Each day in the month of April, we’ll be highlighting a different player to have worn the corresponding number of the date in Sabres history. Today, as the month begins, we highlight one player who suited up under the jersey number 1 for the Sabres: Jacques Cloutier.
sportslogos.net
JACQUES CLOUTIER
Goaltender, b. 1960
Drafted by the Sabres, 55th overall in 1979
Cloutier, a native of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, spent four years in the QMJHL (Trois-Rivieres Drauvers) before making his transition to the United States after being drafted by the Sabres. He spent parts of seven seasons playing in the NHL with Buffalo; he also spent parts of seven seasons with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
Overall, from 1981-1989, Cloutier played 144 games with the Sabres. He had a record of 50-58-15 in that time and also notched seven assists and 29 penalty minutes. He played 136 games with the Rochester Americans from 1980-1989, accruing a 96-70-13 record in over 10,000 minutes of ice time. Cloutier had three shutouts with the Amerks and one during his time with the Sabres.
After leaving the Sabres organization in 1989, Cloutier continued his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Quebec Nordiques. He went on to act as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Cornwall Aces, as well as the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche from 1996 until 2009. He won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche. In 2012, Cloutier was named an associate coach with the Calgary Flames – a position he currently holds.
Cloutier also wore #29 during his tenure with the Sabres.
Other players who wore #1 in Sabres history: Jhonas Enroth, John Blue, David Littman, Don Edwards, Roger Crozier. Who’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
*Please note: This isn’t to say any player profiled is the ‘best’ player to have worn a certain jersey number in Sabres history. Some numbers have been worn by 10+ players in Sabres history; some have been worn by goaltenders as well as forwards, defensemen, rookies, veterans… the whole lot. This series is designed to give you, the SabreNoise reader, a taste of Sabres history and allow you to get to know some of the alumni who have rocked the blue and gold – or the red and black, during those eras – as a member of the Buffalo Sabres organization.