Jon Gillies Bio
Jonathan Bruce Gillies is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he appeared for the Calgary Flames and the St. Louis Blues. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2012, Gillies developed his game through the NCAA ranks before embarking on a professional career that has spanned multiple leagues.
Standing 198 cm tall and weighing 101 kg, Gillies uses his large frame to cover the net effectively. He began his professional journey in 2015 and has since become a well-traveled goaltender across North American hockey.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Bruce Gillies was born on January 22, 1994, in Concord, New Hampshire, and raised in South Portland, Maine. He grew up surrounded by hockey, as the sport has long been a central part of his family’s identity.
Gillies comes from a hockey family with deep roots in the sport. His grandfather, Bruce Sr., played at Norwich University. His father, Bruce, played at the University of New Hampshire, where he is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame, and also played in the International Hockey League. Bruce led 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.
As a youth, Gillies played in the 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Middlesex Islanders minor ice hockey team, alongside future NHL players Matt Grzelcyk and Miles Wood.
Path to Hockey
Gillies played collegiate hockey with the Providence Friars in the NCAA Men’s Division I Hockey East conference. In his freshman year, his outstanding play earned him a selection to the 2012–13 All-Hockey East First Team, signaling his potential as a top goaltending prospect.
During his junior season, Gillies led the Friars to the NCAA national championship and was chosen as the Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player. He also represented the United States at the 2014 World Juniors, where he started and played nearly every minute of the tournament, though the team did not medal.
On April 15, 2015, Gillies ended his collegiate career by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames, the team that had originally drafted him in 2012.
Jon Gillies Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
After signing with the Calgary Flames, Gillies spent time developing with the Stockton Heat, the Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate. He refined his professional game while waiting for his opportunity at the NHL level.
On April 6, 2017, Gillies made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings. After stopping 27 shots, he recorded his first NHL career win by a score of 4–1. He did not play during the Flames’ short playoff run that season and was assigned to Stockton to help them finish their postseason schedule.
Calgary Flames Era (2015–2020)
Gillies remained with the Calgary Flames organization from 2015 through 2020, working primarily as a depth goaltender. His debut win against the Kings in 2017 served as the highlight of his tenure in Calgary.
On October 9, 2020, Gillies signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues to a one-year, two-way contract, ending his time in the Flames organization.
St. Louis Blues Era (2020–2022)
After attending the Blues’ shortened training camp in 2020, Gillies was assigned to the Utica Comets, a shared AHL affiliate, where he registered 3 wins in 5 games during the 2020–21 season.
The 2021–22 season was eventful for Gillies. He signed with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL on October 27, 2021, before being signed to a PTO with the Providence Bruins. After a brief stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he was signed by the Blues on a one-year, two-way contract on December 9, 2021. He made his first NHL appearance in four years on December 12, 2021, saving 36 of 39 shots in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Shortly after, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for future considerations on December 15, 2021.
New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes Era (2022–2023)
On July 13, 2022, Gillies signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the Arizona Coyotes. While playing for the Tucson Roadrunners, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 2, 2023, in exchange for Jakub Voráček and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Gillies made his first start for the Blue Jackets on April 2, 2023, earning a win against the Ottawa Senators.
Orlando Solar Bears Era (2024–Present)
After a year-long hiatus, Gillies returned to professional hockey by signing a contract with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL on October 10, 2024. He currently plays for the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, continuing his career in North American professional hockey.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gillies’s career-defining moment came during his junior season at Providence, when he led the Friars to the NCAA national championship and was named Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player. His first NHL win against the Los Angeles Kings in April 2017 and his 36-save performance against the Anaheim Ducks in December 2021 remain career highlights.
Jon Gillies Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Jon Gillies comes from a hockey family with deep roots in the sport. His grandfather, Bruce Sr., played at Norwich University, and his father, Bruce, played at the University of New Hampshire and in the International Hockey League. Bruce led the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Turner Cup championship in 1985–86, where he met Jon’s mother, Debbie.
His uncle, Chris Gillies, was a goaltender at the University of Denver, continuing the family’s tradition of producing goaltenders.
Personal Life
Jonathan Bruce Gillies was born in Concord, New Hampshire, and raised in South Portland, Maine. His parents are Bruce and Debbie Gillies, who met through hockey. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Outlook
Jon Gillies is expected to continue his role with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL during the 2025 season. After returning to professional hockey in October 2024 with the Cincinnati Cyclones, he has remained active in the ECHL, providing veteran leadership and goaltending depth.
Throughout his career, Gillies has demonstrated the ability to step up when called upon, whether at the NHL level or in the minors. His experience across multiple organizations makes him a reliable presence between the pipes for Orlando.
Heading into the 2025 season, Gillies will look to build consistency and contribute to the Solar Bears’ success as they compete in the ECHL standings.