Chicago Blackhawks legendary goalie Glenn Hall passes away

Hall of Fame goaltender and Chicago Blackhawks legend Glenn Hall has passed away at the age of 94. The team made an official announcement Tuesday night, with chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz releasing a statement.

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Remembering the career of Glenn Hall, aka “Mr Goalie.”

Hall was one of the greatest players to wear a Chicago Blackhawks sweater. Born on October 3rd, 1931 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Hall began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1952. After a few brief stints between Detroit and Minors, he finally played a full season in 1955-1956, winning the Calder Trophy. In June 1957, the Blackhawks made a historic deal with their arch rivals acquring Hall and aging Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay for Bill Preston, Hank Bassen, Forbes Kennedy, and Johnny Wilson.

Hall would play 10 years in Chicago. He was hockey’s “iron man,” holding the record for 502 consecutive games played in goal, a streak that will never come close to being broken. As a player Hall helped pioneer the “butterfly” style of goaltending and is said to have thrown up before every game.

One of his greatest accomplishments was his contribution to the 1961 Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. Sharing the ice with the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Pierre Pilote, Hall played in every single contest that season and helped lead his team over his former Red Wings in six games to win the Cup.

Hall would end his final few years with the St. Louis Blues from 1967 to 1971. He finished with a 2.50 GAA, .918 save percentage, 84 shutouts, and 53,446:58 minutes played in 906 NHL games. He’s tied for 12th on the all-time goalie wins list with Jonathan Quick (407). Other hardware includes 11 All Star honors, three Vezina Trophies, and was the 1968 Conn Smythe winner despite the Blues losing effort in the finals.

He did all of this without wearing a mask or protective headgear of any kind.

Hall’s legacy in Chicago

Hall was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. On November 20, 1988, he and the late Tony Esposito had their numbers retired at Chicago Stadium. Their banners hang at the United Center today. It’s been half a century since Hall suited up for the Blackhawks, and several generations never saw him play. However, the stories have lived on. One can still find the occasional Hall sweater being worn at the United Center.

In a season in which the Blackhawks are celebrating their storied past, the loss of Hall hits even harder. Recently, “The Originals” were celebrated by the Blackhawks, with Hall being one of them. The Blackhawks held a moment of silence for Hall on Tuesday night, alongside Hall of Famer Bob Pulford, who passed away earlier in the week.

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Rest in peace, Mr. Goalie.