Allan Bester is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on May 28, 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Bester began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brantford Alexanders in 1981. He played for the Alexanders for three seasons before being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
Bester made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 1984-85 season. He played in 22 games that season and posted a 3.87 goals against average (GAA) and a .874 save percentage. Bester became the Maple Leafs' starting goaltender during the 1985-86 season and played in 55 games. He had a 3.49 GAA and a .886 save percentage that season.
Bester played for the Maple Leafs for seven seasons and was known for his acrobatic saves and quick reflexes. He was a fan favorite in Toronto and was known for his colorful goalie masks. Bester's best season with the Maple Leafs was the 1987-88 season when he played in 57 games and had a 3.24 GAA and a .893 save percentage.
In 1991, Bester was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. He played in 14 games for the Red Wings during the 1991-92 season and had a 3.71 GAA and a .873 save percentage. Bester was then traded to the Dallas Stars in 1992 but only played in one game for the team.
Bester signed with the International Hockey League's (IHL) San Diego Gulls in 1993. He played in 43 games for the Gulls during the 1993-94 season and had a 3.47 GAA and a .893 save percentage. Bester then signed with the IHL's Las Vegas Thunder in 1994 and played in 47 games for the team during the 1994-95 season. He had a 3.50 GAA and a .892 save percentage that season.
Bester retired from professional hockey in 1996. He played in 311 NHL games during his career and had a 3.68 GAA and a .883 save percentage. Bester also played in 90 IHL games and had a 3.54 GAA and a .892 save percentage.
After retiring from hockey, Bester became a firefighter in Hamilton, Ontario. He also worked as a goaltending coach for the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs and the American Hockey League's (AHL) Toronto Marlies. Bester was inducted into the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition in 2015.
In conclusion, Allan Bester was a talented goaltender who played in the NHL for over a decade. He was known for his acrobatic saves and quick reflexes and was a fan favorite in Toronto. Bester played for the Maple Leafs, Red Wings, and Stars during his NHL career and also played in the IHL. After retiring from hockey, Bester became a firefighter and a goaltending coach.
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