Glenn Hall, a legendary Hockey Hall of Famer known for his unparalleled streak of 502 consecutive starts as a goaltender in the NHL, has passed away at the age of 94.
A spokesperson for the NHL team in Chicago confirmed the sad news of Hall’s demise, relayed by his family. According to a league historian in contact with Hall’s son, Pat, the iconic goaltender breathed his last on Wednesday at a hospital in Stony Plain, Alta., where he had been a longtime resident.
Hall, credited as a pioneer of the butterfly style of goaltending involving dropping to his knees, led Chicago to a Stanley Cup victory in 1961. He further solidified his legacy by being named the most valuable player of the playoffs in 1968 while playing for St. Louis, where the team made it to the finals but lost to Montreal.
His remarkable stretch of over 500 games played in the net stands as one of the most unbreakable records in sports, especially considering the evolution of the goaltending position over the years. Including postseason matches, Hall started an impressive 552 consecutive games.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised Hall, referring to him as “sturdy, dependable, and a spectacular talent in net,” highlighting his enduring record set from 1955-56 to 1962-63, achieved without the protection of a mask.
Nicknamed “Mr. Goalie,” Hall clinched the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1956 during his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. Subsequently, he joined Chicago alongside the legendary forward Ted Lindsay after two seasons.
Hall secured two of his three Vezina Trophy accolades as the league’s top goalie with Chicago, in 1963 and 1967. After being selected by the Blues in the expansion draft following the NHL’s expansion to 12 teams, he played a crucial role in guiding St. Louis to the finals in their first three years of existence, earning another Vezina Trophy at the age of 37.
Following his retirement in 1971 after one last season with St. Louis, Blues chairman Tom Stillman commended Hall for his impact both on and off the ice, bringing credibility, excellence, and passion to the team and the NHL market.
Hall, a seven-time first-team NHL All-Star, amassed 407 wins and 84 shutouts in 906 regular-season games. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975, his jersey number 1 was retired by Chicago in 1988. Additionally, he was named among the top 100 players in the league’s first century.
Beyond his playing days, Hall shared his expertise as a goaltending consultant for teams in Stony Plain, Alberta, and later returned to the NHL in a similar capacity. His influence extended to goalies like Mike Vernon, who credited Hall for inspiring and mentoring him during their time together, resulting in the Flames’ Stanley Cup win in 1989.
Originally from Humboldt, Sask., Hall’s legacy is commemorated in various ways, including Glenn Hall Park and Glen Hall Drive in the city and his induction into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. Prior to his NHL career, he played for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association after honing his skills in minor hockey in his hometown.
Hall’s memorable streak of consecutive games in the NHL spanned his time with Detroit and Chicago, ending due to back issues on Nov. 7, 1962. Despite the challenges, Hall’s determination and dedication to his craft were unwavering, as he reflected on his tenure in a CBC interview in 1977.
Chicago’s chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz hailed Hall as an innovator and a goaltending icon, emphasizing his significant contributions to the sport and the franchise. The team paid tribute to Hall and former coach and general manager Bob Pulford with a moment of silence before a recent game, honoring their enduring impact on the organization.
Fellow Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, the NHL’s wins and games played leader, expressed his admiration for Hall and the lasting influence he had on generations of goaltenders, setting a standard of toughness and consistency that defined the position.
Hall’s wife of 55 years, Pauline, passed away in 2009. They were survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandchild at the time of her death. In Stony Plain, Hall’s legacy lives on through the Glenn Hall Centennial Arena, and he was posthumously inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.