Who was the first goaltender to wear a mask in a game? Who was the last to go without one? When did goalies start painting their masks?

These are just a few of the questions that are answered in this definitive book on goalie masks. Saving Face looks at the development of the mask from its earliest days as a rudimentary face-saving device to its current high-tech design, bullet-proof construction, and cutting-edge artwork.

The book offers a visual journey, too. More than 150 historic and modern photos, including thirty-plus full-page shots of some of the most famous masks ever created, support a text that weaves the tale of the mask’s development.

Based on extensive archival research and exclusive interviews, Saving Face tells the story of the goalies behind the mask and their fight for the right to wear one. It also looks at the talented mask makers, artisans, and artists behind hockey’s modern masterpieces. This updated edition includes masks worn by some of the most exciting stars in the game today.

While goaltenders the world over owe a debt of thanks to those who created, developed, championed, and continuously improved the mask, hockey fans everywhere are thankful, too. For the mask today has gone far beyond its original function'saving face?to become the most intriguing piece of equipment in sports.

Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports?books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.

Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Né à Montréal, au Québec, où il a longtemps habité, Jim Hynes est l'auteur de plusieurs ouvrages, dont Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History (SkyHorse Sports/Publishing 2016), et coauteur de Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask (Wiley & Sons Canada 2008) et de TSN 25 Years (Wiley & Sons Canada 2009), lequel célèbre le 25e anniversaire de ce réseau des sports canadien. Il a également écrit et édité The Montreal Book of Everything (MacIntyre/Purcell Publishing 2007). Jim travaille actuellement comme auteur et éditeur indépendant. Il habite Ithaca, dans l'état de New York, avec son épouse Mary-Margaret et leurs deux fils, Jason et Samuel.

Jim Hynes' profile page

Gary Smith grew up playing hockey in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and made his first mask when he was 14 years old. Hockey eventually took him to the East Coast where he was recruited to play golf for St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Gary lives in Grand Falls, NB, where he is a school vice principal and continues to make and collect goalie masks.

Gary Smith's profile page

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Gerry Cheevers' profile page

?[A]n enjoyable book. The vast majority of hockey fans will likely find something to appreciate in the accessible and entertaining historical segment of the text which covers the first two-thirds of the book, and few if any will be able to resist the simple appeal of scrolling through the beautiful pictures of goalie masks...” --Edmonton Journal