Belzile makes NHL debut

Former Gwinnett Gladiators, Alaska Aces, Idaho Steelheads, Fort Wayne Komets and Colorado Eagles forward Alex Belzile became the 677th former ECHL player to reach the NHL when he debuted with the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of their Stanley Cup Qualifying Round series against Pittsburgh on Friday.

Belzile is the 15th former ECHL player to make his NHL debut during the 2019-20 season, and becomes the 43rd player whose name is engraved on the Kelly Cup to play in the NHL.

The 28-year-old recorded 169 points (62g-107a) in 168 ECHL games from 2012-17. He was part of Alaska's 2014 Kelly Cup championship team when he posted 10 points (3g-7a) in 18 postseason contests and added a second title to his resume with Colorado in 2017 when he led all playoff scorers with 26 points (14g-12a) in 18 games. He is one of just 51 players to have won multiple Kelly Cup titles.

Belzile has recorded 132 points (54g-78a) in 239 career American Hockey League games with Hamilton, San Antonio and Laval.