Craig Hillier

Last updated

BIOGRAPHY

BORN: Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia, February 28, 1978.
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HEIGHT: 6'1".
WEIGHT: 184-185 lbs.
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CATCHES: Left
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"Hillier is not ready to play in the NHL yet, but he has been another brilliant season for the Ottawa 67's [sic]. He was near the top in goals-against average as well as save percentage. He had recorded six shutouts, tying an OHL mark set by Glenn Hall in 1950. He's regarded as one of the best goaltenders in junior hockey, but his real test will come when he plays in the minors. Hillier has shown good poise and technique as a 19-year-old and the Penguins believe he'll be ready to challenge for a starting spot in a couple of years." (The Hockey News Future Watch 1998)

"Hillier has taken a huge step back this year after leading the Ontario League in shutouts and goals-against average last season. Through 36 games this season, he was 9-17-6 with a 3.86 GAA and .873 save percentage. The Penguins haven't lost hope in Hillier, but when they needed a fill-in earlier this season, they opted for Aubin, a third round pick from 1995 who plays for Kansas City of the IHL." (The Hockey News Future Watch 1999)

"Hillier has never truly played on an average team. He looked great playing for the powerful Ottawa 67's in his junior days, and he struggled with Syracuse, the worst defensive team in the AHL last season. Needs to prove he can compete in the AHL before getting a serious chance in Pittsburgh. He still possesses great upside, but some question his mental toughness." (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 120)

"Hillier is fast becoming a long shot to ever don a Penguins jersey on a regular basis. Has the skills to be an NHL goalie but has struggled at the minor-pro level after junior success. After playing his first pro season in the AHL, Hillier played predominantly in the ECHL last season. A product of an outstanding defensive junior team in Ottawa of the OHL, he will need significantly more development time." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 109)

TRANSACTIONS:

Selected by Pittsburgh Penguins in first round (23rd overall) during National Hockey League entry draft, 1996.

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SEASON RECORDS:

REGULAR SEASON
Year  Team                        GP    Min   W   L   T    GA    GAA   Shots    Sv%   ShO   G   A   PiM     S/60    PERS
94-95 Ottawa 67's OHL             24   1078   6   7   2    69   3.84                    1   0   0     2
95-96 Ottawa 67's OHL             44                                                        0   0     6
96-97 Ottawa 67's OHL             36   2007  23   6   4    89   2.66     938   .905     2   0   1     7
97-98 Ottawa 67's OHL             46   2587  27  12   4   108   2.50    1132   .905     6   0   2    14
98-99 Syracuse Crunch AHL         36   1919   9  18   6   126   3.94     978   .871     1   0   1     6
99-00 Charlotte Checkers ECHL      3    121   0   2   0    10   4.95      58   .828     0   0   0     0
      Johnstown Chiefs ECHL        5    212   1   2   0    15   4.24     121   .876     0   0   0     2
      Toledo Storm ECHL            9    375   1   6   0    41   6.56     250   .836     0   0   0     2
      Wilkes-Barre/Scranton AHL   11    520   1   6   2    36   4.15     277   .870     0   0   0     0
00-01 Wheeling Nailers ECHL       19    889   4  10   1    62   4.19     453   .863     0   0   1     4
02-03 Geleen Smoke Eaters NETHER  20                                                        0   1     0
03-04 Columbus Stars UHL           9    435   4   3   1    20   2.76     187   .893     0   0   0     2
      Corpus Christi Rayz CHL     13    539   2   7   0    34   3.79     344   .901     0   0   0     0

POST-SEASON
Year  Team                        GP    Min   W   L   GA    GAA   Shots    Sv%   ShO   G   A   PiM     S/60    PERS
95-96 Ottawa 67's OHL              3                                                   0   0     0
96-97 Ottawa 67's OHL             10                                                   0   1     0
97-98 Ottawa 67's OHL              9                                                   0   0     0

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