The NHL is celebrating 50 years since Jacques Plante first wore a mask in the NHL – the anniversary coming November 1st.
read more about the night he made history here.
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Plante was ahead of his time…. the idea of goalies today not wearing a mask would be considered suicidal. Toe Blake should have stepped in and played without one … perhaps after he got hit between the eyes he might have jumped at the idea. The playing of the puck is something more minor league coaches should have goalies do more often. Nothing worse then watching coach after coach fear their goalies handling the puck.
My wife got me Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask last Christmas. It’s a great read and opened my eyes to number of goalies that influenced the evolution of the goalie mask. I hadn’t realized Clint Benedict also played a part in the goalie mask becoming part of goalie equipment in addition influencing changing the way goaltenders play the game (and the rulebook!). I highly recommend this book!