The Man Behind the Mask: Martin Brodeur
The fourth installment of “The Man Behind The Mask” takes a look at the glorious career-to-date of New Jersey Devils long time goalie Martin Brodeur. We hope you enjoy this weekly installment only on NHL Hot Stove.
Martin Brodeur, now the all-time leader in wins, games played and shutouts by a goaltender, deserves our praise as the best goaltender of – no not our time, ALL TIME.
Martin Pierre Brodeur was born on May 6th, 1972 in Montreal, Quebece Canada. If only his parents knew just what was in store for their son.
His father Denis, who for many years took photos for the Montreal Canadiens, won the bronze medal for Team Canada in 1956. He too played between the pipes, considered to be oustanding during his time. Brodeur grew up watching and praising not only his father, but long time Canadiens great Patrick Roy, often described as the best.
The New Jersey Devils drafted Brodeur with the 20th overall pick in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, beginning a chapter in his illustrious career. The first chapter in a book still in production to date. The story began with a young French Canadian hockey player who exemplifies the man to one day re-write history.
The road to greatness is never easy and Brodeur knew just that. After a rocky start with the Devils he overcame numerous obstacles. In 1994, Brodeur won the Calder trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
This award while prestigious in its own right became just the first of many accolades. Through out the course of his career he received the NHL All-Star honor 10 times, three Stanley Cup rings, four Vezina awards and four Williams J. Jennings awards in addition to Olympic Gold in 2002.
He plays close to 70 games, if not more, each season and even the great Roy admitted he would be able to do just that.
A very special player with amazing athletic abilities and talent, one can only wonder how many more will be added to his 107 shutouts prior to retirement. What will the record books look like when Brodeur decides to hang up the skates?
This future first ballot hall of famer continues to provide the New Jersey Devils with the opportunity to bring another Stanley Cup to New Jersey before his career ends.
Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @ACHockeyGuys
