<P> A goaltender mask, commonly referred to as a goalie mask or a hockey mask, is a mask worn by ice hockey, inline hockey, and field hockey goaltenders to protect the head from injury . Jacques Plante was the first goaltender to create and use a practical mask in 1959 . Plante's mask was a piece of fiberglass that was contoured to his face . This mask later evolved into a helmet / cage combination, and single piece full fiberglass mask . Today, the full fiberglass mask with the birdcage facial protector is the more popular option because it is safer and offers better visibility . </P> <P> The first goaltender mask was a metal fencing mask donned in February 1927 by Queen's University netminder Elizabeth Graham, mainly to protect her teeth . In 1930, the first crude leather model of the mask (actually an American football "nose - guard") was worn by Clint Benedict to protect his broken nose . After recovering from the injury, he abandoned the mask, never wearing one again in his career . At the 1936 Winter Olympics, Teiji Honma wore a crude mask, similar to the one worn by baseball catchers . The mask was made of leather, and had a wire cage which protected the face, as well as Honma's large circular glasses . </P>

Who wore the first goalie mask in hockey