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.
April 27 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 - 4 - 5 - 32 - 12 - 11 - 30 April 27, 1926 - Mel Ott, who during his career wore Numbers 3, 4 and 5 (but not until 19...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 26 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 - 53 - 34 - 24 - 53 April 26, 1905 - Chicago Cubs left fielder, Jack McCarthy becomes only major league player to throw out...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 25 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. 2 - 14 - 1 - 18 - 34 April 25, 1901 - Erve Beck of the Cleveland Blues hit the American League's first home run. Ap...
April 24 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. 2 - 32 - 27 - 13 - 14 - 6 April 24, 1917 - New York Yankees left-hander George Mogridge, tossed a no-hit win against the...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 23 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. 11 - 9 - 20 - 23 - 99 - 44 - 12 - 14 - 23 - 33 April 23, 1937 - Number 11, Carl Hubbell a ptcher for the New York Giants, fin...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 22 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 - 34 - 7 - 11 - 9 - 29 - 1 April 22, 1876 - Philadelphia native Tim McGinley of the Boston Red Caps scores baseball Nationa...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!