Fansided

Best hockey player from each state

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 26, 2014; New York City, NY, USA; NHL former player Jeremy Roenick skates with youngsters on a miniature rink before the Stadium Series hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2014; New York City, NY, USA; NHL former player Jeremy Roenick skates with youngsters on a miniature rink before the Stadium Series hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images /

Iowa – Scott Clemmensen

Because Iowa has only produced one NHL player, this one isn’t much of a choice. The pride and joy of Des Moines, Scott Clemmensen had a successful hockey career. Moreover, he did so despite playing a very tough position – backup goaltender.

Being a backup goalie is quite difficult. You don’t get action every game, so it’s hard to get ready when you do get to play. Also, whenever you see game time, it’s usually either because the starter needs rest or he has done terribly and it’s your job to put out the fire. Backup goalie isn’t a very desirable position, nor is it one that is for all netminders.

Clemmensen is known for backing up perhaps the best goalie ever – Martin Brodeur. The Devils legend is known for starting a lot of games, making his job even more difficult. Clemmensen’s career high in games started? 40, back when Marty got injured.

However, most of his games came with the Florida Panthers, where he at least got some playing time. With the Devils, he played in 68 games over six seasons. Clemmensen appeared in 120 in five seasons with Florida. His career save percentage is .905. Not outstanding, but there’s a reason he stuck around for a while – he was reliable.

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