Roland Melanson, often referred to by his nickname "Rollie the Goalie," is remembered for his time as a goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 28, 1960, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Melanson began his professional hockey career after being drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round, 59th overall, of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.
Melanson's NHL career took off when he joined the New York Islanders. He played a crucial role as a backup goaltender during the Islanders' dynasty years in the early 1980s. The team won the Stanley Cup four consecutive times from 1980 to 1983, and Melanson was part of the roster for three of those championships. His presence provided the Islanders with a reliable option in net, complementing the team's primary goaltender, Billy Smith.
During his tenure with the Islanders, Melanson's performance was characterized by his solid goaltending skills and ability to step up when needed. He shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Billy Smith in the 1982-1983 season, an award given to the goaltenders who played for the team allowing the fewest goals during the regular season. This accolade highlighted his contributions to the Islanders' defensive strength.
In 1985, Melanson was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities between the pipes. His time with the North Stars, however, was relatively short-lived, as he was traded again in 1986 to the Los Angeles Kings. With the Kings, Melanson found more opportunities to showcase his skills as a starting goaltender. He played with the Kings until 1989, providing stability and experience to the team's goaltending lineup.
Following his stint with the Kings, Melanson was traded to the New Jersey Devils. His experience and veteran presence were valuable assets to the Devils' roster. Melanson played with the Devils until the end of his NHL playing career in 1992. Throughout his career, he was known for his technical proficiency and calm demeanor in the net, traits that served him well across the various teams he played for.
After retiring as a player, Melanson transitioned into coaching, where he continued to contribute to the sport. He served as a goaltending coach for several NHL teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. His expertise and experience as a former NHL goaltender provided valuable insights to the players he coached.
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