“Eddie the Eagle” will always be remembered as a flamboyant, and entertaining NHL goaltender. The Carman, Manitoba native entered the National Hockey League in the 1990-1991 season. He was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent. Previous to signing with the Blackhawks, Belfour stared as a goaltender for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. In his one season at North Dakota Belfour won the NCAA National Championship in 1986-87.
Belfour’s career in Chicago was also one that started out with great success. In his first year with Chicago 1990-1991 Belfour completed what many say is the best rookie season in NHL history. He notched 43 victories in 74 game, and finished the season with a 2.47 GAA, and a save percentage of .910. He was awarded the Calder Trophy for the top NHL rookie. He was also awarded the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender) and the Jennings Trophy (fewest team goals against). In his rookie year he was also nominated for the league MVP award (Hart Trophy) . That is a pretty impressive way to enter the league.
The awards continued for Belfour as he went on to win the Vezina Trophy again in 1993, and the Jennings Trophy in 1993, 1995, and 1999. Belfour went on to lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991-1992 where the Blackhawks went on to loose to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 1999 Belfour lead the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Championship. This was the one and only Stanley Cup for “Eddie the Eagle”.
Throughout his career Ed Belfour played for the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Florida Panthers.
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Many regard Belfour as an elite goaltender and one of the best of all time. He ranks third of all-time amongst NHL goaltenders in wins with 484. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. Belfour also one an Olympic Gold medal.
“Eddie the Eagle” will always be remembered for his classic eagle goalie mask. He wore this mask throughout his career. The mask featured eagles on both sides of the mask. A Make-A-Wish logo was on the chin of the mask. A depiction of a classic car was on the back plate. Two very important things in Belfour’s life. Belfour used this mask style with all the NHL teams he played for. The base color of the mask was changed to match his team colors.
“Eddie the Eagle” will always be remembered as a NHL goalie great.
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