[irbefan4life]

And here is our second relic brought to us by Santa for Christmas. But before we talk about it, don't forget to "LIKE" Bruce C. Goaltending Museum on Facebook if you like all things hockey goaltending, and "FOLLOW" us on Twitter!

Born on January 12, 1975 in Montreal, Quebec, Jocelyn Thibault became a legitimate NHL prospect after a very strong season with the Sherbrooke Faucons of the QMJHL in 1992-93. That year, Thibault won the Jacques Plante Trophy for having the lowest GAA in the QMJHL, he was a QMJHL All Star, a CHL All Star, CHL Goalie of the Year, The Michel Briere Trophy winner as the QMJHL's MVP, and also the QMJHL's Marcel Robert Trophy winner for having the best combined athletic and academic success. That memorable year got him drafted 10th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1993. The following season, he immediately transitioned to the pro ranks at the young age of 18. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 1993 against the Boston Bruins. He replaced Stephane Fiset in goal and stopped 19 of 21 shots in Quebec's 7-3 loss. He had his first NHL start and first NHL win the next day. In that first year, Thibault appeared in 29 games and recorded 8 wins with the Nordiques and he also appeared in 4 games with Cornwall in the AHL. Thibault was then sent back to the QMJHL in 1994-95, though he made a triumphant NHL return later in that year. He appeared in 18 games, then recorded a legitimate 12-2-2 record. When Quebec relocated to Colorado, Thibault followed. After 10 games with the Avs, Thibault became trade bait. After Patrick Roy was left in for a nine goal shelling on December 2, 1995, Roy proclaimed that it was his last game as a Hab. Then, the epic trade occurred. Roy and Mike Keane were acquired by the Avs, while the Avs sent Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko to the Canadiens. In Montreal, Thibault established himself as a number one for three seasons recording strong numbers over 148 games. In his fourth year with them (1998-99), Thibault appeared in ten games before he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in the deal that saw Jeff Hackett go to Montreal. In Chicago, Thibault had some of the best NHL years of his career as he became a franchise goalie for the squad. Though playoff success was very limited with Chicago, he appeared in 321 regular season games with the team and recorded 137 wins and 28 shutouts. Recurring knee and hip problems caused him to miss most of the 2003-04 season. With the NHL lockout in 2004-05, Thibault took the year off before he was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins to potentially be their starting goaltender ahead of Sebastien Caron and future franchise goalie and fellow French Canadian, Marc Andre Fleury. Thibault was not in good health and it showed resulting in him being placed on waivers in November, giving Fleury that push he had not looked back from. In 16 games, Thibault recorded 5 wins and an uncharacteristic 4.46GAA before hip surgery in January caused him to miss the entire second half of the season. Fleury meanwhile got into 50 games as he stood out above all of the other team's goalies that year. The next year, Thibault returned and proved to be a solid backup to Fleury as his numbers were a lot more consistent with his former self. He was then acquired by the Buffalo Sabres and he spent the 2007-08 season as the back-up. His final NHL game on April 5, 2008 was a 3-0 shutout victory, so at least his playing career ended on a good note. After retiring from play he was a goalie coach with the Avs for two seasons (2009-11) and has since taken on the role of GM and Franchise Owner of the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL, the renamed junior squad where he first became the highly touted prospect that led to a strong NHL career cut too short by injuries.

In his NHL career, Jocelyn Thibault appeared in 586 regular season games, recording a 238-238-68-7 record with 39 shutouts, 6 assists, a 2.75GAA and a 0.904% save average. In 18 playoff games, he recorded a 4-11 record with a 3.53GAA and a 0.891% save average.

What you are looking at right now is a 2005-06 Pittsburgh Penguins set 1 home jersey used by Jocelyn Thibault in his first year with the Pens. The set 1 jerseys were first used in the pre-season and then into the first half of the season. Wear is comprised of several puck marks and post paint transfer on the sleeves.

Acquired from: Fellow Collector

Dates of Game Use: TBA

Photomatched: Not yet

[creasecollector]

I really dig these Penguins jersey's. Another stunning piece to the collection!