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.
"[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..."
