Glenn Hall, a Hockey Hall of Famer and the NHL's ironman goaltender, has passed away at 94. His record-breaking 502 consecutive starts as a goalie remain unmatched, a testament to his skill and dedication. Known as 'Mr. Goalie', Hall played without a mask, a rarity during his era, and his achievements are all the more remarkable considering the changes in the sport over the decades. He backstopped the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup in 1961 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs in 1968 with the St. Louis Blues. His record of over 500 games in net is one of the most untouchable in sports, with only Alec Connell's 257 consecutive starts from 1924-30 coming close. Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Hall's 'sturdiness', 'dependability', and 'spectacular talent', noting that his record is 'almost unfathomable' considering he achieved it without a mask. Hall's influence extended beyond the crease, bringing credibility and excellence to new teams and markets. A seven-time first-team NHL All-Star, he had 407 wins and 84 shutouts in 906 regular-season games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 and had his number 1 retired by the Blackhawks in 1988. Hall's legacy is further solidified by his selection as one of the top 100 players in the league's first 100 years. His passing marks the end of an era, and the Blackhawks honored him with a moment of silence before their game against the St. Louis Blues, a team he played for and against throughout his career. Fellow Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, the league's all-time leader in wins and games played, shared a photo of the last time he saw Hall, paying tribute to his impact on the sport.
