Robert (Bob) Charlebois
Sport: Hockey: Year Inducted: 1996
Robert “Bob” Charlebois was born in Cornwall in 1944; he would play 12 seasons of professional hockey.
Bob developed his hockey skills with the local Cornwall Minor Hockey Association, and quickly moved through the midget level and Junior “B” ranks. He was scouted by the Canadiens organization, and played with St. Jerome of the Metro “A” league in 1960-61. The 16 year-old went on to score 44 goals and assist on another 45, giving him second place in league scoring, which led to his selection to the All-Star team as well as being named Rookie of the Year.
The next three years of his career were spent with the top junior team in the country, the Montreal Junior Canadiens, where he collected 179 points. Bob was acknowledged for his abilities in 1963 with the presentation of the Jacques Richard Trophy as Cornwall’s Outstanding Athlete.
At the age of 20, Bob turned pro with the Omaha Knights of the Central Professional Hockey League. He toiled in CPHL for four seasons with Omaha, Houston, and Memphis, scoring 99 goals. With the 1967 NHL expansion draft, he found himself with the Minnesota North Stars. He played seven games with the North Stars, scoring one goal, before being moved to the WHL Phoenix Roadrunners franchise where he recorded 31 goals and 30 assists to lead the team.
With the formation of the World Hockey Association in 1972, Bob found a new home with the Ottawa Nationals. His hard work and perseverance gave him a berth on the All-Star team after a season of 24 goals and 39 assists. He finished his professional playing career with the New England Whalers where he helped the Whalers win the Avco Cup league Championship.
Bob then moved to Ottawa and went on to a successful coaching and player development career with the Ottawa District, Major Bantam Champion Ottawa West Golden Knights (1992-93), and the Central Junior “A” Champion, Gloucester Rangers (1993-94). During this time, Bob owned and operated a successful hockey school, and he became the Director of Management Services at Algonquin College. His connection to the pro game enabled Bob to play benefit games with the Ottawa Senators Alumni team.