How long did it take to invent the goalie mask?

Answer 1

The perfection of the goalie mask has been , and is, an ongoing process. In 1930, Ottawa goalie Clint Benedict wore a crude mask to protect a facial injury for five games. Other goalies wore masks for brief periods. However, on Nov.1, 1959, Jacques Plante of the Montreal Canadiens was injured and returned to the ice wearing a mask which he continued to wear in subsequent games. Over the years, all goalies at all levels started to wear facial protection and the masks evolved into the styles you see today and will no doubt continue to change and be improved.