Robbie Irons
Robert Richard Irons is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender. His lone National Hockey League appearance came with the St. Louis Blues during the 1968–69 season, while the majority of his career, spanning from 1967 to 1981, was spent playing in the International Hockey League.
Playing career
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Irons made a single NHL appearance with the St. Louis Blues during the 1968–69 season, playing just 2 minutes and 59 seconds in a game on November 13, 1968. He was pressed into action when starting goalie Glenn Hall was ejected and Jacques Plante was not yet ready to enter, covering the net until Plante could step in.Irons once held, alongside Christian Soucy, the NHL record for the fewest career minutes played by a goaltender. That mark was broken on December 31, 2016, when Jorge Alves appeared for just 7.6 seconds in his lone NHL game.
Irons spent 11 seasons competing in the IHL as the goaltender for the Fort Wayne Komets. Throughout his tenure with the team, he established himself as one of the franchise's most reliable and celebrated players, earning six selections to the IHL All-Star team. In honour of his achievements and lasting influence on the organization, the Komets retired his jersey number 30.