Born January 22, 1916, in Toronto, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goalie Bill Durnan. This legend captured six Vezina Trophies, was on two Stanley Cup Champions teams, and played in six NHL All-Star Games. Durnan guarded the net for the Montreal Canadiens. He was also a top 100 selected player for the NHL's 100th Anniversary celebration.
Sports History
Bill Durnan Hockey HOF Montreal GoalieA Wall of Excellence in the Montreal Canadiens' Net
Durnan's reign was one of sheer statistics. He won a staggering six Vezina Trophies for fewest goals allowed, a record that still stands today. He was named to the First All-Star Team six times, his athleticism and reflexes baffling even the most skilled shooters. His goals-against average of 2.36 remains one of the best in NHL history.
But Durnan wasn't just about numbers; he was a wall of confidence and leadership. His calm demeanor in the crease inspired his teammates and unnerved opponents. He was known for his innovative butterfly style, a precursor to the modern goaltending technique, and his ability to control rebounds.
Durnan's impact went beyond individual accolades. He helped the Canadiens win two Stanley Cups, in 1944 and 1946, solidifying their dynasty of the era. His presence solidified Montreal's reputation for defensive prowess and cemented his place as one of the Habs' greatest netminders.
Tragically, Durnan's career was cut short by injuries in 1950. He attempted a comeback but was forced to retire permanently in 1952. Despite the brevity of his playing days, his legacy loomed large. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1964, a testament to his exceptional talent and lasting impact on the game.
May 9 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 5 -19 May 9, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's rookie pitcher, Earl Moore threw a no-hit ballgame for a full nine innings...
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May 8 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 10 - 17 - 32 - 4 - 22 May 8, 1878 - Paul Hines made the very first recorded triple play in professional baseball as a member of th...
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May 7 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 51 - 34 May 7, 1917 - Babe Ruth was an outstanding hitter right? Well he was a pretty good pitcher too. On this day in history...
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May 6 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 5 - 22 - 7 - 8 May 6, 1915 - The Sultan of Swing, Future Baseball Hall of Fame hitter, Babe Ruth smacked his first M...
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May 5 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 5, 1904 - Did you ever wonder how you get your name on an iconic award? This next story is a great step towards doing just that...
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