Book 26, Question 69 · Video
Who invented the goalie mask?
Goalies used to play without any face protection. In 1959, Montreal goalie Jacques Plante was hit by a puck in the face. He insisted on wearing a mask he had made of fiberglass. His coach wasn't sure, but Plante kept wearing it, and other goalies soon followed. Today, masks are made of strong, light materials. Safety inventions often start with a problem.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Who invented the goalie mask?
The Big Idea
Hockey goalies once played with no face protection! That changed in 1959. Meet the goalie who made a mask.
No Protection
Step one: No Protection. Goalies used to play without any face protection. In 1959, Montreal goalie Jacques Plante was hit by a puck in the face.
His Mask
Step two: His Mask. He insisted on wearing a mask he had made of fiberglass. His coach wasn't sure, but Plante kept wearing it.
Others Followed
Step three: Others Followed. Other goalies soon followed. Today, masks are made of strong, light materials, and safety inventions often start with a problem.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Masks protect faces. Gloves catch pucks. Pads block shots. Sticks stop pucks.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Plante also helped design later masks himself. A Montreal goalie. Safety gear matters. Always wear your gear.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Design a helmet for any sport. Draw it from the front and side. Describe three materials you would use. Explain why each is useful. Give your helmet a name.
Outro
The goalie mask was invented by Jacques Plante, who wore a fiberglass mask after a puck hit his face in 1959. Other goalies followed, and today's masks are strong and light. One brave goalie made the game safer for everyone. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!