Clemmensen joins New Jersey Devils' staff

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

Scott Clemmensen makes a save for the Albany Devils.

Goalie Scott Clemmensen hoped when his playing days were done, he could stay in hockey, and in the New Jersey Devils’ organization.

That wish was made a reality Tuesday when the Devils named Clemmensen the new goaltending development coach.

“Having played at every level, Scott is an excellent fit for our young goaltenders,” New Jersey General Manager Ray Shero said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have someone with his experience join our staff. Additionally, he is familiar with our organization both on and off the ice.”

After completing his 14th professional season this past April with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League, Clemmensen was unsure of what his future held.

He is fit enough at 37 years old to still play. He showed that with his 2.23 goals-against average with Albany in 27 appearances. He finished 12-11-2 with a .918 save percentage this season.

“My only thought during the whole process was to just lay it all out there,” Clemmensen said in April. “Because I don’t want to have any regrets when this thing is over.”

In parts of 11 seasons in the AHL, he was 82-108-26 with eight shutouts, a 2.76 GAA and .911 save percentage. In parts of 12 NHL seasons, he was 73-59-24 with a 2.79 GAA and .905 save percentage.

This past season was the ninth Clemmensen had been in the last season of a contract. He was used to entering the offseason with questions, but he hoped this summer’s answers would involve the Devils.

“I’ve always believed myself to be a Devil, no matter where I’ve been or what I’ve done,” Clemmensen said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in this organization and I’ve spent some time elsewhere, but I’ve always believed in this organization and the people running it. That’s the organization I attach my professional career to. After I’m done playing, I would very much like to be a part of that.”

After last season ended, Albany General Manager Chris Lamoriello lauded Clemmensen’s work ethic and the example he set for the organization’s young goalies and defensive corps.

“His attitude, his conditioning, his professionalism and competitiveness were very key with the young group, to have players like that who know what it takes and ask more of themselves than they ever would of anyone else,” he said.