By Ice hockey is one of the most difficult sports in the world second only to boxing. Indeed this sport requires players to be decisive, adept, and precise. There are plenty of players out there in the NHL who have an incredible ability when it comes to shooting the puck whenever and where they can, making the goaltender position the hardest of all. However, we have witnessed many great goalies over the years and some have made a mark in the league and left a legacy behind. Today, we take a look at the 7 best goalies of all time.
1. Dominik Hasek
Born: January 29th, 1965 (age 58)
Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: HC Pardubice, HC Dukla Jihlava, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and HC Spartak Moscow
Playing career: 1980 to 2011
Dominik Hasek is a Czech retired ice hockey goaltender who spent most of his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres. He is highly deemed one of the finest goaltenders of all time. Hasek was also a part of the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Ottawa Senators. His stint with the Sabres made him one of the league’s best goalies, thus earning the infamous nickname “The Dominator”. Hasek’s decisive performance has been accounted for by appointing European goalies in a league formerly conquered by North Americans. The Czech goaltender is also a two-time Stanley Cup winner both with the Wings.
2. Patrick Roy
Born: October 5, 1965 (age 57)
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche
Playing career: 1984 to 2003
Patrick Roy is a Canadian retired pro ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens for 11 years and with the Colorado Avalanche for 8 years. Roy is a four-time Stanley Cup winner, two for each of the two organizations he played in his career.
Often referred to as “Saint Patrick”, he was considered one of the best goaltenders during his time. He was also declared among the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history back in 2017.
3. Martin Brodeur
Born: May 6, 1972 (age 50)
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues
Playing career: 1991 to 2015
The Hall of Famer, Martin Brodeur is a former ice hockey goaltender who played for 22 seasons in the NHL. He spent 21 seasons for the New Jersey Devils and won three Stanley Cup titles.
Brodeur is highly considered one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. He was also included in the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in 2017.
4. Jacques Plante
Born: January 17, 1929
Died: February 27, 1986 (aged 57)
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers
Playing career: 1947 to 1965, 1968 to 1973, 1974 to 1975
Jacques Plante was a Canadian pro ice hockey goaltender. He spent his NHL career from 1947 to 1975 playing with six different franchises. During his time with the Canadiens from 1953 to 1963, the squad won the Stanley Cup 6 times. In 2017, the legendary goaltender was included as one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history.
5. Terry Sawchuk
Born: December 28, 1929
Died: May 31, 1970 (aged 40)
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers
Playing career: 1949 to 1970
Terry Sawchuk was one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. His achievements include being the Calder Trophy winner, the Vezina Trophy in four various seasons, winning four Stanley Cup titles, and being an elite member of the Hall of Fame.
6. Glenn Hall
Born: October 3, 1931 (age 91)
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: Indianapolis Capital, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues
Playing career: 1951 to 1971
Often referred to as “Mr. Goalie”, Glenn Hall was the first goalie to invent and make practical use of the butterfly manner of goalkeeping. Hall was mentioned as one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history in 2017.
7. Ken Dryden
Born: August 8, 1947 (age 75)
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Position: Goaltender
Played for: Montreal Canadiens
Playing career: 1970 to 1979
Ken Dryden is a former American National Hockey League (NHL) goaltender. He spent his whole NHL career for the Montreal Canadiens. Widely known as one of the best goaltenders of all time, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. In 2017, Dryden was also named one of the 100 greatest NHL players in history.
