Wikipedia:Today's featured article/November 1, 2009

Jacques Plante (1929–1986) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He won the Stanley Cup six times as a member of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Montreal Canadiens from 1953 to 1963, including five times in consecutive seasons. He first retired in 1965, but returned to play for St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins of the NHL. In 1973, he joined the World Hockey Association (WHA), first as coach and general manager of the Quebec Nordiques, then goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers. He finally retired from professional play in 1975. Plante is one of the most important ice hockey innovators. His most recognizable contribution is the first practical goaltender mask, which he debuted during a November 1, 1959 game. While Plante had worn a mask in practice for some time before, during the game his nose was broken by a shot. Since he was the only available goaltender, his coach (who was adamantly opposed to goaltenders wearing masks) caved in to Plante's insistence on wearing it in an actual game. Plante was the first goaltender to regularly play the puck outside of his crease. He further aided his fellow players by shouting directions to them; as the goaltender, he had the best view of the game. Plante was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. (more...)

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