Bob Essensa is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played for several teams during his career. He was born on January 14, 1965, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Essensa began his hockey career playing for Michigan State University, where he played for four years and was named the CCHA Goaltender of the Year in 1985.
After college, Essensa was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Jets in the 1988-89 season and played with the team for four seasons. During his time with the Jets, Essensa established himself as a reliable goaltender and helped the team reach the playoffs in three of his four seasons.
In 1993, Essensa was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played for two seasons. He then signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 1995 and played with the team for two seasons before being traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in 1997. Essensa played with the Coyotes for two seasons before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1999.
Essensa played with the Canucks for two seasons before signing with the Buffalo Sabres in 2001. He played with the Sabres for one season before retiring from professional hockey in 2002.
Throughout his career, Essensa was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to make key saves in crucial moments. He was also known for his calm demeanor and his ability to stay focused under pressure.
After retiring from professional hockey, Essensa became a goaltending coach and worked with several NHL teams, including the Ottawa Senators, the Boston Bruins, and the Winnipeg Jets. He also worked as a goaltending consultant for Hockey Canada and helped coach the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Overall, Bob Essensa had a successful career as a professional ice hockey goaltender, playing for several teams and earning a reputation as a reliable and skilled player. He has continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and consultant, helping to develop the next generation of goaltenders.
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