Robert L. Esche (born January 22, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who is the current president of the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Utica City FC of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). He previously played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers.
Esche started his career with the Phoenix Coyotes, only to be traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in a deal involving Michal Handzuà ¡ and Brian Boucher. In 2004, he claimed the starting goaltending spot for the Flyers, and led them to the Eastern Conference Finals, only to fall in seven games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
While playing in Russia for Ak Bars Kazan, he posted a record of 22âÂÂ5âÂÂ2 with a 2.01 goals against average (GAA) and a .912 save percentage, along with four shutouts.
Esche skated with Dinamo Minsk during the 2010âÂÂ11 KHL season. In 2008âÂÂ09, he posted a record of 21âÂÂ14 with a 1.87 GAA and .912 save percentage, as well as nine shutouts.
On June 16, 2011, the SCL Tigers announced they had signed the 33-year-old Esche to a contract, where he played 40 games, going 15âÂÂ25, with a 3.05 GAA and .898 save percentage.
Esche has represented the United States in the 1997 and 1998 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the IIHF World Championships in 2000, shutting out Russia in Russia, an accomplishment he still lists as his greatest moment in hockey. He represented the US team in 2001 and also received the starting nod at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Esche was named to the 2006 US Men's Olympic Hockey Team in Turin. He played one game in the Olympic tournament, losing 5âÂÂ4 to Russia.
Esche played for the 2008 Team USA Hockey team in the World Championships which took place in Canada. He had earned some starts after sitting out the first few games, including a 42 save performance in a controversial 3âÂÂ2 loss against Finland. He also posted a 9âÂÂ1 victory against Norway.
Esche has two children with his former wife Kelly.
Esche married Erica Hagan in August 2025.
Esche is nicknamed "Chico" after former NHL goaltender Chico Resch because his sticks were labeled R. Esche.