Dwayne Roloson

Last updated
Dwayne Roloson
Dwayne Roloson 2011-04-23.JPG
Roloson with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011
Born (1969-10-12) October 12, 1969 (age 54)
Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played for Calgary Flames
Buffalo Sabres
Minnesota Wild
Edmonton Oilers
New York Islanders
Tampa Bay Lightning
National teamFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 19942012
Medal record
ice hockey
Representing Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2007 Moscow
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2009 Bern
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1995 Stockholm

Albert Dwayne Roloson (born October 12, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and former goaltending coach of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). [1] He is currently the Goaltending Coach and Director of Player Development for Lake Superior State University Men's Ice Hockey of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).

Contents

During his NHL career, Roloson played for the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning.

He is often affectionately referred to by his fans as "Roli the Goalie". Following Mark Recchi's retirement in 2011, Roloson became the oldest active NHL player at the time and the last active NHL player to have been born in the 1960s.

Early life and education

Roloson was born on October 12, 1969, in Simcoe, Ontario. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Playing career

Pre-NHL, Calgary and Buffalo

A Hobey Baker Award nominee and National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American while tending goal for University of Massachusetts Lowell, Roloson went undrafted after graduating. He was signed as a free agent by the NHL's Calgary Flames in 1994. After splitting time between the Flames and their American Hockey League (AHL) counterpart, the Saint John Flames, he was signed as a free agent by the Buffalo Sabres to back up Dominik Hašek. Following two years with the Sabres, he was picked up in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rather than joining the Blue Jackets, Roloson signed with the AHL team of the St. Louis Blues, the Worcester IceCats.

NHL career

Minnesota Wild

Roloson earned a roster spot with the Minnesota Wild in 2001. In the 2002–03 season, Roloson shared goaltending duties with Manny Fernandez as the Wild made their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Final. Despite splitting goaltending duties with Fernandez, Roloson earned his first All-Star appearance at age 34, appearing in the 2004 NHL All-Star Game with the Western Conference team. He also won the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award for having the NHL's best save percentage. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Roloson played for Lukko of the Finnish SM-liiga.

Edmonton Oilers

On March 8, 2006, Roloson was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the first round pick that later became part of a trade for Pavol Demitra and a conditional draft pick that later became a third-rounder. Initially, Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe was harshly criticized for the acquisition when Roloson struggled during the regular season. Lowe was criticized both for not acquiring a better goaltender, and also for surrendering a first-round draft pick to a divisional rival.

Roloson, playing for the Edmonton Oilers Roloson.jpg
Roloson, playing for the Edmonton Oilers

Criticism was muted following sensational play by Roloson, backstopping the Oilers to the final of the 2006 playoffs. He had a record of 12–5 through the first three rounds, and along with Chris Pronger, was considered a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP if the Oilers were victorious in the finals.

However, during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, Roloson suffered a third-degree MCL sprain of his right knee when Hurricanes forward Andrew Ladd was pushed into Roloson by a back-checking Oiler defenseman Marc-André Bergeron. Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish announced Roloson would not be able to continue in the series. It was also learned he had hyper-extended his right elbow in the collision as well. Back-up goaltender Ty Conklin replaced Roloson for the remainder of Game 1 and co-backup goalie Jussi Markkanen finished the series. The Oilers lost to the Hurricanes in seven games. Months of intense rehabilitation would follow in order to prepare Roloson for the 2006–07 season.

Roloson could have tested the unrestricted free agency market in the summer of 2006 but opted to re-sign with the Oilers on July 1, 2006, on a three-year contract.

In the 2007–08 season, Roloson started out strong before seeing his record fall to 7–12–0. By early January 2008, backup goaltender Mathieu Garon had taken the reins as starter. It was not until March 13, 2008, that Roloson saw regular play, coming in as relief for an injured Garon, starting each subsequent game.

When the 2008–09 season began, Roloson found himself vying for the starting goaltender position with Garon and upstart Jeff Deslauriers. For the beginning of the season, it appeared Garon was once again the starter but after some bad games Oiler head coach Craig MacTavish decided to rotate Garon, Deslauriers and Roloson by playing whoever had the hot hand. Eventually, the team traded Garon to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Roloson claimed the starting spot. Down the stretch, he started 36 consecutive games as the Oilers fought for a playoff spot. During this time, he became the oldest goaltender to start more than 60 games in a single season. Though the Oilers ultimately did not qualify for the playoffs, Roloson put up solid numbers, making upwards of 40 saves on a regular basis.

Roloson in goal for the Islanders during their 2009 home-opener. Dwayne Roloson.jpg
Roloson in goal for the Islanders during their 2009 home-opener.

New York Islanders

On July 1, 2009, Roloson became an unrestricted free agent. After rejecting a one-year, $3 million offer from Edmonton, Roloson signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the New York Islanders. The Islanders also signed Martin Biron, who was to serve as Roloson's backup goaltender while Rick DiPietro was out on injured reserve. Roloson lost his first game as an Islander on October 3, 2009, in a shootout.

On November 23, 2009, Roloson made 58 saves on 61 shots in a 4–3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 58 saves were a career high, and broke the Islander club record of 56, held by Rick DiPietro. [2]

Tampa Bay Lightning

On January 1, 2011, Roloson was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenceman Ty Wishart. [3] He won his first game with Tampa Bay in a 1–0 overtime shutout against the Washington Capitals. In his first 11 games with the Lightning, he recorded four shutouts. In April 2011, Roloson recorded a shutout in a first round playoff Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making him the oldest goaltender to do so. Roloson and the Lightning ultimately advanced to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the Boston Bruins in seven games. With his contract set to expire, the Lightning signed Roloson to a one-year, $3 million contract extension on June 29, 2011. [4] He retired at season's end after the Lightning failed to qualify for the 2012 playoffs.

International play

Roloson was a member of the Canadian 2007 IIHF World Championship team that won gold in a 4–2 win against Finland in Moscow.

In 2009, Roloson (along with Oilers teammate Shawn Horcoff) was called upon for Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Championship. He played in the finals against Russia, which Canada lost 2–1. [5]

Post-playing career

Following his retirement from ice hockey, Roloson was immediately hired as a consultant to the Anaheim Ducks' AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. On June 10, 2013, Roloson was named as the replacement for Pete Peeters as the Anaheim Ducks' goaltending consultant. On November 2, 2014, he suited-up in an emergency role after Ducks goaltender John Gibson suffered a pre-game injury and could not play the game against the Colorado Avalanche. [6]

Personal life

Roloson and his wife Melissa, who were married in 1999, have two sons. [7] He is close friends with Rob Blake, with whom he played minor hockey in Simcoe, Ontario. [8] He is also friends with Andrew Brunette. [9]

The Saint Paul Police Federation swore in Dwayne Roloson as an honorary police officer for his interest and involvement with local law enforcement. He teaches his goalie school with Minnesota Wild goaltending coach Bob Mason. [10]

While with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Roloson wore a mask that had a shamrock with the initials "KR" to remember Kelly Ryan, a 12-year-old player who attended several of Roloson's goalie camps. The shamrock also had the letters "TDLO", "The Dream Lives On". [11]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGPWLTOTLMINGA SO GAA SV% GPWLMINGASOGAASV%
1984–85 Simcoe Penguins NDJHL 31002112.60
1985–86Simcoe RamsNDJHL160606.00
1986–87 Norwich Merchants NDJHL191091553.03
1987–88 Belleville Bobcats MetJHL 2196110706023.36
1988–89 Thorold Blackhawks GHJHL 27156414908203.30
1989–90Thorold BlackhawksGHJHL301881168310803.85
1990–91 UMass Lowell HE 155908236304.59
1991–92 UMass LowellHE123806605204.73
1992–93 UMass LowellHE3920172234215003.84
1993–94 UMass LowellHE4023107230510602.76.909
1994–95 Saint John Flames AHL 4616218273415613.42.9005142991302.60.897
1995–96 Saint John FlamesAHL67332211402619012.83.9051610610274912.86.908
1996–97 Saint John FlamesAHL86204812212.75.910
1996–97 Calgary Flames NHL 31914316187802.89.897
1997–98 Saint John FlamesAHL4301245801.96.939
1997–98 Calgary FlamesNHL3911168220511002.89.897
1998–99 Rochester Americans AHL2200120402.00.922
1998–99 Buffalo Sabres NHL186829114212.77.9094111391004.31.870
1999–00 Buffalo SabresNHL141736773202.84.884
2000–01 Worcester IceCats AHL5232155312711362.17.92911656972311.97.931
2001–02 Minnesota Wild NHL4514207250611252.68.901
2002–03 Minnesota WildNHL502316829459842.00.92711565782502.59.903
2003–04 Minnesota WildNHL4819181128478951.88.933
2004–05 Lukko SM-l 342010420487042.05.9319455121822.10.941
2005–06 Minnesota WildNHL24617113616813.00.910
2005–06 Edmonton Oilers NHL1987511634712.42.9051812511594512.33.927
2006–07 Edmonton OilersNHL6827346393118042.75.909
2007–08 Edmonton OilersNHL4315175234011903.05.901
2008–09 Edmonton OilersNHL6328249359716612.77.915
2009–10 New York Islanders NHL5023187289714513.00.907
2010–11 New York IslandersNHL20613112065302.64.916
2010–11 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL341812419938542.56.912171069824112.51.924
2011–12 Tampa Bay LightningNHL4013163209912813.66.886
NHL totals606227257424034,2971552332.72.908502818286012122.54.918

International

YearTeamEventResultGPWLOTLMINGASOGAASV%
1995 Canada WC Bronze medal icon.svgDNP
2007 CanadaWCGold medal icon.svg44002401002.50.911
2009 CanadaWCSilver medal icon.svg53203041102.17.930
Senior totals97205442102.32.922

Awards and honors

AwardYear
College
All-Hockey East First Team 1994
AHCA East First-Team All-American 1994
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 1994 [12]
AHL
All-Star Game 1995, 1996, 2001 [13]
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award 2001
First All-Star Team2001
NHL
All-Star Game 2004
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award 2004

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References

  1. "Ducks Name Maharaj Goaltending Coach".
  2. "Game Summary (Game 0329)". NHL.com. November 23, 2009.
  3. "Islanders send Roloson to Lightning for Wishart". The Sports Network. 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2011-01-02.
  4. "Lightning Re-sign Goalie Roloson to One-Year, $3M Deal". The Sports Network. 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-06-29.
  5. "Russia golden again with 2-1 victory over Canada". ctv.ca. 2009-05-10. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
  6. Peters, Chris (November 2, 2014). "Retired NHL G Dwayne Roloson steps in as Ducks' emergency backup". cbssports.com. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  7. "Roli with it!". Canoe.ca. 2006-05-06. Archived from the original on August 23, 2013. Retrieved 2012-02-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. Duhatschek, Eric (April 14, 2003). "Blake, Roloson savour long relationship". Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  9. Stanzel, Ryan (March 29, 2009). "The R.S.S. Feed: March 29, 2009". NHL.com. Retrieved June 30, 2018. Just after the Moreau penalty expires, the Wild gets Andrew Brunette's 20th goal of the season to take a 1-0 lead. Marek Zidlicky led the charge across the blueline on the left wing side. He fed a cutting Marian Gaborik, whose shot was blocked and ended up on the stick of Brunette, who held onto it and slid a backhander by good friend Dwayne Roloson.
  10. "Roloson Mason goalie schools". rolosonmasonschool.com. 2013-04-15. Archived from the original on 2006-07-05. Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  11. "For Lightning Roloson, boys short story melts ice". tbo.com. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
  12. "2013-14 Hockey East Media Guide". Hockey East. Retrieved 2014-05-19.
  13. "Canadian All-Stars 11, Planet USA All-Stars 10". American Hockey League. 2001-01-15. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Hockey East Player of the Year
1993–94
Succeeded by
Preceded by William Flynn Tournament Most Valuable Player
1994
Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the Crozier Award
2004
Succeeded by
Preceded by Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award
2000–01
Succeeded by