Joseph Plante Canadian professional ice hockey player and goalie. Date of Birth: 17.01.1929 Country: Canada

Biography of Jacques Plante

Jacques Plante, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, was born on January 17, 1929, in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Mauricie, Quebec. He was the eldest of 11 children. Plante began playing hockey in 1932, using makeshift equipment such as tennis balls and a homemade wooden stick. At the age of 5, he suffered a broken arm from a fall, which affected his playing style in the early years of his career. However, as an adult, Plante underwent reconstructive surgery to correct the consequences of the injury.

Despite his childhood struggles with asthma, Plante excelled as a goaltender. He trained extensively, and by the age of 12, he made his debut in organized hockey. Plante quickly proved his talent and became a regular goaltender for various teams. In 1947, after graduating from school, he signed a contract with the Quebec Citadels, marking the beginning of his professional career.

It was during his time with the Quebec Citadelles that Plante started experimenting with playing outside the goalie crease. This unorthodox style displeased the team's management but impressed the fans. Plante's skills and unique playing style led his team to win the league championship in his first season, with Plante being recognized as the team's most valuable player.

Plante caught the attention of major clubs, including the Montreal Canadiens. On August 17, 1949, he signed a contract with the Canadiens. Plante initially played in the minor leagues but soon proved himself as a formidable goaltender. From February 12, 1954, he became the Canadiens' starting goaltender and only returned to the minor leagues temporarily.

In the 1959-1960 season, Plante became the first goaltender to wear a protective mask during regular games. He had been using masks during practices since 1956, but his coach prevented him from wearing them during actual games, believing it would limit his field of vision. However, after suffering a strong blow to the nose in a game on November 1, 1959, Plante wore a homemade mask until his face healed. The coach reluctantly allowed it, and the team continued to win. Plante's decision to wear a mask was ultimately vindicated when the Canadiens won five consecutive Stanley Cups during that season.

Plante's innovation extended beyond wearing a mask. He later became involved in designing masks for himself and other goaltenders. Although Plante was not the first NHL goaltender to use a mask – Clint Benedict of the Montreal Maroons had used a primitive leather face protection in 1929 to protect his broken nose – Plante was the first to make it a standard piece of goaltending equipment. Thanks to Plante's influence, masks are now considered mandatory in the NHL.

Plante retired for the first time in 1965 due to personal and health reasons. However, he returned briefly in 1968 to assist the Oakland Seals in their training camp. He eventually joined the St. Louis Blues but retired for good in 1975 after the death of his youngest son. Plante then moved to Switzerland and remained an active member of the North American sports industry, working as an analyst and consultant.

In the fall of 1985, Plante was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. He passed away on February 27, 1986, at a hospital in Geneva. Plante's contributions to the sport, both as a player and an innovator, have left a lasting impact on the world of ice hockey.