Vincent Riendeau

Lore & Background

Riendeau began his junior career with the Verdun Juniors in the QMJHL during the 1983–84 season, posting a 22-13-2 record. He also played for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL that same season. After a season of Canadian college hockey for Sherbrooke College, he returned to the QMJHL with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 1985–86, where his 33-20-3 record led to him signing as an undrafted free agent with the Montreal Canadiens. He spent two seasons with Montreal's AHL affiliate, the Sherbrooke Canadiens, winning the Harry 'Hap' Holmes Trophy for fewest goals-against in his first professional season. His only NHL appearance for Montreal came in 1987–88, where he allowed 5 goals in 36 minutes. With Montreal's goaltending depth featuring Patrick Roy and Brian Hayward, Riendeau was traded to St. Louis on August 9, 1988.

With St. Louis, Riendeau established himself as a solid backup and later a starter. His debut was delayed when teammate Dave Lowry hit his shoulder with a hard shot during pre-game warm-up. He became the starting goaltender for the 1989–90 season and made his first playoff appearance. His most successful season was 1990–91, posting a 29-9-6 record. In the playoffs that year, Bob Probert punched Riendeau after Riendeau pointed out Probert's actions to a referee. On October 18, 1991, Riendeau was traded to Detroit for Rick Zombo. In his first appearance for Detroit, he suffered a knee injury 27 minutes into a shared shutout with Tim Cheveldae, sidelining him for most of the season. He backed up Cheveldae for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.

Riendeau continued as Cheveldae's backup during the 1992–93 season, appearing in 22 regular season games. By 1993–94, Detroit had made Chris Osgood the starter, and Riendeau became the third goaltender. After 8 games with Detroit and 10 with the Adirondack Red Wings, he was traded to Boston on January 17, 1994, for a conditional 5th round draft choice. With Boston, he supported Jon Casey and later Blaine Lacher. He was released by Boston on August 21, 1995. After his NHL career, Riendeau played in Germany, Switzerland, the British Ice Hockey Superleague, and the Russian Superleague, becoming the first Canadian and former NHL player to sign with a Russian team. He finished his playing career with the Anchorage Aces of the WCHL in 2000–01.

Reader's Guide

Riendeau's career is notable for its breadth across multiple leagues and countries, as well as his role as a pioneer in the Russian Superleague. Though he never became a franchise goaltender in the NHL, he served as a reliable backup and occasional starter for four teams, most successfully with the St. Louis Blues during the 1990–91 season. His journey from undrafted free agent to NHL regular demonstrates the path available to goaltenders who develop in the minor leagues. His trade from Montreal to St. Louis, and later to Detroit and Boston, reflects the constant movement of backup goaltenders in the league. Riendeau's post-playing career has been extensive, including roles as a goaltending consultant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, goaltender coach for several European clubs, and eventually director of goalie development for the Montreal Canadiens. His experience playing in Germany, Switzerland, Britain, and Russia, combined with his NHL background, gave him a unique perspective that he has applied to coaching and development. His signing with HC Lada Togliatti in 1999 marked a significant moment in the globalization of hockey, as he was the first Canadian and former NHL player to compete in the Russian Superleague.

Did You Know?

• He won the Harry 'Hap' Holmes Trophy in his first professional season for allowing the fewest goals-against in the AHL.
• Bob Probert punched Riendeau during the 1991 playoffs after Riendeau pointed out Probert's actions to a referee.