of his NHL career. Although his role with the Penguins was more of a veteran presence and mentor to younger goaltenders, he continued to contribute on the ice when called upon. Meloche retired from professional hockey in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and professionalism.
Throughout his career, Meloche played in 788 regular-season games, recording 270 wins, 351 losses, and 131 ties. He also appeared in 45 playoff games, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable goaltender. After retiring as a player, Meloche transitioned into coaching and scouting roles, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of hockey players.
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