THE RECORD STANDS
Episode 4: “502: Starts Without a Mask”

For seven seasons, Glenn Hall reported to the crease every time his team needed him. Through pain, anxiety, injuries, travel and the constant danger of playing without a mask, “Mr. Goalie” started 502 consecutive regular-season games—a record that still feels almost impossible to comprehend.

Host Joe Soccoa revisits Hall’s remarkable journey, from an NHL debut played in borrowed equipment to his transformation into a Stanley Cup champion and one of the most influential goaltenders in hockey history. The episode also explores the anxiety Hall carried before games, his role in popularizing the butterfly style and the back injury that finally ended the streak in November 1962.

Joe is joined by Ryan McInerney, director, writer and producer of the award-winning documentary Mr. Goalie. Ryan discusses what he learned from Hall, his family and some of hockey’s greatest goaltenders while making the film—and why the person behind the record was even more remarkable than the number itself.

In this episode:

• The unlikely circumstances surrounding Hall’s NHL debut
• How the 502-game streak began
• The physical danger of playing goaltender without a mask
• Hall’s private battle with pregame anxiety
• The truth behind the stories of him becoming sick before games
• His influence on the modern butterfly style
• Chicago’s 1961 Stanley Cup championship
• How unfamiliar equipment and a back injury ended the streak
• The making of Mr. Goalie
• Why 502 may remain untouchable forever

Glenn Hall died on January 7, 2026, at the age of 94. This episode honors his life, humanity and lasting influence on the game of hockey.

SPECIAL GUEST

Ryan McInerney
Director, writer and producer of Mr. Goalie

Learn more about the film:
https://mrgoaliethefilm.com

EPISODE CREDITS

The Record Stands is written, hosted and produced by Joe Soccoa for CrossTalk Media.

Special thanks to Ryan McInerney for sharing his time, research and experiences making Mr. Goalie.

Archival audio and broadcast excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders and are presented for commentary, reporting and historical analysis. The opinions expressed by the host and guest are their own.

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