Al Rollins was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for several teams during his career. He began his professional career with the New York Rangers in 1949, but it was with the Chicago Blackhawks that he made his mark. Rollins played for the Blackhawks from 1953 to 1957, and during that time he won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender in 1954.
After leaving the Blackhawks, Rollins played for several other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Los Angeles Kings. He retired from professional hockey in 1967, but he continued to play in senior leagues until 1977.
Rollins was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to make acrobatic saves. He was also a skilled puck-handler, which was a relatively rare skill for goaltenders at the time. Rollins was a popular player among fans and teammates alike, and he was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor.
In addition to his success on the ice, Rollins was also a pioneer in the field of sports psychology. He was one of the first athletes to work with a sports psychologist, and he credited this work with helping him to improve his performance on the ice.
After retiring from hockey, Rollins worked as a scout for several NHL teams, including the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks. He also worked as a goaltending coach and a consultant for various teams and organizations.
Rollins was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1980, and he was also inducted into the Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame in 2011. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 84.
Overall, Al Rollins was a talented and influential goaltender who made a significant impact on the sport of ice hockey. His aggressive style of play and his pioneering work in sports psychology helped to shape the game in important ways, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
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