Bob Bellemore
Bob Bellemore | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 26, 1940 Smithfield, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Ice hockey player, coach, special education teacher, guidance counselor |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Known for | Goaltender and baseball player at Providence College; goaltending coach for New Jersey Devils; women's goaltending coach at Providence College |
Bob Bellemore (born October 26, 1940) is a distinguished personality in Rhode Island's ice hockey and baseball communities. He was a notable goaltender and baseball athlete at Providence College competing in the NCAA, and later held the position of goaltending coach with the NHL's New Jersey Devils.
Early life and education
A native of Smithfield, Rhode Island, Bellemore completed his studies at La Salle Academy in 1959 before enrolling at Providence College.
During his sophomore year in 1964, he captained Providence College's ice hockey squad to capture its inaugural ECAC Hockey title and secure a spot in the NCAA final four. In addition to hockey, he distinguished himself on the baseball diamond as a catcher and third baseman, leading the team as captain during his senior season. Recognized for his athletic achievements, Bellemore was inducted into Providence College's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and is celebrated as one of the institution’s top athletes.
Coaching career
Bellemore embarked on his coaching journey in 1968 by joining Providence College men's ice hockey team as an assistant coach, a tenure that lasted until 1986 when he briefly took on the role of Schneider Arena Director. Between 1987 and 1991, he served as the goaltending coach for the New Jersey Devils before returning to Providence College to pursue graduate studies in special education. Subsequently, he resumed coaching as the women's goaltending coach, a role he maintains to this day. His involvement extends to participating in USA Hockey Elite training camps held in Lake Placid, New York, along with providing occasional color commentary for Providence College men's hockey broadcasts on Cox Sports Television.
Upon completing his master's degree, Bellemore transitioned into special education teaching and currently fulfills duties as a guidance counselor at South Kingstown High School. He also officiates baseball games within Rhode Island’s amateur leagues and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
Personal life
Originally from Smithfield, Rhode Island, Bellemore now resides in Westerly, Rhode Island with his wife Marguerite. Their son Bruce, who graduated from Providence College in 1991, also played ice hockey for the Friars. The family includes eleven grandchildren.
See also
Awards and honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| NCAA All-Tournament Second Team | 1964 |
| Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame induction | 2022 |