Netminder Yves Belanger was a solid reserve during an NHL career that lasted parts of six seasons. He was an outstanding junior and minor pro player but never attained the same level of success in the big leagues.
The native of Baie Comeau, Quebec was one of the top backstoppers in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Castors. Undrafted, Belanger signed with the WHA's Cleveland Crusaders in August 1972 but spent his first two pro seasons in the minors. As a rookie pro with the Syracuse Blazers he led the Eastern League with five shutouts and was presented the George L. Davis. Jr. Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the league. In 1973-74, he faced tougher shooters as a member of the AHL's Jacksonville Barons but still showed plenty of promise.
Prior to the 1974-75 season Belanger was acquired by the St. Louis Blues. He spent most of the year with the Denver Spurs of the CHL but won six games and recorded a shutout in eleven appearances with the parent club. Belanger played 31 games in 1975-76 when he split the goalkeeping chores with veteran Eddie Johnston. The Blues were high on youngster Ed Staniowski, so Belanger played most of his hockey with the Kansas City Blues of the CHL in 1976-77. He recorded a fine 21-4-4 record and shared the Terry Sawchuk Trophy with Gord McRae for allowing the few goals in the league. Belanger was sent to the Atlanta Flames early in the 1976-77 season where he hoped to gain a new lease on life.
Belanger posted a 7-8-0 record and notched a shutout for Atlanta but was unable to gain a permanent spot in the club's plans. He played eight games for the Boston Bruins in 1979-80 but spent most of his time guarding the cage for the AHL's Binghamton Whalers. The veteran spent three years in the North Shore New Brunswick senior circuit before retiring in 1983.
