The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its fair share of changes over the years, especially when it comes to player safety. Masks for goalies and helmets for skaters seem like a pretty good idea….who wouldn’t want that? Well, Andy Brown and Craig Mactavish to name two. They were the last NHL players with no mask and no helmet.
A significant shift occurred in the NHL when the league mandated the use of helmets for all new players entering the league starting in the 1979-1980 season. However, it took some time for every player to adopt this safety measure. Let’s explore the stories of the last NHL player to refuse a helmet and the last goalie to brave the net without a mask.
The Last NHL Skater With No Helmet: Craig MacTavish
Craig MacTavish, a skilled center, holds the distinction of being the last NHL player to lace up without donning a helmet. Born on August 15, 1958, in London, Ontario, MacTavish enjoyed a successful career spanning 17 seasons from 1979 to 1997.
MacTavish entered the league with the Boston Bruins in the 1979-1980 season, the same year the NHL made helmets mandatory for rookies. However, as a waiver, MacTavish continued to play bare-headed until his retirement. Known for his gritty style of play and faceoff prowess, MacTavish contributed to several teams throughout his career, including the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues.
Career Highlights:
- Teams: Boston Bruins (1979-1984), Edmonton Oilers (1984-1989), New York Rangers (1989-1991), Philadelphia Flyers (1991-1994), and St. Louis Blues (1994-1997).
- Points: 480 (213 goals, 267 assists) in 1093 regular-season games.
- Achievements: Four-time Stanley Cup champion (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988).
- Mactavish also coached the Edmonton Oilers from 2000-2009 and surprisingly started wearing a helmet behind the bench……..just kidding,
While MacTavish’s career is celebrated for his on-ice accomplishments, his decision to eschew a helmet is a testament to the era’s resistance to change in the name of tradition and toughness.
The Last Mask-less Guardian Of The Net: Andy Brown
In the realm of goaltending, the last NHL goalie to brave the net without a mask was Andy Brown. Born on February 4, 1944, in Hamilton, Ontario, Brown played nine seasons in the NHL from 1967 to 1977.
Brown’s decision to forgo a mask throughout his career was a bold one, considering the increasing speed of the game and the risks involved in goaltending. Despite facing shots from the likes of Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito, Brown never wavered in his choice to play mask-free.
Career Highlights:
- Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1967-1971), Pittsburgh Penguins (1971-1973), and Indianapolis Racers (WHA) / Los Angeles Sharks (WHA) / Detroit Vipers (WHA) (1973-1977).
- Record: 62 wins, 83 losses, 20 ties in 197 regular-season games.
- Notable Achievement: Brown was the last goalie to play in the NHL without a mask, retiring in 1977.
Brown’s career was marked by his resilience and commitment to playing the game the way he saw fit, even as the majority of his peers adopted protective measures. His legacy as the last goalie without a mask serves as a unique chapter in the evolution of goaltending equipment.
Conclusion: The tales of Craig MacTavish and Andy Brown offer a glimpse into a different era of hockey, where players were willing to sacrifice safety for the sake of tradition and bravado. As the NHL continues to prioritize player well-being and safety, the stories of these two pioneers serve as reminders of the league’s evolution and the courage it took to stand apart from the changing norms of the game.
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