A goalie who played in the NHL and WHA, known for his impressive career with the New York Rangers and being a four-time NHL All-Star.
Gilles Villemure, a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender, is best known for his impressive stint with the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks in the 1960s and 1970s. With a career spanning over a decade, Villemure left an indelible mark on the game, earning a reputation as one of the most skilled goaltenders of his time.
Before making it to the big leagues, Villemure honed his skills in the minor leagues, playing for the Vancouver Canucks, Baltimore Clippers, and Buffalo Bisons. During this period, he led his league in goals against average three times and in shutouts five times, earning him the Les Cunningham Award as the American Hockey League's most valuable player in 1969-1970.
The 1970-1971 season saw Villemure called up to the NHL for good, serving as the backup to Eddie Giacomin with the New York Rangers. Over the next three seasons, Villemure recorded an impressive 66-27-10 mark, with ten shutouts and a goals-against average never higher than 2.30. This remarkable performance earned him a share of the Vezina Trophy with Giacomin in 1971.
Villemure's exceptional skills didn't go unnoticed, as he was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game three seasons in a row, allowing only a single goal and recording the lowest career GAA of any All-Star Game goaltender.
During his time with the Rangers, the team became a powerhouse, reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1972. Villemure's contributions to the team's success were instrumental, as he played a crucial role in their quest for the championship.
In the 1974-1975 season, Villemure was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks, where he backed up Tony Esposito and appeared in only 21 games over two years. He eventually retired after the 1976-1977 season.
Gilles Villemure's impressive career and achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of ice hockey. His remarkable skills, dedication, and perseverance have inspired countless goaltenders and hockey enthusiasts alike.
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