Reggie Lemelin and Bill Bennett To Play In Alumni Game

Goaltender Reggie Lemelin and Warwick's Bill Bennett to Skate in Alumni Game
September 23, 2011

The Providence Bruins, entering their 20th season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former Boston Bruins Reggie Lemelin and Bill Bennett will participate in the Alumni Game on November 13 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Lemelin, of Quebec, PQ, spent the final six seasons of his 18-year professional career with the Boston Bruins. Originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers 125th overall in the 1974 NHL Entry Draft, Lemelin spent time between the pipes with the Philadelphia Firebirds (NAHL), Richmond Robins (AHL) and Springfield Indians (AHL) before making his NHL debut with the Atlanta Flames in 1978. The 5'11", 170-pound net minder was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1986 after six seasons with the Calgary Flames (NHL).

In his first year in net for the Bruins, Lemelin led the Black and Gold to the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals, where they were swept by the Edmonton Oilers in four games. The following year, the Bruins' goaltending duo consisting of Lemelin and Andy Moog, was awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy for the fewest team goal allowed. After 18 professional seasons, Lemelin hung up his skates during the 1992-93 season, capping a career with 507 NHL games played.

Bennett, a Warwick, RI native, played for the Boston Bruins during the 1978-79 campaign. After two seasons in the USHL, Bennett, a free agent, signed a contract with Boston. The 6'5", 235-pound winger spent the 1975-76 season with the Columbus Owls (IHL) before making the jump to the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, in 1976.

Bennett recorded a career-high 71 points (33g, 38a) in 72 games with Rochester in 1978-79. Boston took notice of Bennett's point production and called him up for seven, during which he recorded five points (1g, 4a). Bennett split the following season between Springfield (AHL) and the Hartford Whalers, tallying six points in 24 games with the Whalers. The winger retired from professional hockey following the 1981-82 season with the Fort Wayne Komets (IHL).

*Information gathered from http://www.providencebruins.com/