‘He never forgot where he came from’: Saskatchewan remembers NHL great Glenn Hall

The 1947-48 Humboldt Junior hockey team. Glenn Hall is fourth from the right in the front row. (Source: Humboldt and District Sports Hall of Fame)

One of Saskatchewan’s greatest hockey players has died.

Nicknamed “Mr. Goalie,” Hockey Hall of Famer Glenn Hall died at age 94.

“Everyone’s very upset about it. He lived a full, long life, which we’re very happy about, and obviously accomplished a lot of amazing things. So, we always have to remember that part going through these tough times,” Grant Stevenson, Hall’s grandson, said in an interview with CTV News on Thursday.

Born and raised in Humboldt, Hall rose from small-town roots to national fame.

Over 18 NHL seasons, he set a record that still stands, 502 consecutive games played in goal.

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Hall won two Stanley Cups, was named rookie of the year in 1956 and was honoured as goaltender of the year three times. He also helped shape modern goaltending, playing bare-faced for years before adopting a goalie mask and pioneering the butterfly style, which involves dropping to the knees to block the lower part of the net.

He was in net during one of the most iconic moments in hockey history, when Bobby Orr scored the overtime goal to win the Stanley Cup for Boston in 1970.

Veteran sportscaster Wray Morrison said Hall’s success came from his deep understanding of the game.

“He knew exactly what those players were capable of, with regards to their shots coming up ice; the threats that they posed,” Morrison said.

Hall played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and St. Louis Blues before retiring in 1971.

He was a prairie boy through and through. In a 2002 interview with CTV News, he spoke about his love for the country.

“I probably enjoyed playing in St. Louis the most,” he said during the interview.“Chicago was a great city, but it was so big. Being a country boy, it’s nice to just look across the fields.”

Hall took great pride in his hometown. Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench said he never missed a chance to return and spend time in the community.

“Glenn was always a really nice guy, and he always made time for Humboldt,” he said. “He never forgot where he came from.”

The city honoured Hall by naming its main street Glenn Hall Drive and dedicating a park and monument in his name.

He is being remembered not only for his talent, but for his personality.

“His sense of humour was great. Everyone loved him. He was warm and easy to talk to,” said Bonnie Classen, a family friend.

Hall leaves behind a lasting legacy on the ice and in the community he never forgot.