flashyashi

🏒 ON THIS DAY IN CANADIAN SPORTS HISTORY November 1, 1959 — The Night Jacques Plante Changed Hockey Forever! One shot to the face changed the game of hockey forever. On this day in 1959, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacques Plante made history at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. Just 3:06 into the first period, Plante was struck in the face by a backhand shot from Rangers star Andy Bathgate, suffering a nasty cut that required seven stitches. But when it came time to return to the ice, Plante had one condition: he would only play if he could wear the fibreglass mask he’d been using in practice. Coach Toe Blake, who had strongly opposed the idea, reluctantly agreed. Plante returned wearing his now-famous mask and backstopped Montreal to a 3–1 victory. The Canadiens went on an 11-game unbeaten streak with Plante in goal. Although other goaltenders, including Clint Benedict in 1930, had experimented with facial protection, Plante became the first NHL goaltender to establish the mask as a regular part of his equipment. What began as one Canadian goaltender’s determination to protect himself would eventually transform the sport. Hockey would never look the same again. #CanadianSportsHistory #JacquesPlante #MontrealCanadiens