Ray LeBlanc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ray LeBlanc |
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| Born | October 24, 1964 Fitchburg, Massachusetts, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Right | ||
| Played for | Chicago Blackhawks | ||
| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | Undrafted | ||
| Playing career | 1986–2000 | ||
Raymond Jude LeBlanc (born October 24, 1964) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which is the player who tries to stop the puck from going into the net. Ray LeBlanc played one game in the National Hockey League (NHL). This was with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1991–92 season.
Most of his hockey career was spent in smaller leagues. These are called the minor leagues. He played from 1984 to 2000. LeBlanc also played for the U.S. national team. He represented his country at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He also played in the 1992 World Championships.
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Ray LeBlanc's Hockey Journey
Ray LeBlanc was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He started his hockey journey playing junior hockey in Ontario, Canada. After two seasons there, he became a professional player.
His first pro team was the Pineridge Bucks in 1984–85. He then played for the Carolina Thunderbirds. After that, he moved to the International Hockey League (IHL). He spent most of his career in this league.
In his first IHL season (1986–87), he played for the Flint Spirits. He played in 63 games that year. Ray won the Ken McKenzie Trophy. This award is given to the best American-born rookie in the IHL.
LeBlanc played for many IHL teams. These included the Flint Spirits, Saginaw Hawks, Indianapolis Ice, Fort Wayne Komets, Cincinnati Cyclones, and Chicago Wolves. He finished his career with the Jacksonville Lizard Kings in the ECHL. He retired after the 1999–2000 season.
His One NHL Game
Ray LeBlanc played only one game in the National Hockey League. This happened during the 1991–92 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. His appearance was special. It helped the Blackhawks follow a rule for the 1992 NHL Expansion Draft.
Teams had to make one goaltender available for other teams to pick. This goalie needed to have played at least one game in the 1991–92 season. The Blackhawks had three top goalies: Ed Belfour, Dominik Hašek, and Jimmy Waite. They did not want to lose any of them.
So, on March 10, 1992, they put LeBlanc in a game. This meant they did not have to risk their main goalies. LeBlanc played well in his only NHL game. He allowed only one goal. The Blackhawks won the game 5–1 against the San Jose Sharks.
Playing for His Country
Ray LeBlanc also played for the U.S. national team. He represented his country in two major events.
At the 1992 Winter Olympics, LeBlanc played in all eight games for the U.S. team. He won 5 games, lost 2, and tied 1. He also had two shutouts, meaning he didn't let any goals in during those games. The American team did not win a medal, though. They lost to Czechoslovakia in the bronze medal game.
He also played for the U.S. team at the 1992 World Championships.
Awards and Honors
- Ken McKenzie Trophy: This award is given to the best American-born rookie in the IHL. Ray LeBlanc won it in the 1986–87 season.
See also
- List of players who played only one game in the NHL
