Former fan favorite makes NHL return

The New York Islanders have announced that they’ve hired former NHL goaltender Fred Brathwaite to serve as the team’s goaltending coach under head coach Doug Weight.

Brathwaite retired from pro hockey after four seasons in the German Elite League for the Mannheim Eagles in 2011-12 and has spent the past three years as Hockey Canada’s top goaltending consultant. Brathwaite played nine seasons in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets and was a fan favorite no matter where he played. The 5’7” netminder of Barbadian descent played an acrobatic style that entertained the crowd and always kept them guessing.

Flames fans in particular may remember Brathwaite’s incredible save on Detroit Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby:

Holy moly. If he can impart his “never quit” attitude on the Islanders young goaltenders, there’s no telling how far they can go.