Jon Gillies Bio
Jonathan Bruce Gillies, born on January 22, 1994, is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches tall, he has spent parts of several seasons at the National Hockey League level, competing for the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his size, calm demeanor in the crease, and steady work ethic, Gillies has built a journeyman professional resume that spans the NHL, AHL, and ECHL since leaving the collegiate ranks in 2015.
A 2012 NHL Draft pick by the Calgary Flames, Gillies has continually adapted his game across multiple organizations and development leagues. He has also suited up in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners and the Cincinnati Cyclones during stretches when NHL opportunities were limited. His career path reflects the modern route many North American goaltenders take, balancing top-level chances with steady work in the minors.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Bruce Gillies was born on January 22, 1994, in Concord, New Hampshire, and was raised in South Portland, Maine. Growing up in a region with a strong hockey tradition, he was exposed to the sport at a young age and developed his skills in youth leagues around New England. As a youth player, he represented the Middlesex Islanders minor ice hockey team at the 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, where he played alongside future NHL players Matt Grzelcyk and Miles Wood.
Hockey runs deep in the Gillies family. His grandfather, Bruce Sr., played at Norwich University, while his father, Bruce, played at the University of New Hampshire, where he is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. His father also played in the International Hockey League, leading the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Turner Cup championship in 1985–86, where he met his future wife, Debbie. His uncle, Chris, was a goaltender at the University of Denver, further reinforcing the family’s goaltending and playing pedigree.
Path to Hockey
Gillies took the collegiate route to the professional game, enrolling at Providence College to play for the Providence Friars in the NCAA Men’s Division I Hockey East conference. In his freshman year, his strong performance was recognized with a selection to the 2012–13 All-Hockey East First Team, signaling his potential as a top-tier goaltending prospect. He continued to develop his game in the competitive Hockey East conference, sharpening the technical and mental sides of his craft.
His junior season proved to be the pinnacle of his collegiate career. Gillies led the Providence Friars to the NCAA national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four. He also represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Championship, starting nearly every minute of the tournament, though the team did not medal. On April 15, 2015, Gillies signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames, officially ending his collegiate career and beginning his professional journey.
Jon Gillies Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
After signing with the Calgary Flames in 2015, Gillies spent his first professional seasons developing with the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Stockton Heat. Working through the rigors of professional play, he adjusted to the faster pace and more experienced shooters that defined the minor pro game. His patience and work ethic helped him refine his game and prepare for an opportunity at the top level.
On April 6, 2017, Gillies made his long-awaited NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings. He stopped 27 shots and earned his first NHL victory, a 4–1 decision. Although he did not appear in the Flames’ playoff run that spring, he was assigned to the Stockton Heat to help them finish their postseason, gaining valuable experience in a high-pressure environment.
Calgary Flames Era (2015–2020)
Gillies spent the bulk of his early NHL years within the Calgary Flames organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and Stockton Heat of the AHL. He continued to develop his goaltending technique while providing depth and competition within the Flames’ goaltending pipeline. His time in the organization allowed him to learn from established NHL netminders and absorb the day-to-day demands of professional hockey.
Although his NHL appearances with the Flames were limited, Gillies remained a reliable option for the organization when called upon. Following the expiration of his entry-level deal, the Flames chose not to re-sign him, opening the door to the next chapter of his career as a free agent.
St. Louis Blues Era (2020–2022)
On October 9, 2020, Gillies signed a one-year, two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues as a free agent. After attending the Blues’ shortened training camp, he was assigned to the Utica Comets, a shared AHL affiliate, for the 2020–21 season, where he registered three wins in five appearances. The unusual scheduling of the pandemic-affected season gave him a unique opportunity to prove himself in a new system.
His 2021–22 campaign was marked by a whirlwind of transactions. After briefly signing with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL and making a lone appearance, he moved on to AHL stints with the Providence Bruins and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, collecting three wins in as many outings with Providence. On December 9, 2021, he was signed by the St. Louis Blues to a one-year, two-way deal, and three days later he made his first NHL appearance in four years, stopping 36 of 39 shots in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Shortly after, on December 15, 2021, he was traded by the Blues to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for future considerations.
New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes Era (2022–2023)
On July 13, 2022, Gillies signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Arizona Coyotes as a free agent. He was assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, where he continued to perform reliably between the pipes. His time with the Coyotes organization added another chapter of professional experience, allowing him to compete in a new system and adjust to a different coaching philosophy.
On March 2, 2023, while with the Roadrunners, Gillies was traded by the Coyotes to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Jakub Voráček and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He made his first start for the Blue Jackets on April 2, 2023, earning a victory against the Ottawa Senators and closing out his NHL career on a winning note.
Cincinnati Cyclones Era (2024–Present)
After a year away from professional hockey, Gillies returned to the game on October 10, 2024, signing a contract with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. The move allowed him to remain active and continue his development in a familiar role as a workhorse goaltender. Known facts indicate that he is now listed as a member of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, suggesting a recent transition to the Solar Bears roster for the upcoming campaign.
His experience and leadership have made him a valuable presence in the locker room, and his consistency between the pipes has been a hallmark of his recent play. The Cyclones stint reaffirmed his commitment to the game and his willingness to contribute at any level.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Gillies brings a tall, controlled presence to the crease, using his size to cover the upper portions of the net effectively. He plays a composed, technically sound style, relying on positioning and rebound control rather than flashy movement. His calm demeanor has been a strength throughout his career, helping him manage pressure in both NHL and minor-league environments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable career moments was his first NHL win with the Calgary Flames on April 6, 2017, when he turned aside 27 shots against the Los Angeles Kings. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Frozen Four after leading Providence to the national title, and he made an emotional return to the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in December 2021, stopping 36 of 39 shots against the Anaheim Ducks.
Jon Gillies Career Wins
Jonathan Bruce Gillies has accumulated professional victories across multiple leagues, including the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. His first NHL win came on April 6, 2017, with the Calgary Flames, and he added another NHL victory with the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 2, 2023. In the AHL, he posted three wins in five appearances with the Utica Comets during the 2020–21 season, and three more wins in as many outings with the Providence Bruins in 2021–22.
NHL and AHL Highlights
Gillies’s NHL résumé features starts with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets, including a strong 36-save performance against the Anaheim Ducks in 2021. In the AHL, he has suited up for affiliates including the Stockton Heat, Syracuse Crunch, Utica Comets, Providence Bruins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and Tucson Roadrunners, building a reputation as a dependable backup and spot starter.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NHL and AHL, Gillies has posted appearances in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners and the Cincinnati Cyclones. These stints allowed him to stay sharp and contribute to winning efforts in highly competitive minor-league environments.
Jon Gillies Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey has long been a central part of the Gillies family identity. His father, Bruce, played at the University of New Hampshire, where he is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame, and went on to play in the International Hockey League, leading the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Turner Cup championship in 1985–86. His grandfather, Bruce Sr., also played at Norwich University, while his uncle, Chris, was a goaltender at the University of Denver, making goaltending a true family tradition.
Personal Life
Gillies was born in Concord, New Hampshire, and raised in South Portland, Maine. His father met his mother, Debbie, while playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Public details about a spouse or children are not confirmed in verified sources, and the focus of his personal narrative remains his hockey lineage and his dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Jonathan Bruce Gillies is positioned with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL following his October 2024 signing with the Cincinnati Cyclones. The move represents a fresh start in a familiar league, giving him an opportunity to log meaningful minutes and contribute to a competitive roster. His experience at higher levels provides veteran leadership for a developing team.
The 2025 campaign will likely see Gillies serve as a stabilizing force in net, mentoring younger goaltenders while pursuing consistent performances. Given his track record of steady play and his history of stepping up when called upon, he remains a reliable option between the pipes. His continued presence in the professional ranks underscores his love for the game and his commitment to the craft of goaltending.
Outlook for the season centers on consistency, health, and the chance to help his club push deep into the ECHL postseason. With his pedigree, size, and composure, Gillies is well equipped to handle the demands of a long professional schedule and remain a valuable contributor wherever his career takes him next.