Jacques Plante (1929-1986) inspired several generations of young "goalies," both on public and on backyard skating rinks.

About 15 years old at the time of this photo, Jacques Plante tended goals for four teams at the same time, at different levels, in addition to playing for the Shawinigan Tigers who paid him 50 cents a game. In the minor leagues, when he played hockey, he always wore a toque that he knitted himself. He even wished to keep it when he donned the Montreal Canadiens jersey in 1953.

Jacques possessed superb dexterity, flair and sense of show; he would go after the puck in the corners while his coaches and fans standing on the sidelines were amazed at his daring. Hit in the face with a puck on November 1, 1959, he became the first goaltender in the National Hockey League to wear a protective mask.

In his free time, he preferred writing poetry or reading to playing poker with his teammates.

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