Powered by:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
Contains commercial content
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Jacques Plante: The Legendary Goalie Who Changed Hockey Forever

Jacques Plante: The Legendary Goalie Who Changed Hockey Forever

Publish Date: 11/07/2023
Fact checked by: Mike Goodpaster
Jacques Plante: The Player Responsible For The Creation of The Hockey Mask

Alright, gather around, hockey fans, because we’re about to dive into a slice of history that changed the game as we know it. Picture this: It’s the 1950s, and goalies are out there on the ice, faces bare, taking pucks at unimaginable speeds without so much as a blink. That’s until one guy stepped onto the scene and flipped the script. His name? Jacques Plante. And his game-changing move? Wearing the first-ever goalie mask.

Early Life & Rise Through The Leagues

Let’s rewind a bit. Jacques Plante, a legendary goaltender born in 1929, wasn’t just any ordinary puck-stopper. He was a trendsetter, a visionary on the ice. Plante made a name for himself as one of the greatest goalies to grace the NHL, but his impact goes way beyond the stats and championships.

A young Jacques Plante in the 1944/45 junior season

A young Jacques Plante in the 1944/45 junior season

As a young boy, Plante strapped on his first pair of skates and held his first stick, like many Canadian kids do, on the frozen ponds and backyard rinks. He fell in love with the game instantly. His passion for hockey was undeniable, even at a young age. He honed his skills in pick-up games, learning the ins and outs of the game while facing the bitter winter cold.

Plante’s love for hockey only intensified as he grew older. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, his determination to succeed in the sport never wavered. His path to professional hockey wasn’t a smooth glide on the ice. In fact, it was a series of hard-fought battles and constant efforts to prove himself.

He began his journey to the big leagues in Quebec’s minor and junior leagues. Plante’s exceptional skills in the net didn’t go unnoticed. His remarkable reflexes, agility, and a keen understanding of the game quickly set him apart from other goalies. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of NHL scouts.

Joining the Montreal Canadiens

Plante in defensive action against the Detroit Redwings

Plante in defensive action against the Detroit Redwings

In 1953, Jacques Plante made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens, the team where he would etch his name into hockey history. Despite facing initial challenges and scepticism, he soon became a pivotal player for the Canadiens, showcasing his talent and revolutionising the way goaltending was played.

In 1959, playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Plante faced a brutal slap shot that left him with a face resembling a Picasso painting. That was the moment that changed it all. Plante was no stranger to getting hit in the face. But after that fateful injury, he took a stand. He wasn’t going back onto the ice without protection. Cue the birth of the goalie mask.

The Goalie Mask is Born

Back then, this move was revolutionary, even controversial. Coaches and fellow players doubted the effectiveness and worried it might mess with a goalie’s vision or intimidate opponents. But Plante stood his ground. He understood the importance of safety without compromising performance.

Plante wearing an early version of the hockey mask he coined in 1960

Plante wearing an early version of the hockey mask he coined in 1960

The mask Plante initially wore wasn’t as sleek and high-tech as the ones we see today. It was a simple fibreglass piece, more like a mould of his face with some holes for ventilation. But that small, somewhat awkward-looking mask was a giant leap for goalie-kind. It set a new standard. Soon after, other goalies began to follow suit, realising the wisdom in protecting their faces. Plante’s action paved the way for the evolution of goalie gear we see in today’s game.

But it wasn’t just about the mask. Plante was a phenomenal goalie in his own right. He was a key player in the Canadiens’ dynasty during the late ’50s and ’60s, winning multiple Stanley Cups and claiming various awards. His skills between the pipes were as legendary as his innovative thinking. Plante’s legacy extended beyond the hardware he accumulated; it was about his influence on the game itself.

Retirement From Hockey 

Following a remarkable career in the NHL, Jacques Plante retired from professional hockey in 1975 after bouncing around various teams in the league. His retirement marked the end of an illustrious era, during which he secured numerous awards, Stanley Cups, and records. Post-retirement, Plante didn’t drift away from the sport.

He delved into coaching and later worked as a goalie coach for various NHL teams, sharing his expertise and knowledge with upcoming talents. Beyond hockey, he explored other interests, including painting and writing. Plante lived out his later years in a quieter, more reclusive manner, but his influence on the game remained palpable, with his legacy as a trailblazer and innovator firmly intact. Jacques Plante passed away on February 27, 1986, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of hockey.

Jacques’ Legacy

The impact of his decision to don that mask can’t be overstated. It was a game-changer, quite literally. Think about it: without Plante’s bold move, would we have the goalie masks we see in all their glory today? Would netminders be as fearless, diving in front of slap shots and high-speed pucks, knowing their faces are shielded? Plante didn’t just protect his face; he protected the future of goaltending.

In today’s NHL, it’s unthinkable to see a goalie without a mask. They’re customised, comfortable, and a canvas for the goalie’s personality. From the classic designs to the more intricate and artistic ones, each mask tells a story. And it all started with one man who dared to challenge the status quo.

Jacques Plante may have retired long ago, but his impact endures. He’s a reminder of the courage it takes to stand up and change the game. So, the next time you see a goalie making an incredible save, take a moment to thank Jacques Plante, the man who safeguarded the faces of our beloved goalkeepers and transformed the sport we love.

Read Also
Tommy Morrison and AIDS: The Truth about what happened
Tommy Morrison burst onto the professional boxing scene in 1988. Following a ...
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
BetMGM Promo
Michael Nunn and Iran Barkley Discuss Their Bout, Bob Arum, and the Four Kings
Mountains to Climb, Pebbles in Your Shoe “I always say that was ...
Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season
This list isn’t based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. ...
Lady Tyger’s Tale: How Marian Trimiar Mauled the Boxing Establishment of the 1970s and 80s
To Feed the Ambition in Your Heart is Like Carrying a Tiger ...
The Forgotten Canadian Champion (And Maybe It’s Deserved): Billy Hawkins
As Mike Goodpaster and I prepare our popular Old-Time Boxing Show podcast, ...
Where Did You Go, Smokin’ Joe? To Starrcade and WrestleMania By Way of Puerto Rico
Starrcade ’84: The Million Dollar Challenge ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, that “stylin’ ...
The Army Boxer Who Knocked-Down Muhammad Ali (1960)
I had wanted to write a boxing story about Junebug Hudson for ...
The Twilight Rounds: Rod Serling explores the dark side of boxing – Round seven
“In this corner of the universe, a prizefighter named Bolie Jackson, 183 ...
Sportsbook of the month
PointsBet - Get your Bonus Bet now!
-
Latest News
Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis: Talking All That Jazz  
The back and forth between the fighters and ...
Top 10 NFL Play by Play Broadcasters of All Time
This list will be National Guys, so no ...
Top-10 Indiana High School Basketball Teams of All-Time
Of course, nothing was better than Hoosier Hysteria, ...
Our Latest YouTube Videos
Video: Indiana Basketball weekly W/Steve Risley: IU/Harvard Preview and UCONN and Louisville Recaps!
Indiana Basketball weekly W/Steve Risley: IU/Harvard Preview and UCONN and Louisville Recaps!
Video: #NFC East Clash - #Eagles at #Cowboys
#NFC East Clash - #Eagles at #Cowboys
Video: NFL *Betting* Show*: Week 14 Picking all games against the spread!
NFL *Betting* Show*: Week 14 Picking all games against the spread!
Betting Tips
12/09/2023 - 3:00 pm
Gillett Stadium
Tip:
Navy to Cover
3.00
FanDuel
12/07/2023 - 8:15 pm
Acrisure
Tip:
Patriots to Cover
6.00
FanDuel
12/05/2023 - 9:00 pm
Chrysler
Tip:
Indiana to Cover
7.50
FanDuel
Sportsbook of the month
PointsBet - Get your Bonus Bet now!
-
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel
FanDuel Review
4.6/5
BetMGM
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5 Get $150 Instantly
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
$1000 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJosh SchwartzAuthor IconSimon BriffaMark Lewis
+10
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Content Writer
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Author Icon
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Author Icon
Malik Zorrok
Author
Author Icon
Buddy Gibbs
Author
Brian Coburn
Brian Coburn
Author
aukje
aukje
Author
Peter Bonahoom
Peter Bonahoom
Author
berina
berina
Author
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.

21+NCPG
Move to Top
Close
Players accepted in the US US Flag
Stake.us Exclusive Bonus
$25 No Deposit + 250,000 Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Promo Code
Copy
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bitcoin
Litecoin
Ethereum
Dogecoin
Highlights
  • Exclusive promo code: TGTSOCIAL
  • Play Plinko, Hilo, Crash and more!
  • Get Stake Cash bonuses every day!
Stake Originals
Dice
Crash
Plinko
Mines
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Visit Site