Jocelyn Thibault is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on January 12, 1975, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Sherbrooke Faucons.
Thibault was selected by the Quebec Nordiques in the first round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 10th overall. He made his NHL debut with the Nordiques in the 1995-96 season, playing in 21 games and posting a 3.56 goals against average (GAA) and a .893 save percentage (SV%). The Nordiques relocated to Colorado and became the Avalanche the following season, and Thibault played in 16 games for the team before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in March 1996.
Thibault played for the Canadiens for four seasons, serving as the team's starting goaltender for much of that time. He had a career-best season in 1998-99, posting a 2.83 GAA and a .911 SV% in 67 games. Thibault was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in June 1999, where he played for six seasons. He had another strong season in 2002-03, posting a 2.40 GAA and a .914 SV% in 55 games.
After his time in Chicago, Thibault played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres before retiring in 2008. He played in a total of 14 NHL seasons, appearing in 484 games and posting a 238-189-57 record with a 2.67 GAA and a .908 SV%. Thibault also played for Team Canada in the 1995 World Junior Championships, winning a gold medal.
Throughout his career, Thibault was known for his athleticism and quick reflexes in the net. He was also a strong puck-handler, often leaving his crease to play the puck and help his defensemen. Thibault was a reliable starting goaltender for several NHL teams and played in over 400 games during his career.
After retiring from hockey, Thibault became involved in coaching and player development. He worked as a goaltending consultant for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets, and also served as the head coach of the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL. Thibault currently works as a goaltending coach for the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL.
Overall, Jocelyn Thibault had a successful career as an NHL goaltender, playing for several teams and earning a reputation as a reliable and athletic netminder. His contributions to the sport of hockey continue through his work as a coach and mentor to young players.
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