"When given a chance to take over the No. 1 role with the Oilers, Essensa bombed again. Known for his streaky play, the 34-year-old now must prove he's still capable of playing solidly on a consistent basis. Even after nine seasons, Essensa seems to have a lot to prove. He has the ability to play spectacular hockey, but can also lose his game altogether just as quickly. Essensa will be in tough for a backup job in a league with a plethora of young goaltenders knocking on the NHL door. (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 220)

"His days as an NHLer were thought to be over, but Essensa managed to tend goal in 30 games last year. The veteran backstop took advantage of free-agent holdout Nikolai Khabibulin's absence from the Phoenix Coyotes and enjoyed a strong first half. Essensa is the type of acrobatic goaltender who can carry a team for short stretches." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 217)

"Essensa is perhaps the ultimate fill-in goalie of the modern era. Last season, the Vancouver Canucks were certainly thankful he was around when both Felix Potvin and Dan Cloutier faltered, especially as the veteran backstop helped preserve a playoff berth. A true team player, he'd love a shot at being No. 1 again but should be resigned to being one of the league's top backups. He usually fits right in wherever he goes." (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 224)

"After an excellent year in Vancouver in 2000-01, Essensa spent last season serving mainly as a cheerleader with the Sabres. Now, he'll be hard-pressed to gain another shot at a backup job. Essensa's career may be over. (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 216)

• Selected by Winnipeg Jets in fourth round (fifth Jets pick, 69th overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 8, 1983.
• Traded by Jets (with Sergei Bautin) to Detroit Red Wings for G Tim Cheveldae and Dallas Drake, March 8, 1994.
• Loaned by Red Wings to San Diego Gulls (IHL), January 27, 1995.
• Traded by Red Wings to Edmonton Oilers for future considerations, June 14, 1996.
• Resigned as free agent to one-year contract (with a club option for a second year) with Oilers, August 17, 1998.
• Signed as a free agent to one year contract with Phoenix Coyotes, September 5, 1999.
• Signed as free agent with Vancouver Canucks, July 26, 2000.
• Released by Canucks, June 26, 2001.
• Signed as free agent with Buffalo Sabres, August 3, 2001.

• Named to Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star first team, 1984-85.
• Named to Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Star second team, 1985-86.
• Named to National Hockey League All-Rookie team, 1989-90.

• Suffered severe lacerations to both hands and wrists, February 1985.
• Injured groin; missed three weeks, September 1990.
• Sprained knee; missed four games, October 12, 1991.
• Injured left hamstring; missed four games, December 8, 1991.
• Sprained left knee; missed seven games, March 6, 1992.
• Strained knee; missed two games, March 6, 1993.
• Strained hamstring; missed seven games, January 4, 2000.

• Bob was the Michigan State University netminder when the Spartans advanced to the 1987 NCAA Championship game in Detroit. Unfortunately for Essensa, the Spartans fell to top-ranked North Dakota (with freshman netminder Ed Belfour) by a 5-3 score.