Glenn Hall, a legendary member of the Hockey Hall of Fame known for his remarkable streak of 502 consecutive starts as a goaltender, has passed away at the age of 94.
A spokesperson for the NHL team in Chicago confirmed the sad news of Hall’s passing, received from his family. According to a league historian in contact with Hall’s son, Pat, Glenn Hall died on Wednesday at a hospital in Stony Plain, Alberta, where he had been a longtime resident.
Hall, credited as a pioneer of the butterfly style of goaltending involving dropping to the knees, led Chicago to a Stanley Cup victory in 1961. He was also named the most valuable player of the playoffs in 1968 while playing for St. Louis, where the team made it to the final but lost to Montreal.
Hall’s extraordinary achievement of over 500 consecutive games played as a goaltender remains one of the most enduring records in sports. Including playoff games, Hall started an impressive 552 consecutive matches.
Describing Hall as “sturdy, dependable, and a spectacular talent in net,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised his record-breaking streak from 1955-56 to 1962-63, accomplished without the use of a protective mask.
Fondly nicknamed “Mr. Goalie,” Hall was the recipient of the Calder Trophy for the NHL’s rookie of the year in 1956 during his time with the Detroit Red Wings. Later, he joined Chicago, where he earned two of his three Vezina Trophy honors as the league’s top goalie in 1963 and 1967.
Following an expansion draft that doubled the NHL from six to twelve teams, Hall played for the St. Louis Blues, helping them reach the final in each of their first three seasons while winning the Vezina Trophy at the age of 37. He retired in 1971 after one final season with St. Louis.
Hall’s impact extended beyond his goaltending skills, as noted by Blues chairman Tom Stillman, who highlighted his credibility, excellence, and passion that he brought to the team and the NHL market.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975, Hall was a seven-time first-team NHL All-Star with an impressive record of 407 wins and 84 shutouts in 906 regular-season games. His jersey number 1 was retired by the Chicago team in 1988.
After retiring as a player, Hall continued his involvement in hockey as a goaltending consultant for Stony Plain teams in Alberta and later returning to the NHL in a similar capacity.
In a touching tribute, Calgary Flames goalie Mike Vernon, who was mentored by Hall, expressed gratitude for the inspiration and guidance he received, which contributed to the Flames’ Stanley Cup win in the 1988-89 season.
Glenn Hall, born and raised in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, was honored with the naming of Glenn Hall Park and Glen Hall Drive in his hometown. He was also inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
Throughout his career, Hall played around 200 games for the Edmonton Flyers in the minor leagues before his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 1952-53. His remarkable streak of consecutive games ended in 1962 due to back issues.
Chicago’s chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz hailed Hall as an innovator and one of the most influential goaltenders in the history of the sport, emphasizing his significant contributions to the franchise.
The Chicago team paid tribute to Hall and former coach and general manager Bob Pulford with a moment of silence before a recent game. A highlight video of Hall was shown, accompanied by a spotlight on his retired jersey hanging in the United Center.
Fellow Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur, who holds the NHL records for most wins and games played, shared his admiration for Hall on social media, acknowledging his impact on the game and the standards he set for future goaltenders.
Glenn Hall is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His wife, Pauline, passed away in 2009. The legacy of this hockey icon lives on in Stony Plain, evident through the Glenn Hall Centennial Arena and his induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
