Randy Ireland

Goalkeeper Randy Ireland is one of only two Buffalo Sabres who's last name begins with the letter I. The other - Billy Inglis.

Randy was a solid junior puck-stopper with the Saskatoon Blades and Portland Winter Hawks. Randy was originally the 60th overall draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1977 but re-entered the draft in 1978 and was picked 82nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

Randy turned pro in 1977-78 and was buried in the farm system with the IHL's Flint Generals. It wasn't the worse thing for a young goalie as Randy got to play a lot with a bad team, which enabled him to practice on his fundamentals.

That came in handy in 1978-79 when he was promoted to the American Hockey League and the Sabres top farm team. The team wasn't a whole lot stronger that year, but Randy played admirably. He was even given a shot at the NHL when he was called up to the Sabres. It was expected that he would strictly back up, however he ended up relieving in 2 contests. In total he played 30 minutes, and gave up 3 goals.

That proved to be Randy's only action in the National Hockey League. The Sabres had some great depth in nets around 1980, and he was buried in minors until his retirement from the sport in 1983. He bounced around with 8 teams in his 6 year professional career.