Glenn Hall, the legendary NHL goaltender known for his remarkable durability, passed away at the age of 94. Hall’s career is celebrated for his impressive achievement of 502 consecutive starts in the league.
Early Career and Rookie Success
Hall began his NHL journey during the 1955-56 season. He made an impactful debut, earning a .925 save percentage and a 2.10 goals-against average. He also secured 12 shutouts during that season, which awarded him the Calder Trophy. This accolade recognized him as the league’s top rookie.
All-Star Recognition
Throughout his career, Hall was named to the First-Team All-Star seven times, a record in his position. His 1956-57 season was particularly successful, with 38 wins under his belt. This success came just before a significant trade in his career.
Trade to the Black Hawks
On July 23, 1957, Hall was traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Chicago Black Hawks. The deal included notable players like Ted Lindsay moving alongside him. In return, the Red Wings received Hank Bassen and skaters Johnny Wilson, Forbes Kennedy, and Bill Preston.
Consecutive Game Streak
During his early years with the Black Hawks, Hall became known for his endurance. He achieved 140 consecutive regular-season games without missing a single match. This streak helped him earn accolades as either a First-Team or Second-Team All-Star four times in total.
Stanley Cup Victory
One of Hall’s career highlights was playing a key role in leading the Black Hawks to their Stanley Cup victory in 1961. This win ended the Montreal Canadiens’ historic streak of five consecutive championships.
The End of the Streak
Hall’s incredible streak came to a halt due to back problems. On November 7, 1962, he was forced to leave a game and subsequently missed the following match on November 10.
Glenn Hall’s legacy as an Ironman goaltender and his contributions to ice hockey remain unforgettable. His achievements will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
