Goalies and masks

[Go Donbass]

This seems like as good a spot as any to put this.

I've been watching a lot of old NHL vids on Youtube recently, and it got me to thinking about something. I'm sure there's no website that will have this info, so I thought I'd throw it out to you guys.

My question is this: Back in the days when Jacques Plante popularized the wearing of a goalie mask, who were the goalies that transitioned from not wearing a mask to wearing one? I'm speaking specifically of NHL goalies here. I can think of three for sure: Plante of course, Terry Sawchuk and Gerry Cheevers. I believe Ed Giacomin also falls into this category. Can you guys think of any others? I know guys like Glen Hall, Gump Worsley and Johnny Bower never wore one. Thanks

 

[ICM1970]

This seems like as good a spot as any to put this.

I've been watching a lot of old NHL vids on Youtube recently, and it got me to thinking about something. I'm sure there's no website that will have this info, so I thought I'd throw it out to you guys.

My question is this: Back in the days when Jacques Plante popularized the wearing of a goalie mask, who were the goalies that transitioned from not wearing a mask to wearing one? I'm speaking specifically of NHL goalies here. I can think of three for sure: Plante of course, Terry Sawchuk and Gerry Cheevers. I believe Ed Giacomin also falls into this category. Can you guys think of any others? I know guys like Glen Hall, Gump Worsley and Johnny Bower never wore one. Thanks

Sawchuk adopted one in 1962 and Giacomin in 1970. Gerry Cheevers began wearing one following a 1965 accident involving taking a Red Berenson backhand shot to the face that cost him a good number of his teeth. Glenn Hall began wearing one about 1968 because he wore one at the time of the famous Bobby Orr Cup winning goal in May, 1970. Bower wore one the last few games he played in 1969-70. Gump finally gave in at the start of his last season in 1973-74 as he was about to retire and also as per his wife's wishes that he'd finally cover up and that left Andy Brown of the Pittsburgh Penguins as the last barefaced goalie in the NHL. Brown's last game in the NHL was televised by NBC on Sunday, April 7 1974 from the Omni in Atlanta. The following season, he moved to Indianapolis of the WHA and stayed barefaced until his 1977 retirement (hastened by back problems).

I can think of ones like Bruce Gamble, Rogie Vachon, Gary Smith, Les Binkley, Joe Daley (the second last maskless goalie), Dave Dryden, and numerous others who started their pro careers barefaced but later covered up.

 

[Go Donbass]

Sawchuk adopted one in 1962 and Giacomin in 1970. Gerry Cheevers began wearing one following a 1965 accident involving taking a Red Berenson backhand shot to the face that cost him a good number of his teeth. Glenn Hall began wearing one about 1968 because he wore one at the time of the famous Bobby Orr Cup winning goal in May, 1970. Bower wore one the last few games he played in 1969-70. Gump finally gave in at the start of his last season in 1973-74 as he was about to retire and also as per his wife's wishes that he'd finally cover up and that left Andy Brown of the Pittsburgh Penguins as the last barefaced goalie in the NHL. Brown's last game in the NHL was televised by NBC on Sunday, April 7 1974 from the Omni in Atlanta. The following season, he moved to Indianapolis of the WHA and stayed barefaced until his 1977 retirement (hastened by back problems).

I can think of ones like Bruce Gamble, Rogie Vachon, Gary Smith, Les Binkley, Joe Daley (the second last maskless goalie), Dave Dryden, and numerous others who started their pro careers barefaced but later covered up.

Thanks, I guess I should have realized that about Hall, since I've seen that highlight a kajillion times. I didn't realize that Bower and Worsley put masks on though.

Once you mentioned Vachon, I remembered seeing video of him without a mask. Didn't realize Suitcase and Dryden went maskless to start their careers.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Dave Dryden went from no mask, to the original style fibre glass mask to the more contemporary mask we see today. I don't believe he ever wore the old helmet and cage that became popular after Parent's eye injury.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Others

This seems like as good a spot as any to put this.

I've been watching a lot of old NHL vids on Youtube recently, and it got me to thinking about something. I'm sure there's no website that will have this info, so I thought I'd throw it out to you guys.

My question is this: Back in the days when Jacques Plante popularized the wearing of a goalie mask, who were the goalies that transitioned from not wearing a mask to wearing one? I'm speaking specifically of NHL goalies here. I can think of three for sure: Plante of course, Terry Sawchuk and Gerry Cheevers. I believe Ed Giacomin also falls into this category. Can you guys think of any others? I know guys like Glen Hall, Gump Worsley and Johnny Bower never wore one. Thanks

Even the short term regulars and long term back-ups adapted to masks. Don Simmons, Charlie Hodge, Hank Bassen, etc.

Interesting phenomena, in Junior hockey - the old MMJHL and the OHA both featured Montreal based franchises, the junialledor goalies quickly adapted the face mask. Some much better than others. Some were helped in their journey to the NHL while others stalled.

 

[McGuillicuddy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Dave Dryden went from no mask, to the original style fibre glass mask to the more contemporary mask we see today. I don't believe he ever wore the old helmet and cage that became popular after Parent's eye injury.

I think you are correct. I have never seen a picture of Dave in a helmet/cage combo. He made his own full-fibreglass masks (this one was a childhood favourite of mine)

He later pioneered with Greg Harrison (corrected now, thank you Dr No) the fibreglass/cage hybrid combo that we see today.

He even convinced his brother to try one but my understanding is that Ken only wore it for a warmup of one game and then never again.

 

[Doctor No]

Greg Harrison (not Alex), but otherwise you're spot on.

Here's another shot of Ken with the combo.

 

[McGuillicuddy]

Greg Harrison (not Alex), but otherwise you're spot on.

Ha! You are of course correct. Alex Harrison is a scientist that works in my field .

 

[Killion]

Glenn Hall began wearing one about 1968 because he wore one at the time of the famous Bobby Orr Cup winning goal in May, 1970.

Yes, he'd had a mask made by Lefty Wilson (Detroit Trainer & Equipment Mgr, former Red Wings practice goalie who began making masks in the late 50's) which he didnt care for. Seth Martin was signed to play in St. Louis as a Backup, Martin a mask maker himself, the 1st to wear a semi-molded fiberglass mask in International Play & it was he who made the mask Hall did like & began using, the very same as photographed in Orr's famous flying Cup Winner, "The Goal".

... more here including full galleries of masks from the 50's~70's~80's & 90's.... www.thcvintagemask.com/hall.html

 

[Killion]

Jacques Plante

Earliest version & his Pretzel design... mid 60's after coming out of retirement to play with the Blues working with Fibro~Sport of Magog PQ designing
& manufacturing the model he wore for the rest of his career, very popular, used extensively from minor hockey to pro, Bernie Parent, Pelle Lindbergh etc...

 

[Gee Wally]

This seems like as good a spot as any to put this.

I've been watching a lot of old NHL vids on Youtube recently, and it got me to thinking about something. I'm sure there's no website that will have this info, so I thought I'd throw it out to you guys.

My question is this: Back in the days when Jacques Plante popularized the wearing of a goalie mask, who were the goalies that transitioned from not wearing a mask to wearing one? I'm speaking specifically of NHL goalies here. I can think of three for sure: Plante of course, Terry Sawchuk and Gerry Cheevers. I believe Ed Giacomin also falls into this category. Can you guys think of any others? I know guys like Glen Hall, Gump Worsley and Johnny Bower never wore one. Thanks

Eddie Johnston started maskless.

 

[Killion]

Eddie Johnston started maskless.

He did indeed. Montreal boy actually. One of my favorites from the early 60's, overshadowed by Cheevers later on in that decade of course.... 63/64 he played every minute of every single game (70) which is a record that stands to this day... of course all without a mask that year, receiving 4 broken noses & twice, his face swollen up so badly he couldnt see, the Doktore' applying leeches to suck the blood out so he could..... Hows that for guts & dedication Wally?.... young Whippersnappers today... no idea how good theyve got it.... But ya, I used to love watching Johnston with the Bruins... he along with Charlie Hodge of the Canadiens my two favorite goalies for several years. Johnston in particular as Boston, always the doormats, well, Eddie really kept them in it most games. Interesting style.

 

[FerrisRox]

Greg Harrison (not Alex), but otherwise you're spot on.

Here's another shot of Ken with the combo.

Is that warm up? Or did Ken actually wear it in a game? What season was that?

 

[Killion]

Is that warm up? Or did Ken actually wear it in a game? What season was that?

Not exactly sure the year however I do know the backstory on that mask & the incorrect attribution given to Ken's brother Dave as being the inventor & manufacturer of the first hybrid cage mask..... Dave Dryden while playing for Edmonton late in his career was getting dinged in the mask with ever increasing frequency, higher shots in terms of volume, decided he needed better protection.... messed around in his basement using a molded form, some wire and a soldering iron however couldnt pull it off so he turned to maskmaker Greg Harrison, telling him what he wanted, and it was Greg who successfully re-designed Dave Drydens concept, creating the first successful combo molded-birdcage mask.

Greg Harrison was based in Toronto, and as it just so happened, Ken was in town when Dave was talking to Greg, Ken got involved, Greg making 2 masks, one for Dave & one for Ken... that molded-birdcage featured above. Ken Dryden took the mask to training camp & planned to try it out in a pre-season game, had it sitting on top of the net already to give it a go however during warmup after wearing it to face shots etc, took it off & leaves the net but shots still hitting the net, the mask goes flying, hits the ice dislodging the metal birdcage from the molded fiberglass. Busted & no way to have it fixed in time. Having seen it explode, the birdcage blown off like that, no confidence moving forward, as in "imagine had my head been in that thing & I get hit with a slapshot", discarded & that was that. Went back to his old mask.

HOWEVER... Dave Dryden did use his Harrison combo molded-birdcage & trouble free, liked to tell people he could take a baseball bat to the face & barely feel it whereas with the full-flush molded fiberglass you absolutely felt the full impact of a shot. Proved successful & popular, Greg Harrison getting orders from near & far thereafter. So I guess technically you could "half attribute" Dave as the "inventor" of that mask, it was his concept though very general. It was Greg Harrison who really put it together, designed, manufactured it.... Dave Dryden post playing career going on to become "Equipment Consultant" to the NHL.... originally wanted to be a teacher but a few funny things happened along the way & instead he wound up playing pro hockey instead....

 

[Go Donbass]

I forgot about Cesar Maniago. He started his career without a mask too.

Funny seeing all those goalies that went from no mask to mask. The mask they wore really would only prevent cuts and lost teeth. If you got hit with a Bobby Hull slapshot wearing one of those original masks, you'd be in big trouble.

I miss the masks of the 70's. Just like when players started wearing helmets, hockey lost it's personality when the goalies transitioned away from those old masks to the helmet and cage. Even today's version isn't the same, cuz it's all the exact same mask just a different paint job.

 

[Gee Wally]

He did indeed. Montreal boy actually. One of my favorites from the early 60's, overshadowed by Cheevers later on in that decade of course.... 63/64 he played every minute of every single game (70) which is a record that stands to this day... of course all without a mask that year, receiving 4 broken noses & twice, his face swollen up so badly he couldnt see, the Doktore' applying leeches to suck the blood out so he could..... Hows that for guts & dedication Wally?.... young Whippersnappers today... no idea how good theyve got it.... But ya, I used to love watching Johnston with the Bruins... he along with Charlie Hodge of the Canadiens my two favorite goalies for several years. Johnston in particular as Boston, always the doormats, well, Eddie really kept them in it most games. Interesting style.

men of iron Kills'.

Don't care what anybody says. In any era... 3 inches of frozen rubber and 90 plus miles per hour is the same. You get that off the noggin ...its a helluva hurt.

 

[Killion]

men of iron Kills'.

Don't care what anybody says. In any era... 3 inches of frozen rubber and 90 plus miles per hour is the same. You get that off the noggin ...its a helluva hurt.

... yep.... Eddie Johnston didnt adopt the facemask until 1965 when in a pre-game warm-up he got nailed in the
cheek by a Bobby Orr Slapshot.... imagine that... his own teammate.... seems ignoble somehow & very unlike #4.

 

[Doctor No]

My last year of college, I ruptured an eardrum (with mask on) when a so-called teammate tipped a puck on me during warmups. Which wouldn't have been a problem except that, being college kids, my teammates didn't know to warm goalies up with shots ONE AT A TIME (and so I wasn't even looking at the tip).

Got to keep the sweater, though - they couldn't get the blood out.

 

[ICM1970]

... yep.... Eddie Johnston didnt adopt the facemask until 1965 when in a pre-game warm-up he got nailed in the
cheek by a Bobby Orr Slapshot.... imagine that... his own teammate.... seems ignoble somehow & very unlike #4.

I believe it was in about 1967 (don't mean to be picky, lol) and it involved Bobby Orr and Eddie Shack in the warmup and Eddie wound up and shot at the same time Bobby did by accident. Eddie was apparently focusing on Shack's shot and did not see Bobby's until it was too late.

 

[Killion]

My last year of college, I ruptured an eardrum (with mask on) when a so-called teammate tipped a puck on me during warmups. Which wouldn't have been a problem except that, being college kids, my teammates didn't know to warm goalies up with shots ONE AT A TIME (and so I wasn't even looking at the tip).

Got to keep the sweater, though - they couldn't get the blood out.

.... charming.... geebus.... thats just gotta be painful & annoying.... mess up your equilibrium... ringing in the ear... like ya wanna die.

I believe it was in about 1967 (don't mean to be picky, lol) and it involved Bobby Orr and Eddie Shack in the warmup and Eddie wound up and shot at the same time Bobby did by accident. Eddie was apparently focusing on Shack's shot and did not see Bobby's until it was too late.

Hmmm. Very interesting. I hadnt heard this version though I did hear one that attributes this "event" to have happened in 68, no mention of Shack though who yes indeed, was with Boston from 67/68~68/69. If true, figures Shack would be involved in some way. Absolute Menace out there at times not just with opponents but so too his own teammates. Early version of Dion Phaneuf in some respects, decking his teammates "by accident like" when the Gonad misses his intended opposition target. Which was/is often. Wild shots. Wild everything.

... as for EJ, Orr & 19 hunnert & sixty five... I CALL... heres my hand, cards.... 3rd para, last sentence: www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=18572 ...

Read em & weep ICM.... now lets see whatcha got.... lay em down.... or could be another incident perhaps? Eduard getting a puck-to-the-head yet again off of Bobbys' stick? Both he & Cheevers were early customers of former plumber turned Maskmaker Ernie Higgins of the Boston area, who made his first molded fiberglass mask for his son in 1962 who was playing College Hockey. Higgins early masks looked very much like Lefty Wilsons familiar model, though later in the decade Higgins designed his "signature style" which Cheevers & Johnston switched to.

 

[Eisen]

Thanks, I guess I should have realized that about Hall, since I've seen that highlight a kajillion times. I didn't realize that Bower and Worsley put masks on though.

Once you mentioned Vachon, I remembered seeing video of him without a mask. Didn't realize Suitcase and Dryden went maskless to start their careers.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Dave Dryden went from no mask, to the original style fibre glass mask to the more contemporary mask we see today. I don't believe he ever wore the old helmet and cage that became popular after Parent's eye injury.

The Worsley one stunned me too a while back. I distinctly remember reading an interview with him where he said the he never wore a mask. I guess I remember wrong.

 

[Killion]

The Worsley one stunned me too a while back. I distinctly remember reading an interview with him where he said the he never wore a mask. I guess I remember wrong.

Well, he "barely wore one" over his 21 year career, only doing so for his last 6 games. Never liked them. Felt they restricted his vision & were too hot. When Plante first donned his followed by others Worsley brashly stated that "anyone wearing a mask is a coward"... to which Plante replied "so I guess anyone jumping out of an airplane without a parachute is also a coward?".... Gumpster a Cult Icon even to this day. Quite the character. Even been a couple of songs written about him, one entirely instrumental so basically a throwaway but this one rather interesting.... indy band.... Elegy for Gump Worsley by the Weakerthans: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkUs6ceevO0

 

[Doctor No]

Speaking of Worsley, here's Worsley speaking...

 

[Killion]

... here's Worsley speaking...

.... some funny quotes in there about Plante ("I think Ive said enough uncomplimentary things about him"), Dave Dryden ("I think he's cutting his own throat") & others...

 

[Sanf]

.... some funny quotes in there about Plante ("I think Ive said enough uncomplimentary things about him"), Dave Dryden ("I think he's cutting his own throat") & others...

Yeah that Plante comment was interesting. Apparently weren´t best buddies.

 

[Eisen]

Speaking of Worsley, here's Worsley speaking...

Whenever I see or hear something from Worsley, I just have to like him. He has opinions and he utters them but without being offensive.