Jeff Reese, a Canadian goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey career after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Born on March 24, 1966, in Brantford, Ontario, Reese honed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights before making the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Reese's NHL debut came during the 1987-1988 season with the Maple Leafs. Over the next few years, he served primarily as a backup goaltender, providing depth to the team's roster. His time with Toronto was marked by steady performances, although he faced stiff competition for the starting position. Despite this, Reese managed to gain valuable experience and showcased his abilities in the games he played.
In 1991, Reese was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he continued to play as a backup goaltender. During his tenure with the Flames, he was part of a goaltending tandem that included Mike Vernon and later Trevor Kidd. Reese's role involved stepping in during crucial moments and providing reliable goaltending when called upon. His time in Calgary allowed him to further develop his skills and adapt to different playing styles.
Reese's career took another turn when he was traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1994. With the Whalers, he saw more playing time and had the opportunity to start in a greater number of games. This period allowed Reese to demonstrate his capabilities as a starting goaltender, and he delivered solid performances for the team. His stint with the Whalers was a significant chapter in his career, as it provided him with the chance to take on a more prominent role.
In 1996, Reese joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he continued to play until the end of his NHL career. With the Lightning, he served as a veteran presence and contributed to the team's goaltending depth. His experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the team, and he played an important role in mentoring younger goaltenders.
Throughout his NHL career, Reese was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He played in a total of 174 regular-season games, recording 85 wins, 95 losses, and 20 ties. His career goals-against average (GAA) was 3.65, and he achieved a save percentage of .883. While these statistics may not place him among the elite goaltenders of his era, Reese's reliability and consistency were appreciated by the teams he played for.
After retiring from professional play, Reese transitioned into coaching, where he continued to contribute to the sport. He served as a goaltending coach for several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers and the Dallas Stars. In this role, he shared his knowledge and experience with a new generation of goaltenders, helping them develop their skills and navigate the challenges of professional hockey.
Jeff Reese's hockey career is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability.
🏒