Joseph Jacques Omer Plante, born on January 17, 1929, was more than just a goaltender; he was an innovator who redefined his position and revolutionized the game of ice hockey. Plante's career spanned from 1947 to 1975, but it was his tenure with the Montreal Canadiens from 1953 to 1963 that cemented his legacy. During this time, the Canadiens dominated the NHL, winning six Stanley Cups, including an unprecedented five consecutive championships from 1956 to 1960.
Beyond the accolades and championships, Plante's most enduring contribution to hockey is undoubtedly the popularization and development of the goalie mask. Although not the first to ever wear a mask, that honor belonging to Clint Benedict who donned a crude leather face covering in 1930 to protect a broken nose, Plante was the first to introduce the mask as a standard piece of equipment.
Prior to Plante, goaltenders played without facial protection, exposing themselves to significant risk. On November 1, 1959, ashot from Andy Bathgate of the New York Rangers struck Plante in the face, breaking his nose just three minutes into the game. After receiving stitches in the dressing room, Plante refused to return to the ice unless he could wear a mask, which he had previously used in practices since 1956 to protect from recurring sinusitis. His coach, Toe Blake, initially resisted, fearing it would impair Plante's vision. However, with no backup goalie available, Blake relented, stipulating that Plante would discard the mask once his nose healed.
The Canadiens won the game 3-1, and Plante continued to wear the mask, leading to an 18-game unbeaten streak. Superstition took hold, and Blake's objections faded as the team's success mounted. When Plante briefly removed the mask at Blake's request for a game against Detroit, the Canadiens suffered a 3-0 loss, solidifying the mask's place as a permanent fixture.
Plante's mask was a face-hugging piece of fiberglass contoured to the shape of his face. While seemingly rudimentary by today's standards, it was a revolutionary innovation at the time. Plante continued to develop and refine the mask, working with experts to create safer and more effective designs. These designs evolved into the helmet-cage combinations and full fiberglass masks that are now standard equipment for goaltenders. Plante even started his own company, Plante's Fibrosport Company, to mass-produce and sell his mask designs.
Initially, Plante faced ridicule and skepticism for wearing a mask. Some questioned his bravery, while others believed the mask would hinder his vision. Plante countered these criticisms by comparing playing without a mask to skydiving without a parachute, calling it foolish rather than brave. Despite the initial resistance, the practicality and protective benefits of the mask quickly became apparent, and by the late 1960s, most NHL goaltenders had adopted the equipment. Andy Brown, who played his last NHL game in 1974, was the last NHL goalie to play without a mask.
Beyond his contribution to player safety, Plante was also known for his puck-handling skills and strategic thinking. He was the first goalie to regularly play the puck outside his crease to support his defensemen, and he often directed his teammates from behind the play.
Plante retired in 1965 but returned to the NHL in 1968 with the St. Louis Blues. He later played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins before joining the World Hockey Association (WHA) as a coach and general manager for the Quebec Nordiques. He finished his professional career playing goal for the Edmonton Oilers in 1975.
Jacques Plante's impact on hockey is undeniable. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. The Montreal Canadiens retired his jersey, #1, in 1995. Plante passed away on February 27, 1986, but his legacy as an innovator and pioneer continues to inspire generations of hockey players.
