Jacques Cloutier
Jacques Cloutier is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who competed in the NHL from 1981 to 1994, playing for the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and Quebec Nordiques. He previously served as an assistant coach under Bob Hartley with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames and Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League. On the international stage, Cloutier represented Canada at the 1986 World Championships, where he helped the team earn a bronze medal.
Playing and coaching career
Cloutier, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, went on to play for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Quebec Nordiques. After retiring as a player in 1994, he transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of goaltending coach for the Nordiques, a position he continued to hold when the team relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche. In 1996, he was promoted to assistant coach with Colorado, helping the team capture Stanley Cup titles in both 1996 and 2001. Cloutier's tenure with the Avalanche ended on June 3, 2009. He later joined the Calgary Flames as an assistant coach, a role he held until being dismissed on May 3, 2016.He took on the role of starting goaltender for the Rochester Americans throughout the 1982–83 season, playing a crucial part in leading the team to victory as they secured the Calder Cup championship. The Rochester Americans were the American Hockey League affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres at that time. Recognizing his outstanding contributions and impact on the league, he was later honoured with induction into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame in 2000.