Gilles Villemure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gilles Villemure |
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Villemure in 1976
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| Born | May 30, 1940 Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | ||
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Right | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers Chicago Black Hawks |
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| Playing career | 1963–1977 | ||
Gilles Villemure (born May 30, 1940) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a talented Goaltender (goalie) who played in the NHL. Gilles played for the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks during the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada.
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Gilles Villemure's Hockey Journey
Gilles Villemure started his hockey career in the junior leagues. He played one season with the Guelph Biltmores. After that, he spent ten years playing in minor leagues. These leagues included the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL).
Becoming a Star Goalie
Gilles was a big star in the minor leagues. He won the Les Cunningham Award twice. This award is given to the league's most valuable player. He won it in 1969 and 1970 while playing for the Buffalo Bisons. In 1970, he helped the Bisons win the Calder Cup championship. This was a great achievement for his team.
During his time in the minor leagues, Gilles was amazing. He led his league in "goals against average" three times. This means he let in very few goals. He also had the most "shutouts" five times. A shutout is when a goalie stops every shot and doesn't let the other team score. The New York Rangers noticed his talent and signed him in 1964.
Joining the NHL's New York Rangers
In the 1970–71 season, Gilles Villemure joined the NHL for good. He became the backup goalie for the New York Rangers. The Rangers were a very strong team back then. Over the next three seasons, Gilles had an amazing record. He won 66 games, lost 27, and tied 10. He also had ten shutouts. His "goals-against average" was always very low.
In 1971, Gilles shared the Vezina Trophy with Eddie Giacomin. This award goes to the best goalie in the NHL. He was also chosen to play in the NHL All-Star Game three times. He played in the All-Star Game in 1971, 1972, and 1973. The Rangers even made it to the Stanley Cup finals in 1972.
Later Career and Retirement
By the 1974–75 season, Gilles became the main goalie for the Rangers. However, both he and Eddie Giacomin were getting older. After that season, Gilles was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks. He played as a backup goalie for Tony Esposito. Gilles played only 21 games over two years with the Black Hawks. He retired from hockey after the 1976–77 season.
In 2009, a book called 100 Ranger Greats ranked Gilles Villemure. He was ranked No. 48 among all New York Rangers players. This shows how important he was to the team's history.
When he wasn't playing hockey, Gilles had another interesting hobby. He was a professional harness racehorse driver. Today, Gilles Villemure lives in Levittown, New York.
Awards and Honors
- Rookie of the Year in the WHL in 1963.
- Named to the WHL's First All-Star Team in 1966.
- Named to the AHL's Second All-Star Team in 1967.
- Won the Hap Holmes Memorial Award in 1969 and 1970.
- Won the Les Cunningham Award in 1969 and 1970.
- Named to the AHL First All-Star Team in 1969 and 1970.
- Calder Cup championship in 1970.
- Vezina Trophy winner in 1971 (shared with Eddie Giacomin).
- Named to play in the NHL All-Star Game in 1971, 1972 and 1973.
