Never again, never again...
Forty years ago today, Bill Masterton (the North Star still on his feet in the picture) died of massive brain injuries at Fairview Southdale Hospital. He was 29 years old at his death, and he remains today the only hockey player to die of injuries sustained in an NHL game.
The Masterton tragedy occurred in a game on January 13, 1968 between the North Stars and the Oakland Seals. Early in the first period, Masterton was checked by Larry Cahan of the Seals and fell straight backwards, slamming his head on the ice. He bled profusely and quickly lost consciousness - his last words before going out were reported to have been, "never again, never again..."
And so it was. Having suffered severe damage to his brain stem, he was inoperable, and he died shortly after midnight on January 15, 1968. The tragedy caused a movement in the NHL to force players to wear helmets, but that movement was short-lived. Helmets didn't become mandatory in the league for another eleven years.
The North Stars retired his number 19 in 1987, and the number stayed retired when the franchise moved to Dallas. The Bill Masterton Trophy was created that very same 1968 season that Masterton died and has been awarded ever since to the NHL player best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The Masterton tragedy occurred in a game on January 13, 1968 between the North Stars and the Oakland Seals. Early in the first period, Masterton was checked by Larry Cahan of the Seals and fell straight backwards, slamming his head on the ice. He bled profusely and quickly lost consciousness - his last words before going out were reported to have been, "never again, never again..."
And so it was. Having suffered severe damage to his brain stem, he was inoperable, and he died shortly after midnight on January 15, 1968. The tragedy caused a movement in the NHL to force players to wear helmets, but that movement was short-lived. Helmets didn't become mandatory in the league for another eleven years.
The North Stars retired his number 19 in 1987, and the number stayed retired when the franchise moved to Dallas. The Bill Masterton Trophy was created that very same 1968 season that Masterton died and has been awarded ever since to the NHL player best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
posted by Large at 12:38 AM
8 Comments:
Why do they wear facemasks also. I don't like that little visor thing. Kind of makes them look like whimps...you know. I mean if the frozen puck is coming at you over 100MPH just move.
Hockey has changed so much since those days. The helmets and face masks promote stick play in my opinion.
You just have to see Simon or McSorley 2 hand someone in the head to realize helmets have their downside.
They do protect people so they have there purpose and are here to stay.
Hockey has really lost its luster sicne the lockout. I still watch, but I just don't feel it the way I used to. And I consider June 14th 1994 one of the greatest days of my life.
hockey hasnt lost its luster.
so stop whining.
Not whining homie, just stating my opinion.
Could just be that tool Glen Sather has jaded my view of hockey.
Kev, Luke, drop the gloves already. Man I don't think we've ever had a No Mas hockey fight.
large, im about old time hockey.
you know, like Eddie Shore....
I model my game after NY's own Nick Fotiu.
Blah blah blah blah... this is a pretty wack hockey fight. I'm looking for Clark Gillies and Terry O'Reilly over here and you guys are giving me Bob Nystrom and Orest Kindrachuck.
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