Jacques Plante was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, born on January 17, 1929, in Shawinigan, Quebec, and passed away on February 27, 1986, in Geneva, Switzerland. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Plante revolutionized the sport of ice hockey by introducing and popularizing the use of the goaltender's mask. He was the first goalie to consistently wear a mask in NHL games, which greatly increased his safety and the overall protection of goaltenders. Plante's adoption of the mask paved the way for its widespread use and became an essential part of every goaltender's equipment.
Aside from his contributions to equipment, Plante was also highly skilled on the ice. He spent the majority of his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he won six Stanley Cup championships, including five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960. Plante was known for his exceptional reflexes, positioning, and puck-handling abilities, which made him an integral part of the Canadiens' success during his tenure with the team.
In addition to his success in the NHL, Plante also represented Canada internationally, winning numerous championships and accolades. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978.
Overall, Jacques Plante is remembered as a trailblazing goaltender who not only left an indelible mark on the sport by introducing the goalie mask but also achieved remarkable success throughout his career, making him an influential figure in the world of ice hockey.
