The Book "SAVING FACE: The Art and history of the Goalie Mask", by Jim Hynes and Gary Smith, proves to be a captivating journey back in time. This wonderful and lavishly illustrated book, traces the history of the Goalie mask from it's very antiquated beginnings, to the modern era. This book will have special meaning for all those older fans who were there during the the decades of the 1960's and 1970's, when the goalie mask changed the the art of goaltending forever. On November 1st,1959, Montreal goalie Jacques Plante was struck in the face by a puck shot by New York Ranger Andy Bathgate. Against his coaches wishes, Jacques came out of the lockeroom and with mask in hand, and the rest is history. Jacques plante and his innovation of the goalie mask, started the golden age of goaltending as both a protective piece of equipment and an artistic statement of individual personality, in which each mask became as famous as the men who wore them. As one reads through this encyclopedic like history of the mask, the reader is treated to a tour deforce of over 50 years of NHL mask innovation. See all the greats in both text and photo's, as you are taken behind the scenes of each mask, and learn about the men who made them, and the players who made them famous. This is a who's who of goaltending. Names Like Ken Dryden, Gerry Cheevers, Tony Esposito, Terry Sawchuk, Gump Worsley, Johnny Bower, Glenn Hall, Eddie Giacomin, Bernie Parent, and Martin Brodeur are just a few of the names you will recognize. I consider this book a must have for any fans, players and coaches both young and old, who have an appreciation for the game of ice hockey. More importantly, this is one of the finest hockey history books ever written. This book comes with my highest recommendation, and should be a part of any serious hockey library
