The Puck to the Face That Changed NHL Goalie Masks Forever
After taking a puck to the face in 1959, the Montreal Canadiens star challenged his own coach and changed the way NHL goalies played.
Athletes World
• Once considered unusual in hockey, goalie masks are now essential protective equipment, shielding goaltenders from high-speed pucks, sticks, and collisions while becoming one of the sport's most recognizable symbols.
On November 1, 1959, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacques Plante took a puck to the face during a game against the New York Rangers.
The shot, fired by Andy Bathgate, left Plante bleeding and sent him off the ice for stitches.
When he was ready to return, Plante had one condition: he wouldn't play without a mask.
There was just one problem. His coach didn't want him wearing one.
The shot, fired by Andy Bathgate, left Plante bleeding and sent him off the ice for stitches.
When he was ready to return, Plante had one condition: he wouldn't play without a mask.
There was just one problem. His coach didn't want him wearing one.
