Georges Vezina

November 28, 1925

Playing in his 328th straight game, Canadiens goaltender Georges Vezina collapsed during a game against Pittsburgh. Prior to that game, he had lost 35 pounds in a span of six weeks and had a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit that game, but played in net anyways. He pitched a shutout in the first, but began vomiting blood during intermission and collapsed in the crease before the second started. It was the only period he played all season. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and he died four months later. His strong play and dedication to the game was honored with a trophy donated in his name, the Vezina Trophy: It was first awarded to the goaltender with the best goals against average, but was changed in 1946 to the goaltender who played the most games for the team that allowed the fewest goals, then changed in 1964 to the goaltending tandem that allowed the fewest goals, and finally changed in 1981 to the criteria we know today, which is the most “outstanding” goaltender. I guess it got less depressing as we went along (also like news).