Goalie Reggie Lemelin made over 500 appearances in an exemplary career with the Atlanta/Calgary Flames and the Boston Bruins. He backstopped his teams to 236 wins and was respected for his positive outlook in the dressing room.
The native of Quebec City played junior hockey with the QMJHL's Sherbrooke Castors. He was chosen 125th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974 and spent four years in the AHL and NAHL. In 1977-78, the gifted netminder led the AHL when he made 60 appearances for the Philadelphia Firebirds. His strong year was recognized when he was voted on to the league's first all-star team. A few weeks later, Lemelin signed with the Atlanta Flames as a free agent.
Lemelin continued to spend most of his time in the minors but did play 18 games as a rookie in 1978-79. He began to gain more playing time after the franchise relocated to Calgary in 1980-81. Lemelin played 29 games that year to help fill the void after Dan Bouchard was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. He played six games in the post-season as the Flames reached the semi-finals for the first time. The upbeat veteran worked effectively with Don Edwards as Calgary improved its position in the standings in the early 1980s. His best year with the club was a 30-win performance in 1984-85.
In August 1987, Lemelin signed as a free agent with the Boston Bruins. He won 24 games for the club that first year and combined with Andy Moog to backstop the club to the Stanley Cup finals. Two years later, he won 22 games and shared the William Jennings trophy with Moog as the team reached the finals for the second time in three years. Lemelin's playing time was reduced in the early '90s before he retired in 1993.
