The Day Glenn Hall Got Ejected From the Game for Wearing a Mask
The year was 1968. The world was abuzz with change and the National Hockey League was no exception. One of the most iconic figures in hockey, Glenn Hall, known as “Mr. Goalie,” was a man of routine and tradition. He was a legend, a pioneer, and a player who had redefined the goalie position with his revolutionary “Butterfly” style. But on one fateful night in New York City, Hall’s world was turned upside down, and in the process, he ended up inadvertently changing the rules of the game.
For years, Hall had vehemently refused to wear a mask. He believed it hindered his vision and his ability to react. He prided himself on his bravery, his willingness to face the puck without any protection. He had played 502 consecutive games without a mask, a record that stood for decades. But times were changing, and even the most stubborn of players could eventually be persuaded.
On November 13th, 1968, Hall finally relented and donned a mask for the first time. The game was against the New York Rangers, and Hall was visibly uncomfortable with his new gear. He was irritable, anxious, and even vomited before the game. His teammate, Red Berenson, had convinced him to wear the mask, but it seemed clear that Hall was not mentally prepared for the change.
The game started, and the Rangers quickly found the back of the net. A long, unscreened shot from Vic Hadfield beat Hall, and the frustration began to boil over. Then, things took an unexpected turn. Hall was called for a delay of game penalty, and he immediately left his crease to argue with the referee, Vern Buffey. His emotions got the better of him, and in a moment of anger, he poked the referee in the chest with his glove.
This was a major no-no in the NHL. The ref immediately assessed Hall a game misconduct penalty, and the Hall’s career-long streak of never being ejected from a game was over. It was the first and only game misconduct penalty he would ever receive.
- Glenn Hall’s ejection from a game in 1968 for wearing a mask marked a significant moment in NHL history.
- Hall’s reluctance to wear a mask stemmed from his belief that it hindered his vision and reactions as a goalie.
- The incident led to the implementation of the “Robbie Irons Rule,” which imposed new regulations regarding player behavior towards referees.
- Despite the ejection, Glenn Hall remained a legendary figure in hockey, known for his bravery and pioneering contributions to the sport.
A Chain Reaction: The Robbie Irons Rule
Hall’s ejection led to a series of events that would forever change the course of the game. The St. Louis Blues coach, Scotty Bowman, was caught in a difficult situation. He had been alternating Hall and Jacques Plante in goal, using a third goalie, Robbie Irons, as a backup. But Irons was inexperienced and Bowman had never intended to use him in a regular game.
With Hall ejected, Bowman had to figure out a way to get Plante into the game as quickly as possible. To buy time, he instructed Irons to pretend to be injured. Irons, a young and willing player, obliged. He went down on one knee, feigned an injury, and then sat on the bench, looking dejected. The trainer helped him to the dressing room, and meanwhile, Plante was preparing to take over.
The game resumed, and Irons played for a grand total of three minutes before Plante was ready. Irons didn’t face a single shot. It was a bizarre and unprecedented situation, but it worked. The Blues won the game 3-1, and Plante, who came in cold, stopped 21 shots.
The Rangers, however, were not amused. Their president, William M. Jennings, and their general manager, Emile Francis, were furious about the “shenanigans” and the blatant manipulation of the rules. They protested the incident, and their voices were heard.
The NHL quickly responded by implementing a new rule, which became known as the Robbie Irons Rule. The rule stated that in the regular season, the two goaltenders who were dressed had to finish the game, or the team would have to use a defenseman in goal. This rule was later modified, but it served its purpose. It prevented teams from using the “injured goalie” tactic to get a fresh goalie into the game, ensuring that the starting goaltender would be responsible for playing the entire game.
A Legacy of Change: A Mask, a Penalty, and a Rule
Glenn Hall’s ejection from that game was a pivotal moment in NHL history. It brought attention to the issue of goalie protection and the need for clear rules surrounding substitutions. It also highlighted the importance of player safety and the need for consistent enforcement of the rules.
The Robbie Irons Rule, which was born out of that one bizarre incident, has been in place for decades. It has served as a reminder that the NHL, like any other organization, is constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges.
Hall’s experience also served as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of masks by NHL goaltenders. He was a pioneer who paved the way for a new era of goalie safety. His initial reluctance to wear a mask ultimately led to a significant change in the way the game was played. He was a man of tradition, but he was also a man who understood the importance of adapting to change.
And it’s important to remember that the story of Glenn Hall’s ejection is not just about a rule change. It’s also a story about a man who was struggling to adapt to a new reality. Hall’s reluctance to wear a mask was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to his pride and his unwavering commitment to his own style of play. In the end, he recognized the importance of safety, and he embraced the mask, becoming a champion for change in the process.
Hall’s story is a reminder that even the most iconic players can be forced to adapt, and that sometimes, the most unexpected events can lead to the most significant changes. It’s a story about a game, a rule, and a man who, through his own unique journey, shaped the future of hockey.
