Olympian LeBlanc Is Called Up by Blackhawks

Goalie Ray LeBlanc, who led the United States within a victory of an Olympic medal, was called up from the minors by the Chicago Blackhawks to start Tuesday night’s game against San Jose.

LeBlanc, who has spent nearly 10 years in the minor leagues, was playing for the Indianapolis Ice of the International Hockey League.

By playing in at least one NHL game, LeBlanc becomes eligible for the expansion draft involving the new Tampa Bay and Ottawa franchises.

“We have no idea how long he’ll be with the Blackhawks,” said Brad Berry, a spokesman for the Ice. “There’s no stipulation that he’s going for only one game. We have mixed feelings about this. We’re delighted for Ray, but it’s coming at a time when we’re on a roll, and he’s been a major reason.”

LeBlanc’s NHL experience has been limited to one game in uniform, as a backup without any playing time.

The 27-year-old has played the last six seasons in the IHL for Saginaw, Flint, Ft. Wayne and the Ice. He spent one summer working on the grounds crew at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Last summer he worked as a pre-mixer for a cola distributor here.

During the Olympics, his acrobatic saves kept the U.S. team in medal contention until it lost to the Unified Team and then to Czechoslovakia in the bronze medal game.

LeBlanc, who once went 26 games without a loss in the Ontario Junior League, is undefeated in four starts since rejoining the Ice after the Olympics. That has given his team a season-best five-game winning streak.

LeBlanc’s latest victory came Sunday after Ray LeBlanc Day ceremonies.

The Ice presented LeBlanc with a 27-inch television set and a video cassette recorder, while Indiana Lt. Gov. Frank O’Bannon made LeBlanc a Sagamore of the Wabash--the highest honor the state can bestow an individual.