Canadian/American · Sault Ste. Marie, Canada · Born 23 April 1943 · Died 2021-08-10Tony Esposito was a Hall of Fame Canadian goaltender who set the modern-era single-season shutout record with 15 in 1969-70 and won three Vezina Trophies with Chicago.
Anthony James Esposito was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in 1943 — the younger brother of Phil Esposito. He spent the majority of his 16-season career with the Chicago Blackhawks after one game with Montreal. He won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 1970 — despite being 26 years old — after recording 15 shutouts that season. He won three Vezina Trophies (1970, 1972, 1974 — the last shared with Bernie Parent). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He won 423 games and 76 shutouts. His butterfly style — dropping to his knees and covering the bottom of the net — was a predecessor to the modern butterfly style that Jacques Plante's students developed. He represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series alongside his brother Phil, winning the series in the final minute. The Esposito brothers formed the most celebrated sibling combination in Canadian hockey history.
Hall of Fame goaltender, single-season shutout record (15) still stands
How They Played
Esposito was known for his butterfly style of goaltending, dropping to his knees to cover the lower portion of the net while maintaining upper body mobility. He was particularly effective at stopping low shots and had excellent reflexes and positioning.
Lasting Impact
Tony Esposito helped popularize the butterfly goaltending style that became widely adopted throughout hockey. His techniques and approach to the position influenced generations of goaltenders who followed.
Career Honours
- Calder Trophy 1969-70
- 3x Vezina Trophy
- Hockey Hall of Fame 1988
| Team | Period | GP |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 1968–1969 | 13 |
| Chicago Black Hawks | 1969–1984 | 886 |
 Canada | — | 13 |
Canadian/American Athletes