The history of the Hockey Mask.

          The Hockey Goalie Mask that has saved lives, was once seen as a joke and embarrassment to the game. Its hard to imagine that at one time goalies did not use face masks. In 1959 Jacques Plante (right) missed numerous games due to a facial issue. While playing for Montreal netminder Plante was struck in the face early in a game vs the Rangers and became injured with a broken nose. With their back up goalie also eing injured Plante re-emerged after treatment with a home made mask. The coach Toe Blake at that point felt that this was a discrace to the game and was livid and irrate, but Plante refused to continue to play unless he was permitted to wear the mask. Blake and Plante agreed that once the cut had healed that Plante would disguard the mask, they won 18 in a row. Then Plante shed the mask and Montreal lost 3-0, the mask was back the next game and the Montreal Canadiens would then eventually win there 5th stanley cup. Although Plante was an innovater, he wasn't the first. In 1929 Clint Benedict wore a home made leather mask ( below with hat) to protect his nose, but that was only for one game. Plante would be the first to use the mask on an everyday basis. Plante is also in the Hockey Hall Of Fame.

The Masks have come along way, from being home made to being professionaly customized to what ever the athlete wants. In some cases the artwork has nothing to do with the team and is pretty cool. It lets them express what ever they choose.

Here is a history of the evolution of the Mask.
  

In the late 70s Gerry Cheevers would draw stiches on his mask everytime and place he was hit in the face, symbolizing the damage that would of been done with out the mask.


A way to pay homage to the innovators.

otice the Ear on the side, the hair on the top and the strap also at the top + the stitches.