Reggie Lemelin, a Canadian goaltender, played an influential role in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. Born on November 19, 1954, in Quebec City, Quebec, Lemelin began his journey in professional hockey with the Atlanta Flames. He was drafted by the Flames in the seventh round, 125th overall, in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft. However, it wasn't until the 1978-79 season that Lemelin made his NHL debut with the Flames.
Lemelin's early years with the Flames were marked by his steady development as a goaltender. He shared goaltending duties with Dan Bouchard, and the duo provided the Flames with a reliable presence in the net. When the franchise relocated to Calgary in 1980, Lemelin continued to be an integral part of the team. His performance during the 1983-84 season was particularly noteworthy, as he posted a career-high 21 wins and helped lead the Flames to the playoffs.
In 1987, Lemelin's career took a new turn when he signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent. His arrival in Boston coincided with a period of resurgence for the team. Lemelin played a crucial role in the Bruins' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1988, where they faced the Edmonton Oilers. Although the Bruins did not win the championship, Lemelin's performance throughout the playoffs was commendable.
Lemelin's tenure with the Bruins was marked by his partnership with fellow goaltender Andy Moog. The two formed a formidable tandem, providing the Bruins with a strong goaltending duo that was instrumental in the team's success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lemelin's experience and leadership were valuable assets to the team, and he was known for his calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout his career, Lemelin was recognized for his consistency and reliability in the net. He was selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game in 1989, a testament to his skill and performance as a goaltender. Lemelin's career statistics reflect his steady presence on the ice, with a total of 236 wins, 162 losses, and 63 ties in 507 regular-season games. He also recorded 20 shutouts and maintained a goals-against average of 3.46.
After retiring from professional hockey in 1993, Lemelin transitioned into coaching. He served as a goaltending coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of goaltenders. Lemelin's post-playing career in coaching further demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and his ability to mentor young players.
Reggie Lemelin's career in the NHL spanned over a decade, during which he established himself as a reliable and skilled goaltender.
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