[irbefan4life]

Did you miss me? I'm back again with my newest addition to the museum.

Born on June 17, 1981, Maxime Ouellet was an extremely highly touted prospect drafted 22nd overall by Philadelphia in the 1999 NHL Draft. He was coming off of an unreal season with the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL, a season in which he recorded 40 wins in 58 games, and in which he won two major QMJHL trophies. He improved on most of his QMJHL numbers the following season before having an interesting 2000-01 season. Ouellet began the year with the AHL's Phantoms, before getting his own shot at "the show" on October 7, 2000. Against the Boston Bruins, and in relief of Brian Boucher, Ouellet stopped all six shots he faced in the team's 5-1 defeat. He then played one additional NHL game with the Flyers five days later before being re-assigned to the QMJHL. In 2002, Ouellet was acquired by the Washington Capitals and he continued his ascent as an AHL starting goaltender. In 2003-04, after some unreal play in the American League, a season in which he recorded ten shutouts, Ouellet joined the Capitals for a short NHL stint of six games during which he recorded his first career shutout, first assist, as well as two wins. During the lockout year, he continued to play for the Pirates of the AHL before he was traded to Vancouver in 2005-06. That year, he spent the majority of the season with the Manitoba Moose, however, he also appeared in four games with the Canucks and their goaltending nightmare, recording no wins and a save percentage under 90. After the season concluded, he left to play in Europe in 2006-07. He returned to the ECHL in 2007-08, however, could not make an impact in a mere five games. In 2008-09, he closed out his career in the LNAH. After retiring from play, he pursued coaching, most recently as goalie coach with the Quebec Ramparts.

In his NHL career, Maxime Ouellet appeared in 12 games, recording a 2-6-1-1 record with one shutout, a 3.08GAA, and a 0.903% save average. Fun fact, another goalie we recently featured in our museum (Brian Finley) was the only other goalie drafted in the first round that year, and he also crumbled in the big leagues, appearing in only six games in his career. To put the let down into perspective, Craig Anderson, Ryan Miller, Alex Auld, and Michael Leighton were also drafted in later rounds that year.

What you are looking at today is a 2005-06 Third Set 2 Vancouver Canucks sweater worn by Maxime Ouellet in his final NHL game played on February 10, 2006. Not to mention it was also worn in a back-up role in up to four additional games. The wear is quite decent on the sweater, particularly on the glove side sleeve.

Acquired From: Stuart Westcott, with Meigray tagging in sweater

Dates of Game Use: February 10, 2006 v Anaheim (17-17, 3-1L)

Photomatched: No, referenced