Gerry Cheevers

The Masked Maverick: The Art of Chaos Between the Pipes

In a league where goaltenders were expected to play with calm precision and a reserved demeanor, Gerry Cheevers was a defiant outlier. He was a goaltender who thrived on reflex, emotion, and moments of unfiltered brilliance. With his stitched-up goalie mask and his fierce commitment to winning, Cheevers became more than just a netminder—he became one of the most recognizable figures of 1970s hockey.

He didn’t care for style points. His job was to win, and he did that by any means necessary. Behind one of the most dominant teams of the era—the Big Bad Bruins—Cheevers was the backstop of chaos, a fearless presence who seemed to grow sharper as the stakes rose. His legendary mask, etched with black stitch marks symbolizing every puck that hit his face, wasn’t just iconic—it was symbolic. It captured the essence of who he was: tough, unshakable, and wholly original.

From the Shadows of the AHL to the Spotlight in Boston

Born in St. Catharines, Ontario in 1940, Gerry Cheevers came up through the competitive Ontario junior ranks, playing for the prestigious St. Michael's Majors. His early career path was anything but easy. Signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he spent years bouncing between minor league affiliates, developing his craft in the AHL and learning how to survive—and thrive—under pressure.

His early NHL opportunities with Toronto were limited, but Cheevers’ raw competitiveness and sharp instincts couldn’t be ignored for long. In 1965, the Boston Bruins selected him in the Intra-League Draft—a pivotal moment that would change the trajectory of his career and of the franchise. Over the next decade, Cheevers became the Bruins’ spiritual backbone and primary netminder, backing the likes of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk on a team that would dominate the NHL and win over a generation of fans.

Career Stats and Accomplishments

• NHL Career Record: 230 wins, 102 losses, 74 ties
• Goals Against Average (GAA): 2.89
• Shutouts: 26
• Stanley Cup Championships: 2 (1970, 1972)
• Longest Unbeaten Streak in NHL History by a Goaltender: 32 games (1971–72 season)
• WHA Career Record: 99 wins, 78 losses, 9 ties (with the Cleveland Crusaders)
• NHL All-Star Selections: 2
• First goaltender to popularize personalized goalie mask art
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1985

Stories that Defined a Goalie's Legacy

The Stitched Mask
Perhaps no artifact in hockey history is more emblematic of a player’s persona than Cheevers’ legendary mask. After taking a puck to the face in practice and heading to the locker room, the Bruins’ trainer jokingly drew a set of stitches on his mask to mark the impact. Cheevers loved it—and asked him to keep adding more with each puck he took. What began as a joke became a statement. The mask filled with black stitch marks over the years and became one of the most iconic pieces of gear in sports history. It embodied Cheevers' toughness, creativity, and sense of humor all at once.

The 32-Game Unbeaten Streak
During the 1971–72 season, Cheevers went an astounding 32 games without a loss, a record that still stands today. That run wasn’t just about dominance—it was about consistency and clutch play in high-pressure moments. The Bruins leaned on Cheevers every night, and he delivered with a calmness that belied his aggressive style. That streak remains one of the most impressive individual feats in NHL history.

Jumping Leagues at His Peak
In 1972, at the height of his success, Cheevers made waves by leaving the Bruins to join the upstart WHA and sign with the Cleveland Crusaders. It was a controversial move at the time and a sign of the shifting economics in pro hockey. He brought immediate credibility to the new league and remained one of its top goaltenders until returning to Boston in 1976. His move helped open the door for others to explore new opportunities in professional hockey.

Key Cards Every Cheevers Collector Should Know

1965 Topps #19 – Rookie Card
Cheevers' first major appearance in a trading card set, issued while he was still part of the Maple Leafs system. The card is a tough find in high-grade condition due to centering and print quality issues. It remains his most coveted card among vintage collectors.

1971 O-Pee-Chee #120
Released during Boston’s championship-caliber run, this card captures Cheevers in his prime. It's a fan favorite with bold design and strong photo presence, often showcasing the legendary mask that defined his image.

1977 O-Pee-Chee WHA #6
This lesser-known card from his WHA years with the Cleveland Crusaders is a unique collectible that showcases a different chapter in his career. It's a standout for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path vintage hockey cards.

The Enduring Legacy of Gerry Cheevers

Gerry Cheevers’ story isn’t just one of championships and statistics—it’s about identity. He was a goaltender who reshaped the image of what a goalie could be, not just in how he played, but in how he expressed himself. At a time when most netminders were quiet, technical, and interchangeable, Cheevers was loud in his performance, expressive in his personality, and unmistakable in his appearance.

His fearless play, clutch performances, and connection with fans made him a cornerstone of one of the NHL’s most storied teams. But more than that, he became a cultural figure within the sport. His stitched mask helped launch the era of goalie mask artwork. His departure to the WHA helped shift the player power dynamic in pro hockey. His coaching years after retirement showed he was just as passionate about teaching the game as he was playing it.

Gerry Cheevers will always be remembered as one of the true originals—a Hall of Fame goaltender who brought chaos, color, and creativity to the crease, and in doing so, carved out a legacy that still echoes across rinks to this day.