Throwback Thursday: Glenn Hall

Chicago Black Hawks Goalie Glenn Hall (Photo courtesty of www.gmhockey.com)

Once Glenn Hall made his debut with the Chicago Black Hawks during the 1957-58 season, he started every game during the regular season and the playoffs. He was known for being a workhorse goalie and rarely ever missed a start. He also was the developer and master of the butterfly style goaltending. To this day he still holds the NHL record for most consecutive games played by a goalie with 502 during a 8 season span. The streak ended on November 7, 1962 after injuring his back while bending down to adjust his pads.

The season before Glenn Halls streak had ended the Black Hawks were able to accomplish the greatest in hockey. Glenn Hall led the team behind the goal with 8 wins and 4 losses while putting up a 2.02 GAA. It was the first time since 1938 that the team had won the Stanley Cup.  I wonder if the Detroit Red Wings had any regrets trading Glenn Hall away after seeing the Black Hawks go from last to first in a matter of a couple years with a guy who once saved in goal for them?

During the 1962-63 season Glenn Hall put up another 30 win season for the Black Hawks and continued to prove that he was one of the best goalies in the league. Rightfully he won the Vezina Trophy for his outstanding play during the regular season but came up short during the Stanley Cup Finals losing 4 games and only winning 2. During the following season he bounced back from the Stanley Cup loss and was able to win 34 games for the Black Hawks. The Black Hawks were eliminated in the semi-final vs. the Detroit Red Wings where they got the best of them 4 games to 2.