Every hockey fan has wondered at some point how hockey goaltenders used to line up in the crease and stare down pucks coming at them at, oh, around 1,000 miles per hour with no mask.

Why?! HOW?!

Hockey is definitely a sport where masks are undoubtedly a mandatory piece of equipment. Even with the mask on, goalies have been known to suffer concussions or – in the case of Mackenzie Blackwood – a bloody mouth.

 

It looks as though Blackwood lost some teeth, and on Wednesday the Devils’ goaltender actually had to have a three hour procedure to fix some damage.

 

In true hockey player fashion, he didn’t miss a second of action. Goalies are hockey players too!

(H/T Amanda Stein)