In 1910, Vézina was invited to try out for the Canadiens, and by the following year, he had secured his place as the team's starting goaltender. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Vézina was not an imposing figure by today's standards, but his agility and composure in the net set him apart. He was known for his calm demeanor and ability to read the game, qualities that made him a reliable last line of defense for his team.
Vézina's debut with the Canadiens came in the 1910-1911 season, and he quickly established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the National Hockey Association (NHA), the precursor to the National Hockey League (NHL). His style was characterized by a stand-up approach, a common technique of the era, which emphasized positioning and reflexes over the sprawling saves seen in modern hockey.
Throughout his career, Vézina was a model of consistency and durability. He played every game for the Canadiens from his debut until his final appearance in 1925, a streak that spanned 15 seasons. This remarkable feat was achieved despite the grueling nature of early 20th-century hockey, which often involved long train journeys and playing on outdoor rinks in harsh conditions.
Vézina's excellence was instrumental in the Canadiens' success during his tenure. He helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup championships, first in 1916 and again in 1924. His performance in the 1916 playoffs was particularly memorable, as he backstopped the Canadiens to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Portland Rosebuds in a best-of-five series.
The transition from the NHA to the NHL in 1917 did little to slow Vézina's dominance. He continued to excel in the newly formed league, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His reputation was such that the NHL introduced the Vézina Trophy in 1927, awarded annually to the league's best goaltender, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Vézina's career came to an abrupt and tragic end during the 1925-1926 season. In a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 28, 1925, he collapsed on the ice, suffering from what was later diagnosed as tuberculosis. Despite his illness, Vézina had insisted on playing, a testament to his dedication to the sport and his team. Sadly, he was unable to recover and passed away on March 27, 1926, at the age of 39.
Georges Vézina's influence on the game of hockey is still felt today.
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