Terry Sawchuk

Terrence Gordon Sawchuk, hockey goalkeeper (b at Winnipeg 28 Dec 1929; d at New York 31 May 1970). He played junior hockey in Winnipeg and Galt, Ont, turning professional at age 17 with Omaha. He joined Detroit Red Wings 1951 and won the Calder Trophy (best rookie). Acrobatic, fearless, he had exceptional reflexes and for the first 5 years of his career played brilliantly, winning the Vézina Trophy (fewest goals allowed) 3 times, recording 56 shutouts and allowing fewer than 2 goals a game.

However, physical and psychological strains shattered his health and career. He suffered nervous exhaustion, arthritis, mononucleosis, severe back injuries, innumerable cuts, as well as a collapsed lung in a car accident. He was traded from team to team and briefly regained his former glory with Toronto Maple Leafs, sharing the Vézina Trophy (1965) and leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory (1967) with spectacular play. He compiled 103 shutouts, a record unlikely to be surpassed. He died of injuries suffered accidentally in a scuffle with teammate Ron Stewart. Sawchuk was honoured with induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1971.