Jocelyn Thibault facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jocelyn Thibault |
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Thibault with the Pittsburgh Penguins in November 2006
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| Born | January 12, 1975 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Quebec Nordiques Colorado Avalanche Montreal Canadiens Chicago Blackhawks Pittsburgh Penguins Buffalo Sabres |
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| NHL Draft | 10th overall, 1993 Quebec Nordiques |
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| Playing career | 1993–2008 | ||
Jocelyn Thibault (born January 12, 1975) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for teams like the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. Jocelyn was born in Montreal, Quebec, and grew up in Laval.
After his playing career, he helped create a new team in the QMJHL. This team, the Sherbrooke Phoenix, started playing in the 2012–13 season. In 2021, Thibault left the Phoenix. He became the new executive director of Hockey Quebec, which manages hockey in Quebec.
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Jocelyn Thibault's Hockey Journey
Starting Out in Junior Hockey
As a young player, Thibault played in the 1988 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He played with a minor ice hockey team from Laval, Quebec. Later, he played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was part of the Trois-Rivières Draveurs and Sherbrooke Faucons teams.
Drafted to the NHL
The Quebec Nordiques picked Thibault 10th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Nordiques for a short time. He even stayed with them when they moved to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche.
In 1995, during the Avalanche's first season, he was traded. He went to the Montreal Canadiens in a big trade. This trade also sent famous goalie Patrick Roy to the Avalanche.
Time with the Canadiens and Blackhawks
Thibault played three seasons for the Canadiens. In November 1998, he was traded again. This time, he went to the Chicago Blackhawks. He played longer with the Blackhawks than any other team, staying for five seasons.
His best season was the 2002–03 season. He had eight shutouts that year. A shutout means the goalie stops every shot and doesn't let the other team score. He also played in the 2003 NHL All-Star Game. He had his best goals-against average (GAA) of 2.37 and a save percentage of .915. The next season, he had an injury that needed surgery. Michael Leighton took his place.
Later NHL Teams
After a break in the NHL, Thibault joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2005. He signed a two-year contract. However, a hip injury made his start difficult. He lost 12 out of 13 games. He was replaced as the main goalie by Marc-André Fleury. In January 2006, he had surgery on his left hip.
On July 5, 2007, Thibault signed with the Buffalo Sabres. He played one season with Buffalo. He was the backup goalie to Ryan Miller. After that season, he was not signed again.
Special Achievements
Jocelyn Thibault has a unique record. He was the winning goalie in the very last game played at three famous arenas: the Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Capital Centre. He also played in the last game at Colisee de Quebec.
Jocelyn Thibault's Family Life
Thibault is married to Melanie, and they have three daughters. His family lives in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Jocelyn Thibault is also the godfather of Samuel Poulin. Samuel Poulin is another ice hockey player who is a prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
