Stephen Valiquette, a Canadian goaltender, spent several years in professional hockey, primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on August 20, 1977, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Valiquette's journey in hockey began in the junior leagues, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising goaltender.
Valiquette's professional career took off when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, selected in the eighth round as the 190th overall pick. However, he did not play for the Kings and instead started his professional career with the Hampton Roads Admirals in the ECHL. His early years were spent moving between various minor league teams, including the AHL's Lowell Lock Monsters and the Springfield Falcons, where he gained valuable experience and showcased his abilities as a reliable goaltender.
In the NHL, Valiquette is best known for his time with the New York Rangers. He first joined the Rangers organization in the 2003-2004 season, although he spent most of that season with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. After a brief stint with the Edmonton Oilers, Valiquette returned to the Rangers in 2006. It was during this period that he served as a backup goaltender, providing support to the team's starting goalie, Henrik Lundqvist.
Valiquette's role with the Rangers was primarily as a backup, but he occasionally stepped into the starting position when needed. His performances were characterized by steady play and the ability to handle pressure situations. One of his notable games came on November 10, 2007, when he recorded a shutout against the Philadelphia Flyers, stopping all 20 shots he faced. This performance highlighted his capability to deliver strong performances when called upon.
Throughout his career, Valiquette was known for his size, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, which he used to his advantage in covering the net. His style of play was often described as calm and composed, traits that served him well in high-pressure situations. Despite not being a regular starter, he was a respected figure in the locker room and contributed to the team's overall dynamic.
After his time with the Rangers, Valiquette continued to play in the AHL and overseas. He spent a season with the Russian team, HC CSKA Moscow, in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), further broadening his experience in international play. His career also included stints with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, where he continued to provide veteran leadership and stability in goal.
Valiquette retired from professional hockey in 2011. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a career in broadcasting, becoming an analyst for MSG Network, where he provided insights and commentary on Rangers games. His deep understanding of the game and articulate analysis made him a respected voice in hockey media.
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