Jacques "The Snake" Plante
Jacques is called up from the minors on Nov 1, 1952 to replace injured Gerry McNeil.
This game results in his first win, Habs beat the Rangers 4-1.
Jacques becomes the first NHL goalie to wear a mask regularly in the NHL on Nov 1, 1959*
Plante left the ice after being hit in the face by a shot by
Andy Bathgate, he returned to the net wearing a face mask
Jacques was the first goalie to leave his net to handle the puck in the corners.
Holds the Montreal record for most games in one season by a goalie with 70 in 1961-62.
Won the Vezina Trophy in 6 straight seasons (1956-1962).
Won the Hart Trophy in 1962 as the league MVP.
Jacques was a very solitary person who never socialized with teamates.
Played in 556 games for the Canadiens from 1952-53 to 1962-63.
Jacques had 58 shutouts as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.
Member of six Stanley Cup winning teams in Montreal
Also played for New York, Toronto, St. Louis and Boston in his career.
Shared his seventh Vezina Trophy in 1969 with Glenn Hall as a member of the St. Louis Blues. (age 40)
Recorded a GAA of 1.88 with the Maple Leafs in 1973. (age 44)
Jacques ended his career as a member of the WHA Alberta Oilers in 1975. (age 46)
Plante's #1 is one of the seven numbers retired by the Habs.
Inducted to the Hall of Fame in June 1978.
Jacque died of stomach cancer on Feb 27, 1986.
Ranked as the 13th best NHL player of All-Time by the Hockey News (1998)
(The 2nd best goalie of All-Time, behind only the great Terry Sawchuk)
* Note - Clint Benedict wore a mask for two games starting on January 7, 1930 after Howie
Morenz hit Clint in the face with a shot. But Benedict found that the mask impaired his vision,
so after two games he took it off again.
Return to the Hall of Fame Page