Mario Gosselin, a Canadian goaltender, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on June 15, 1963, in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Gosselin began his journey in professional hockey after being drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the fifth round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. His early career was marked by his time with the Sherbrooke Castors in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he honed his skills and caught the attention of NHL scouts.
Gosselin's NHL debut came during the 1983-84 season with the Nordiques. He quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the net, earning the starting goaltender position. His performance during the 1984 playoffs was particularly noteworthy, as he helped lead the Nordiques to the Wales Conference Finals. Despite the team's eventual loss to the New York Islanders, Gosselin's efforts were recognized, and he became a fan favorite in Quebec.
Throughout his tenure with the Nordiques, Gosselin was known for his agility and quick reflexes. He played a crucial role in the team's regular-season and playoff campaigns, often facing a high volume of shots and maintaining composure under pressure. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations was evident during the 1985-86 season when he recorded a career-high in wins and helped the Nordiques secure a playoff berth.
In 1987, Gosselin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he continued to demonstrate his goaltending prowess. Although his time with the Kings was relatively short, he provided stability in the net and contributed to the team's competitive edge. Gosselin's experience and skill were valuable assets to the Kings as they navigated the challenges of the NHL season.
Following his stint with the Kings, Gosselin joined the Hartford Whalers in 1989. His role with the Whalers was primarily as a backup goaltender, but he remained a dependable option when called upon. Gosselin's veteran presence was beneficial to the team's younger players, and he provided mentorship both on and off the ice.
Gosselin's NHL career concluded after the 1993-94 season. Over the course of his career, he played in 241 regular-season games, recording 89 wins, 102 losses, and 21 ties. His playoff record included 14 games, with 6 wins and 8 losses. Gosselin's career statistics reflect his steady performance and ability to compete at the highest level of professional hockey.
🏒