Our mission to preserve the history of pro hockey through the sweater uniform numbers players wear is to objectively come up with a list of the greatest players at each number based on their career performance. This look is based on facts and statistics gathered as of 1/1/2022.
Let us start our journey on identifying the greatest number 1s in NHL/WHL history by looking at the players that wore the number that are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Georges Vezina
- Turk Broda
- Terry Sawchuk
- Chuck Rayner
- Glenn Hall
- Johnny Bower
- Jacques Plante
- Harry Lumley
- Gump Worsley
- Emile Francis
- Bernie Parent
- Gerry Cheevers
- Ed Giacomin
- Tony Esposito
- Bob Johnson
- Grant Fuhr
- Ed Belfour
- Rogie Vachon
- Jim Rutherford
Our next bit of recognition is of the players who have had the number retired by clubs that they played for along with the date of the number being officially retired. For the number 1 they are:
- Johnny Bower Toronto Maple Leafs October 15, 2016
- Turk Broda Toronto Maple Leafs October 15, 2016
- Eddie Giacomin New York Rangers March 15, 1989
- Glenn Hall Chicago Blackhawks November 20, 1988
- Roberto Luongo Florida Panthers March 7, 2020
- Minnesota Wild fans Minnesota Wild October 11, 2000
- Bernie Parent Philadelphia Flyers October 11, 1979
- Jacques Plante Montreal Canadiens October 7, 1995
- Terry Sawchuk Detroit Red Wings March 6, 1994
Georges Vezina's Unbreakable Legacy ‣ The Wall of Quebec
Georges Vezina wasn't a towering giant or a flashy goal-scorer. He was a quiet guardian, a master of anticipation, and a wall between the Montreal Canadiens and defeat. In the early years of the National Hockey League, he wasn't just a goaltender; he was a living legend, his name synonymous with excellence and stoicism in the face of the puck's fury.His journey began on the frozen ponds of Chicoutimi, Quebec. There, his natural agility and uncanny knack for stopping pucks were honed, laying the foundation for a career that would redefine the art of goaltending. In 1910, he joined the Montreal Canadiens, embarking on a 15-year odyssey to cement his place among the game's greatest.
Vezina's greatness wasn't measured in flashy saves or acrobatic leaps. It was in his quiet efficiency, his uncanny ability to read plays and position himself perfectly to snuff out scoring chances. He wasn't afraid to get dirty, throwing himself in front of slap shots and absorbing pucks with a stoic determination. He commanded his crease with the aura of an impassable fortress, instilling confidence in his teammates and striking fear into the hearts of opponents.
His impact went beyond statistics. Vezina led the Canadiens to four Stanley Cup victories, his calm presence a steadying force in the midst of playoff battles. He earned the respect of every player he faced, even those on rival teams who recognized his brilliance and sportsmanship. His sudden death in 1925 from complications of a deflected puck sent shockwaves through the hockey world.
To honor his legacy, the Vezina Trophy was established, awarded annually to the league's best goaltender. It became a symbol of Vezina's quiet grace and unwavering resilience, a constant reminder that greatness can come in unassuming packages.
Today, his name still echoes through the rafters of the Bell Centre, whispered by fans young and old. He stands as a testament to the power of dedication, composure, and a love for the game that transcended personal glory. Georges Vezina may not have been the flashiest player, but his name remains etched in the annals of hockey history, a silent tribute to the "Wall of Quebec," whose legacy continues to inspire generations of goaltenders to stand tall between the pipes and claim their own corner of greatness.
