Chicago Blackhawks goalie history takes center stage as the NHL shines a spotlight on the league’s most demanding position with a dedicated goalie week. This weeklong recognition highlights these players both on and off the ice, showcasing their remarkable skills and unique qualities that make them essential teammates.
Whether drafted, traded, or signed through free agency, each of these Blackhawks goalies now calls the Windy City home. With multiple goalies on any team, each serves as an important component, ready to suit up and step into action at a moment’s notice. From the artistry of their custom masks to their off-ice personalities, Blackhawks goalies are among the hardest-working netminders, committed to making their mark during a season of rebuilding.
Current Blackhawks Goalies
Petr Mrázek
The recently re-signed Petr Mrázek has been with the Blackhawks for the past two seasons, frequently as the team’s starting goalie. His role in the current chapter of Blackhawks goalie history has been great for the team. Even star rookie Connor Bedard has praised Mrázek, noting how fortunate the team is to have him.
Connor Bedard on Petr Mrazek: “We’re lucky to have him back there. He’s been our rock all year, for sure.” #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 6, 2024
Despite facing challenges—including recovering from an injury that affected his skating and working closely with the goalie coach—Mrázek remains a dedicated team player. He understands the importance of veteran presence on the ice, especially after injuries, and focuses on staying sharp, ready to defend against any shot that comes his way.
Arvid Söderblom
Arvid Söderblom has often been compared to former Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford with his calmness under pressure, which might be the best way to describe his on-ice demeanour. Blackhawks goalie coach Jimmy Waite recognizes Söderblom’s significant potential, and Rockford associate coach Peter Aubry has also praised his abilities. Hawks Insider reported that Waite said,
“I think he’s got the ability to be a No. 1 and top-15 in the world. I have no problem saying that. I recognize environment is a huge part of someone’s growth and perception. But in the right environment, I’m ecstatic about what he could become.”
While Söderblom may have had what some fans call a rough start, he’s showing potential by working hard on his skills and development for the league. It’s clear that the organization has a lot of confidence in him, regardless of the outcome of individual games.
Laurent Brossoit
Former Winnipeg Jets netminder Laurent Brossoit recently had successful meniscus surgery. He will be sidelined for roughly five to seven weeks, and will miss training camp. Despite this, Brossoit is expected to backup Mrázek this upcoming season. While he recovers, Söderblom or Drew Commesso will likely take on the backup role for a few games. Brossoit will still have his time to shine with the Blackhawks, bringing his confidence to the goalie lineup and allowing his teammates to strengthen their gameplay. With his goalie history from the Vegas Golden Knights, Brossoit is a valuable addition to the Blackhawks goalie history. Sports Forecaster notes that his patient goaltending style, gives his team a strong chance to win whenever he’s in the net.
Blackhawks Goalie History: Legends on the Ice
Corey Crawford:
Even during his final season with the Blackhawks in 2019-20, Corey Crawford, alongside Robin Lehner continued to impress fans. Crawford, a legend in Blackhawks goalie history, has been celebrated on the team’s social media during this year’s goalie week. Fans remember him as a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. After signing a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, Crawford decided it was time to step away from the game. In an interview with The Athletic’s Scott Powers, Crawford shared that he needed to focus on his mental health, well-being, and his family’s future. Throughout his Blackhawks goalie history he consistently displayed a calm demeanour on the ice. Maintaining focus and composure, especially during moments of major puck possession.
Back in February, Crawford reminisced about his iconic speech following the Blackhawks’ 2013 Stanley Cup win, saying,
“It was an unbelievable time…it was good. You would go down the streets and couldn’t see the streets, it was packed with people at every intersection. It was crazy to see the support we got, and the love for Chicago sports, for the Blackhawks. It’s nice to see everyone together, partying, and having a good time celebrating in Chicago.”
Antti Niemi
Antti Niemi, the first Finland-born goalie to win the Stanley Cup, is a notable figure in Chicago Blackhawks goalie history. He stands alongside hockey legends like Ed Belfour and Tony Esposito. Although his time with the Blackhawks was brief, Niemi left a lasting impact.
Niemi signed as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks in 2010. However, during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Niemi recorded the Blackhawks’ first playoff shutout by a goalie since Ed Belfour in 1996. The shutout came with a 2-0 win over the Nashville Predators. Two games later, Niemi earned another shutout against Nashville. He became the first Chicago goalie to record two shutouts in the same playoff series since Tony Esposito in 1974.
Jocelyn Thibault
Acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens in 1998, Jocelyn Thibault served as the team’s goalie for six seasons. During a period many of their games weren’t televised, Thibault earned recognition for his standout performances. Even if fans couldn’t watch him play frequently. Thibault played a role in leading the Blackhawks goalie history by bringing the team to playoffs for the first time in four seasons during the 2001-02 season. Despite the team facing challenges, Thibault’s contributions were notable. After retiring, he was the executive director of Hockey Québec. Additionally, he is the godfather of Sam Poulin, the 23-year-old forward drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tony Esposito
The Blackhawks goalie history would be incomplete without mentioning another legend: Tony Esposito. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, it should. Esposito quickly made his mark as a standout goaltender for the Blackhawks. According to The Hockey Writers, he played 15 seasons with the team, his most memorable being 1971-1972. During that year, he appeared in 48 games, posting a record of 31-10-6, a 1.77 GAA, and nine shutouts. Over his career, Esposito finished in the top 10 for Hart Trophy voting eight times, narrowly missing out in 1978-79 when he placed 11th. He also won the Vezina Trophy three times and was a five-time NHL All-Star. In recent news, Esposito will be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame with the class of 2024 this October.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
