Blaine Lacher

Career transactions
- 1996-09-10 • Signed to a one-year contract by the Grand Rapids Griffins
- 1994-06-02 • Signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Boston Bruins

Bio
Blaine Lacher is one of the best known goaltenders who enjoyed an impressive, but short-lived career in the NHL. He made his name first in college hockey after playing junior hockey for the Melville Millionaires in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Lacher was forced to sit out 1990-91 due to ineligibility and was stuck as a backup behind Darrin Madeley in his freshman year. In his sophomore year he backstopped Lake Superior State Univ. to a conference championship and in his junior year to national championship. In June 1994 he signed a contract with the Boston Bruins.

The Boston Bruins lacked a clear starting goaltender after Jon Casey had signed with the St. Louis Blues as a free agent during the summer. Rookie Blaine Lacher had only played one professional game in the AHL with the Providence Bruins prior to his NHL debut on January 22, 1995 at the beginning of the lockout shortened 1994-95 season. Lacher secured the starting position by beating out Craig Billington and Vincent Riendeau in a stellar fashion. He put up impressive numbers, was named NHL Rookie of the Month in February and finished the season with four shutouts.

In 1995-96 season Lacher suffered a sophomore slump and was assigned to play in the minors. After the season the Bruins bought out the final year of his contract. He played a handful of games in the following 1996-97 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins before retiring. In essence his downfall was as quick as his rise to fame.