brian hayward
1986-87 Game Worn and autographed montreal canadiens Jersey

Born on June 25, 1960 in Georgetown, Ontario in Canada, Brian Hayward took a unique path to the NHL. Instead of transitioning to the pros out of junior hockey, Hayward instead went to Cornell University for a four-year degree, which he achieved in business management in 1982. After developing into a solid goalie in Cornell, Hayward was signed as free agent by the Winnipeg Jets following his 1982 graduation. As the backup in Sherbrooke of the AHL, Hayward was posting solid numbers so he was finally given his chance with the big boys. On January 19, 1983, after being recalled by the Jets, Hayward stopped 22 of 25 shots in a 6-3 victory against Toronto. From there, he never looked back. He appeared in 24 games with the Jets, recording 10 wins and his first career shutout during that time. He also started for the Jets in the playoffs in 1983, though they were swept in three games in the opening round by the Edmonton Oilers. He split time with the Jets and their AHL affiliate in 1983-84, posting weaker numbers than in his debut season. In 1984-85, he posted one of the best years of his career. With a strong squad around him, Hayward appeared in 61 games for the Jets, recording 33 wins in the process.  Once again, he was defeated by the Oilers in the playoffs, this time in the second round however. After one additional season with the Jets in 1985-86, Hayward was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens in the deal that saw Steve Penney end up in Winnipeg. For the next four seasons, Hayward served largely as a shared starter with Patrick Roy, appearing in over 140 games over those four years. In his first season with the Habs Hayward replaced Patrick Roy in the second round of the playoffs and led the Habs to the Conference Final, where they were defeated by the Flyers who then went on to face the Edmonton Oilers in the Cup Final. For each of his first three seasons in Montreal, Hayward shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Patrick Roy for having the fewest goals against. After some fine seasons with the Habs, Hayward was acquired by the Minnesota North Stars in 1990-91. He had a solid year as the backup to Jon Casey. Together, the two goalies got to the Stanley Cup Final and they were defeated by Pittsburgh. Hayward was then acquired by the San Jose Sharks in 1991's Dispersal Draft.  Over two seasons, he appeared in 25 games, recording career worsts in almost all categories. His two claims to fame in San Jose were first, his iconic mask, arguably the greatest goalie mask in the history of the NHL, then second, he was the goalie in net for the team's first ever regular season win on October 8, 1991. After retiring from play in 1993, Brian Hayward has been the voice of the Anaheim Ducks as the team's TV analyst since 1993.
 
In his NHL career, Hayward appeared in 357 games, recording a 143-156-37 record with 8 shutouts, 13 assists, 3.72GAA and a 0.875% save average. In 37 playoff games, he recorded an 11-18 record with a 3.46GAA and a 0.872% save average.
 
What you are looking at right now is a 1986-87 Brian Hayward worn Montreal Canadiens sweater used in his first season with the squad and in his first William M. Jennings Trophy year shared with Patrick Roy. It features all manner of wear, including several repairs, puck marks, possible blood stains, fight strap salting, etc. A fine piece from a great era of hockey.
 
Acquired from: Global Vintage Sports, includes GW Auctions LOA.
 
Dates of Game Use: Exact dates unknown at this time
 
Photomatched: Not yet