Great Goalie Masks

Since Jacques Plante pioneered the goalie mask in 1959, this critical piece of equipment has morphed through several iterations.

Here are our 13 lucky favorites.

Arguably the single most recognizable mask of all time, Boston Bruins’ trainer John “Frosty” Forristall drew a large black stitch mark on Gerry Cheevers’ mask one day in practice, leaving his teammates in stitches.  Going forward, Cheevers added marks to his mask every time a puck struck it.

Montreal Canadiens hall of famer Ken Dryden won six Stanley Cups while wearing an iconic target on his mask.

Known as Bones for his slender build, 5’10”, 160-pound Gary Bromley wore this gem for the Vancouver Canucks in the late 1970s.

A mask within a mask – featuring the Flyers’ logo over each eye – this classic was designed by Toronto artist and former college goalie Greg Harrison, whose work in the 70s has greatly influenced the masks of today.

A Leo and firm believer in astrology, Gilles Gratton hoped this mask would frighten – or at least distract – opposing shooters.  That was not the case, as Gratton posted a dismal 4.02 goals-against average in 47 NHL games.

Nicknamed The Cobra because he was like a snake in front of the net, Gary Simmons donned this gem during his two seasons with the California Golden Seals.

Los Angeles netminder Jonathan Quick honors legendary Kings goalie Rogie Vachon with this beauty.  Note the ear and hair details.

This epic Harrison design was worn by Gilles Meloche for the Cleveland Barons in 1976, the year the Seals left California for Ohio.

Ed Belfour was known as Eddie the Eagle during his 18 NHL seasons.  Belfour’s helmet-mask perfectly fit his nickname.

John Davidson is one of two players in hockey history to wear jersey number 00.  He also wore this Harrison-designed classic in 1979 while leading the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Mike Palmateer between the pipes for the Washington Capitals in the early 1980s.

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan’s Ed Staniowski wore this crisp, clean classic while minding the net for the St. Louis Blues between 1975 and 1981.