Glenn Hall: The Man They Call Mr. Goalie

Bob Forsey is the education officer at the Newfoundland Museum in St.
John’s.

Sports fans looking for insights into the evolution of professional
hockey over the past 50 years need go no further than this biography of
National Hockey League Hall of Fame goalie Glenn Hall, who won the
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) in 1955–56 and went on to achieve
fame as a 13-time NHL all-star, two-time Vezina Trophy winner, and
winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Hall witnessed the master–slave relations that existed between the
“Original Six” NHL owners and the players. He recalls the tough
competition for jobs and having to beat out stars’ Terry Sawchuk,
Harry Lumley, and “Sugar Jim” Henry to become the starting goalie
with the Detroit Red Wings. There were only 120 jobs then; now there are
600.

In the 1950s, we learn, hockey had more play-making, more backhand
passes and shots, and the game was a lot faster than it is today. The
slap shot, curved sticks, masks, and bigger and better protective gear,
along with defensive trap systems, changed hockey to emphasize power and
size.

Hall also saw NHL hockey evolve from a game to big business. He and
teammate Ted Lindsay were traded from the Red Wings to the Blackhawks
for having had the temerity to stand up to owner Jack Adams. Lindsay
started a player’s union in order to pry more money out of the
tight-fisted owners.

Anyone interested in the theory and practice of professional
goalkeeping will appreciate the tips “Mr. Goalie” provides. Read
this book, and you will understand why the author and numerous experts
regard Glenn Hall as the best goalie of his era, and one of the best
ever.