Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Réjean M. "Reggie" Lemelin (born November 19, 1954) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and coach. Lemelin played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins. He is perhaps best known for leading the Bruins over the Montreal Canadiens for the first time since 1943, a span of 45 years and 18 series, in the 1988 playoffs. After his playing career, Lemelin spent 13 years as a goaltending coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, who had originally drafted him into the NHL.
Playing career.
As a youth, Lemelin played in the 1965, 1966 and 1967 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Orsainville, Quebec City.
After playing two seasons in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Beavers, Lemelin joined the North American Hockey League's Philadelphia Firebirds. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round, 125th overall, in the 1974 NHL amateur draft, and was also selected by the Chicago Cougars in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft; however, he never played in the WHA, due to an argument with management. His NHL debut came with the Atlanta Flames during the 1978–79 season.
Lemelin remained with the Flames through their move to Calgary, where he enjoyed the most success of his career. He split goaltending duties with Pat Riggin and then Don Edwards, earning the starting job in 1983. In 1984, he played 2 games for Canada in the 1984 Canada Cup, going 1-1. After losing his starting job in Calgary to Mike Vernon, he joined the Boston Bruins for the 1987–88 season, and would be instrumental in the Bruins overcoming the Canadiens for the first time since 1943 in the 1988 playoffs. Lemelin went 4-0, with a .952 save percentage, stopping 99 of 104 shots, and 1 shutout against the Habs after starting game 2 over Andy Moog, who had lost the series opener 5-2. The Bruins would make it to the Stanley Cup Finals that year, losing in a sweep to the Edmonton Oilers. The following season, he and Moog would win the NHL's William M. Jennings Trophy (for fewest team goals allowed).
After battling numerous injuries, Lemelin retired during the 1992–93 season, with his final game on December 29, 1992 in Winnipeg against the Jets. In his NHL career, he appeared in 507 games and had only two losing seasons.
After 13 seasons as the goaltending coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, Lemelin was replaced on June 25, 2009, by Jeff Reese. As of 2010, he was active in Boston area charity hockey games, playing as a goaltender with the Boston Bruins Alumni exhibition team.
Personal life.
Lemelin married his wife, Rona, in July 1976. They have two children together, Brian and Stephanie.
Career statistics.
Regular season and playoffs statistics.
References.
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