Robert Esche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert Esche |
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Esche in 2018
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| Born | January 22, 1978 Whitesboro, New York, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Phoenix Coyotes Philadelphia Flyers Ak Bars Kazan SKA Saint Petersburg Dinamo Minsk SCL Tigers |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 139th overall, 1996 Phoenix Coyotes |
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| Playing career | 1998–2012 | ||
Robert L. Esche (born January 22, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for teams like the Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers. After his playing career, he became the president of the Utica Comets, a hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). He also leads the Utica City FC, a soccer team.
Hockey Career Highlights
Robert Esche started his professional hockey journey with the Phoenix Coyotes. Later, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. This trade involved other players, Michal Handzuš and Brian Boucher. In 2004, Esche became the main goalie for the Flyers. He helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals. They played a tough series but lost in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning went on to win the Stanley Cup that year.
After playing in the NHL, Esche moved to Russia. He played for a team called Ak Bars Kazan. He had a very good record there, showing strong performances. He also played for HC Dinamo Minsk and SKA Saint Petersburg in Russia. Later in his career, he played for the SCL Tigers in Switzerland.
Playing for Team USA
Robert Esche proudly represented the United States in many international tournaments. He played in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in 1997 and 1998. He also played in the senior World Championships several times.
One of his most memorable moments was in 2000. He managed to shut out, meaning he allowed no goals, against Russia in their home country. This was a huge accomplishment for him. He also played for the US team in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
In 2006, Esche was chosen for the US Men's Olympic Hockey Team. This team competed in Turin, Italy. He played one game in the Olympics, which was a close 5–4 loss to Russia. He also played for Team USA in the 2008 World Championships in Canada. He had some great games, including one where he made 42 saves against Finland.
About Robert Esche
Robert Esche has two children with his former wife, Kelly.
He has a nickname, "Chico." This nickname came from another former NHL goalie named Chico Resch. Robert Esche's hockey sticks were labeled "R. Esche," which sounded like "Chico Resch" to some people.
Awards and Achievements
Robert Esche received several awards during his hockey career:
- 1997–98: Named to the Second All-Star Team in the OHL.
- 1998–99: Named to the All-Rookie Team in the AHL.
- 2002–03: Won the William M. Jennings Trophy. This award is given to the goalie(s) on the team that allows the fewest goals in the NHL. He shared it with Roman Čechmánek from the Flyers and Martin Brodeur from the New Jersey Devils.
- 2002–03: Received the Yanick Dupre Memorial award from the Philadelphia Flyers.
- 2003–04: Received the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial award from the Philadelphia Flyers.
- 2008 World Championships: Had the best save percentage in the tournament (.931).
- 2008–09: Played in the KHL All-Star Game.
