Scott Clemmensen is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on July 23, 1977, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in the Boston area. Clemmensen played college hockey at Boston College, where he was a standout player and helped lead the team to the NCAA championship game in 2000.
After college, Clemmensen was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the eighth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut with the Devils in 2001. Clemmensen served as a backup goaltender for the Devils for several seasons, playing in a handful of games each year.
In 2006, Clemmensen signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent but spent most of the season playing in the AHL. He returned to the NHL in 2007, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but again spent most of the season in the AHL.
Clemmensen's breakthrough season came in 2008-09 when he signed with the Florida Panthers. He played in a career-high 40 games that season, posting a 2.39 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. Clemmensen's strong play helped the Panthers make the playoffs for the first time in several years.
Clemmensen continued to play for the Panthers for several more seasons, serving as a backup goaltender and occasionally taking over as the team's starter. He also played briefly for the New Jersey Devils again in 2013-14 before retiring from professional hockey in 2015.
Throughout his career, Clemmensen was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to stay focused and composed under pressure. He was also a respected teammate and leader in the locker room, serving as a mentor to younger players and helping to create a positive team culture.
Off the ice, Clemmensen was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Florida Panthers Foundation and the Boston College Campus School. He also served as a mentor to young hockey players through various youth hockey programs.
Overall, Scott Clemmensen had a successful career as a professional hockey goaltender, playing for several NHL teams and earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. He is remembered as a hardworking and dedicated player who always gave his best effort on the ice.
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