Gerry Desjardins

Gerry Desjardins, born on July 22, 1944, is a distinguished Canadian former ice hockey goaltender whose career spanned several notable teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres, where he made a significant mark by setting a team record for consecutive wins at nine during the 1975-76 season. This impressive feat remained unbroken until 2026, showcasing his exceptional talent and resilience on the ice.

In addition to his NHL career, Desjardins also had a stint in the World Hockey Association (WHA), playing for the Michigan Stags. His contributions to the sport were not only measured by his wins but also by the impact he had on goaltending safety. In 1977, a serious injury occurred when a puck struck his eye, prompting a pivotal shift in the equipment used by NHL goalies.

This incident led many goaltenders to transition from traditional fibreglass facemasks to the more protective cage and helmet style. The repercussions of this change were felt throughout the sport, as many amateur and junior leagues subsequently banned fibreglass masks altogether, mandating the helmet/cage combination for enhanced safety.