Goaltending coach Jim Bedard enters his tenth season with the Red Wings organization. In this position, Bedard works with all goaltenders in the Red Wings' system, splitting time between Detroit and Grand Rapids as well as travelling to work with Detroit goaltenders throughout the minor leagues. Bedard played his junior hockey for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League before being drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1976 Entry Draft (6th choice, 91st overall). He played for the Capitals' organization for a total of five years, two of which were spent at the NHL level. His NHL statistics total 73 games played with a 17-40-13 record, one shutout and a 3.94 GAA. While not with the NHL club, Bedard spent the majority of his playing time with the Hershey Bears (AHL), but also performed for the Cincinnati Stingers (CHL), Rochester Americans (AHL), Tulsa Oilers (CHL) and Dayton Gems (IHL).
Following his days with Washington's organization, Bedard traveled to Europe to play for TPS in Turku, Finland for 14 seasons.
At the conclusion of his playing days in 1994, Bedard began his coaching career working with goalies in the Ontario Hockey League. He got his start with the Niagara Falls Thunder and then became an assistant coach for the Erie Otters. In addition, he served as a goaltending consultant for elite teams in Europe.
Bedard, 48, spends the off-season in his hometown of Niagara Falls, Ontario with his wife Arja and daughter Seija. |