Jacques Plante

Date of Birth: January 17, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 27, 1986

Biography

Jacques Plante, born Joseph Jacques Omer Plante, was a revolutionary Canadian ice hockey goaltender whose innovative techniques and equipment forever changed the game. He was born in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec, and his interest in hockey sparked at a young age. Plante began playing organized hockey at the age of 12 and quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skills. His professional career took off when he joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1953, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to six Stanley Cup victories. Plante is best known for being the first goaltender to regularly wear a mask in games, a decision that initially met with resistance but eventually transformed safety standards in hockey. After his time with the Canadiens, he played for several other teams, including the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins. Plante retired in 1975 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. He spent his post-playing years coaching and contributing to the development of goaltending equipment. Jacques Plante passed away on February 27, 1986, but his legacy in the sport endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques Plante

1. Jacques Plante was the first NHL goaltender to regularly wear a mask during games, starting on November 1, 1959, after being struck in the face by a puck.

2. He won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender, seven times during his career.

3. Plante was known for his innovative playing style, including his ability to handle the puck outside the crease, which was unusual for goaltenders of his era.

4. He wrote a book titled “On Goaltending,” which provided insights and techniques for aspiring goaltenders.

5. Plante’s jersey number 1 was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in honor of his contributions to the team and the sport.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques Plante

1. “How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?”

2. “A goalie cannot win a game by himself. He is only as good as the team in front of him.”

3. “You face a lot of problems when you are a goaltender, but you also have the opportunity to be a hero.”

4. “Goaltending is a normal job. Sure! How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you?”

5. “To goaltend is to accept the role of the scapegoat.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jacques Plante’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for an athlete during his playing years.