Gilles Villemure
1966-1977
This is the only mask Gilles Villemure wore during his professional career. It is believed that he began wearing the mask in games in 1966, during his time with the Buffalo Bison, and continued wearing it until he retired in 1977, after stints with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. Don Collins of Winnipeg made the mask for Villemure during Rangers training camp, likely in 1964. In 1970-71, Villemure and Eddie Giacomin shared the Rangers net, giving up the fewest goals in the league, and leading to both Giacomin and Villemure's only Vezina Trophy of their career. Villemure went 22-8-4, with a 2.30 goals against average, .919 save percentage, and 4 shutouts during the regular season.
