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Dwayne Roloson

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 2001:56a:f003:d700:987d:fff4:8458:27b2 (talk) at 20:56, 22 October 2016 (it incorrectly claimed he had a son and daughter. he has two sons and no daughter). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Dwayne Roloson
Roloson with the Lightning in the 2011 playoffs.
Born (1969-10-12) October 12, 1969 (age 55)
Simcoe, ON, CAN
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 team  Canada
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 1994–2012
Website Dwayne Roloson Goalie Development

Albert Dwayne Roloson (born October 12, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and former goaltending coach of the Anaheim Ducks.[1] Roloson played for the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning during his National Hockey League career. He is often affectionately referred to by his fans as "Roli." Following Mark Recchi's retirement, Roloson became the oldest active NHL player and the last active NHL player to have been born in the 1960s.

Playing career

Pre-NHL

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 Calgary Flames in 1994. After splitting time between the Flames and their American Hockey League counterpart, the Saint John Flames, he was traded to 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 NHL season, Roloson shared netminding duties with Manny Fernandez as the Wild made their first ever appearance in the post-season, reaching the 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 with Finnish club, Lukko Rauma of the 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

Criticism was muted following sensational play by Roloson, backstopping the Oilers to the final of the 2006 Stanley Cup 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 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 coach Craig MacTavish announced that Roloson would not be able to continue in the series. It was also learned that he had hyper-extended his right elbow in the collision as well. Backup 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 for a three-year term.

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 wasn't 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 NHL 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 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 post-season, 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.

New York Islanders

On July 1, 2009, Roloson became an unrestricted free agent. After rejecting a one-year, $3-million deal 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 goalie 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 in Toronto. 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 4 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 re-signed Roloson to a one-year $3 million deal on June 29, 2011.[4] He retired at season's end after the Lightning failed to qualify for the playoffs.

International play

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing Canada Canada
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2009 Bern
Gold medal – first place 2007 Moscow
Bronze medal – third place 1995 Sweden

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 Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships. He played in the finals against Russia, where 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 farm team 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 an injury pregame and could not play the game against Colorado.[6]

Personal life

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

The Saint Paul Police Federation swore in Dwayne Roloson as an honorary police officer for his interest and involvement. The award is to recognize the contribution and support to local law enforcement. He teaches his goalie school with Wild goaltending coach Bob Mason.[8]

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."[9]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T/OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1987–88 Belleville Bobcats MJBHL 21 9 6 1 1070 60 2 3.36
1988–89 Thorold Blackhawks GHJHL 27 15 6 4 1490 82 0 3.30
1989–90 Thorold Blackhawks GHJHL 30 18 8 1 1683 108 0 3.85
1990–91 UMass Lowell HE 15 5 9 0 823 63 0 4.59
1991–92 UMass Lowell HE 12 3 8 0 660 52 0 4.73
1992–93 UMass Lowell HE 39 20 17 2 2342 150 0 3.84
1993–94 UMass Lowell HE 40 23 10 7 2305 106 0 2.76
1994–95 Saint John Flames AHL 46 16 21 8 2734 156 1 3.42 .900 5 1 4 299 13 0 2.60 .897
1995–96 Saint John Flames AHL 67 33 22 11 4026 190 1 2.83 .905 16 10 6 1027 49 1 2.86 .908
1996–97 Saint John Flames AHL 8 6 2 0 481 22 1 2.75 .910
1996–97 Calgary Flames NHL 31 9 14 3 1618 78 0 2.89 .897
1997–98 Saint John Flames AHL 4 3 0 1 245 8 0 1.96 .939
1997–98 Calgary Flames NHL 39 11 16 8 2205 110 0 2.89 .897
1998–99 Rochester Americans AHL 2 2 0 0 120 4 0 2.00 .922
1998–99 Buffalo Sabres NHL 18 6 8 2 911 42 1 2.77 .909 4 1 1 139 10 0 4.31 .870
1999–00 Buffalo Sabres NHL 14 1 7 3 677 32 0 2.84 .884
2000–01 Worcester IceCats AHL 52 32 15 5 3127 113 6 2.17 .929 11 6 5 697 23 1 1.97 .931
2001–02 Minnesota Wild NHL 45 14 20 7 2506 112 5 2.68 .901
2002–03 Minnesota Wild NHL 50 23 16 8 2945 98 4 2.00 .927 11 5 6 578 25 0 2.59 .903
2003–04 Minnesota Wild NHL 48 19 18 11 2847 89 5 1.88 .933
2004–05 Lukko Rauma SM-l 34 20 10 4 2048 70 4 2.05 .931 9 4 5 512 18 2 2.10 .941
2005–06 Minnesota Wild NHL 24 6 17 1 1361 68 1 3.00 .910
2005–06 Edmonton Oilers NHL 19 8 7 5 1163 47 1 2.42 .905 18 12 5 1159 45 1 2.33 .927
2006–07 Edmonton Oilers NHL 68 27 34 6 3931 180 4 2.75 .909
2007–08 Edmonton Oilers NHL 43 15 17 5 2340 119 0 3.05 .901
2008–09 Edmonton Oilers NHL 63 28 24 9 3597 166 1 2.77 .915
2009–10 New York Islanders NHL 50 23 18 7 2897 145 1 3.00 .907
2010–11 New York Islanders NHL 20 6 13 1 1206 53 0 2.64 .916
2010–11 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 34 18 12 4 1993 85 4 2.56 .912 17 10 6 982 41 1 2.51 .924
2011–12 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 40 13 16 3 2099 128 1 3.66 .886
NHL totals 606 227 257 82 34,297 1552 33 2.72 .908 50 28 18 2860 121 2 2.54 .918
AHL totals 179 92 60 25 10,733 493 9 2.76 .911 32 17 15 2022 85 2 2.52 .904

International

Year Team Event Result GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
1995 Canada WJC 1st place, gold medalist(s)
1995 Canada WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s)
2007 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 4 4 0 240 10 0 2.50 .910
2009 Canada WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 5 3 2 304 11 0 2.17 .930
Senior totals 9 7 2 544 21 0 2.30 .920

Awards and honors

Award Year
College
All-Hockey East First Team 1994
AHCA East First-Team All-American 1994
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 1994 [10]
AHL
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award 2001
First All-Star Team 2001
NHL
All-Star Game 2004
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award 2004

References

  1. ^ Template:Http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=891096
  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. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ "Lightning Re-sign Goalie Roloson to One-Year, $3M Deal". The Sports Network. 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-06-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ "Russia golden again with 2-1 victory over Canada". ctv.ca. 2009-05-10. Retrieved 2009-05-10. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  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. Retrieved 2012-02-03. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Roloson Mason goalie schools". rolosonmasonschool.com. 2013-04-15. Retrieved 2013-04-15. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "For Lightning Roloson, boys short story melts ice". tbo.com. Retrieved 2012-03-04. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "2013-14 Hockey East Media Guide". Hockey East. Retrieved 2014-05-19.
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