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And here it is, the second new piece I've been eagerly awaiting for my collection! Don't forget to "LIKE" Bruce C. Goaltending Museum on Facebook and "FOLLOW" us on Twitter as we post more detailed pictures, bi-weekly "Pieces of the Week", and some interesting goalie trivia! Now onto the show!

Born on February 19, 1966, in Huntington Beach, California in the USA, John Blue was a starting goaltender at the University of the Minnesota (1984-87), playing alongside future NHLers such as Frank Pietrangelo, Robb Stauber, Tom Chorske, and Corey Millen among others. A two time all-star in College, John Blue was drafted 197th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1986. Transitioning to the pros in 1987-88, Blue split time with Kalamazoo in the IHL and the USA National Team, eventually earning a spot as the #3 goaltender in the 1988 Olympics behind Mike Richter and Chris Terreri. Despite this solid resume, Blue had a tough time getting to "The Show". Splitting time nearly endlessly between the IHL, AHL , ECHL and USA World National Team from 1988 to 1992, the chances to make it in the NHL seemed to get slimmer by the season. After all, he had been traded to Minnesota in 1988, then acquired by Boston in 1991. Then, it happened. As a solid back-up goalie with the Providence Bruins in 1992-93, John Blue earned his call-up and had his first NHL game on January 7, 1993 against Quebec. Though the Bruins fell 3-2 in OT, Blue was given the shared starting role for the remainder of the season, sometimes outperforming Andy Moog of all people. In his first season, Blue appeared in 23 NHL games and recorded a solid 9-8-4 record with one shutout and a 0.893% save average. The next season, Blue appeared in an additional 18 games, but recorded weaker numbers behind Jon Casey. After spending the 1994-95 season in the minors, Blue was let go by the Bruins and then signed by the Los Angeles Kings' minor league affiliate in the IHL before some of his worst career numbers got him released. Due to injuries to Dominik Hasek and no real experienced NHL goalies in the wings (only youngsters such as Steve Shields, Martin Biron, and Andrei Trefilov), the Buffalo Sabres signed Blue in December of that same year. Blue appeared in 5 games with the Sabres recording a 2-2 record with a 3.53GAA and a 0.891% save average. Though he was a part of the team that won the AHL Calder Cup, Buffalo did not re-sign him for the next season so Blue split time in the WPHL and a lone game with the USA national team in 1996-97 before retiring from play. After retiring from play, instead of taking up coaching or some other business venture common with former NHLers, John Blue re-discovered his faith in God. Since his retirement, Blue has continuously said that there is more to life than hockey and has been a pastor in California ever since, following in the footsteps of other former goalies turned ministers such as Bob Froese.

In his NHL career, John Blue appeared in 46 NHL games, recording a 16-18-7 record with a 3.00GAA, one shutout, two assists, and a 0.890% save average. He also appeared in two playoff games, recording an 0-1 record with a 3.13 GAA and a 0.898% save average.

What you are looking at right now is a 1992-93 Boston Bruins Set 1 road jersey worn by John Blue. It features very light wear in the form of some faint black marks on the crests, a tiny handful of extremely faint marks on the black of the jersey, and visible salt deposits and rust on the fight strap buttons.

Acquired from: Thomas Terrett

Dates of Game Use: Unknown at this time

Photomatched: No, referenced only