Let’s tell you a story about goalkeepers not only playing hockey games – he changed it. Image: This is the mid-1980s, and it is almost unfair that the Edmonton Oilers are rewriting NHL history books with such a stack of teams – Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and Glenn Anderson. Scoring goals.
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But behind all the offensive firepower is the future Hall of Fame goalkeeper: Grant Fuhr. Quiet, stable, calm. He is a goalkeeper and never blinks no matter how crazy the game is. But to truly appreciate who Fore is, you have to go back to where all the beginnings are.
Fuhr from Spruce Grove, Alberta, arrives at NHL
Fuhr was born in Spruce Grove, Alberta in 1962. He obviously had gifts since he was a child. Not only will he stop the puck, he reads the game like an experienced veterinarian, and then most kids can even tie them to the mat. The NHL scouts stared at him as he tore it with the Victoria Cougar of the Western Hockey League (WHL; record 30-12-0 and 48-9-1).
In 1981, the Oilers ranked him eighth in the NHL admission draft. Fuhr made his NHL debut at the age of 19 and was immediately thrown into the depths. This is not some close check, defensive team. The oil worker played open hockey. The game usually ends at 7-5, and Fur may face more than 40 photos per night.
But he thrives in that chaos. Where other goalkeepers will collapse under pressure, Fore just keeps cool. Save gloves. Pad pile. Kick and beautiful. Goals allowed – His team will score two points to compensate.
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In the 1983-84 season, Edmonton won the first Stanley Cup, where Furr was with his outstanding goalkeeper Andy Moog. Over the next few seasons, he (until 1987 with Moog) became the cornerstone of one of the greatest dynasties in sports, helping the Oilers win five Stanley Cups in seven years.
Fore is the goalkeeper, and appears when it matters
Fuhr’s numbers don’t always stand out. His savings hover around .880, while his target average is usually above 3. But the background is important. He played in an era when goalkeepers had to survive, not just behind closed doors. He didn’t make 20 saves a night – he’s making 40 or more. It’s not a saving he made in the first stage, but an overtime or last minute disconnect denial.
Fuhr has a trick on savings of this victory. Participated in the 1987 playoffs: He played every minute for Edmonton that spring. In the Stanley Cup final, he defeated Ron Hextall in a tight physical series against the Philadelphia Flyers. Did you win that cup? It wouldn’t happen without Fore.
But that’s even bigger than the cup and the win: Fore broke the barriers while playing. In 2003, Fore became the first black player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Apart from all the honors throughout his career, Fur hasn’t talked about being a pioneer. But by showing great performance, he opened the door for others.
Barkley-Fuhr Moment: Gretzky doesn’t bite
Charles Barkley unexpectedly joined the press conference during the 2017 NHL event where Wayne Gretzky spoke with Paul Coffey. He threw Gretzky over a seemingly fun question: “Who is your favorite black athlete of all time?” Gretzky replied without hesitation: “Grant Fur.” (Focus from “””’Sergeant of Sir Charles Barkley’s announcement of the NHL Top 10.” Los Angeles TimesMay 6, 2017)
The room was smiling and applauding. Barkley, who was once an entertainer, laughed and called Gretzky the “biggest hockey fan” in North America. But it’s not just a friendly joke. Gretzky’s answer comes from a place of deep respect. Fore is not only a teammate of the Oiler Dynasty—he is the talent of a generation. In Gretzky’s eyes, he is the best goalkeeper ever.
In that moment, Barkley (in his playful way) is likely to make himself a moment of mutual admiration, and he can totally give some respect. The problem is a “path to self-service” that aims to make demands. This is something Barkley did well – a playful charm, but Gretzky didn’t play.
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Instead, he was straightforward and honest. Named Fur is the classic Gretzky: Team first, respecting those who help him win. That little exchange said a lot about how big Gretzky thought about his former teammates.
The long road to Forre after Edmonton
After a few years of his Oiler, Fore bouncing a bit – Toronto Maple Leaf, Buffalo Sabre, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Bruce. In St. Louis, fans saw the last glory. In the 1995-96 season, Fuer started 79 consecutive games. This is an NHL record for goalkeepers in the season.
Not only does he log in time — he is winning games and keeping the Blues in the playoffs. Even after a knee injury in the playoffs, his reputation as a fighter has been consolidated.
Fuhr ended his career in Calgary’s flames, reaching a 400-win milestone in 1999. He didn’t chase the headlines. He doesn’t need it. His game (and savings with championship and beauty gloves) speaks his voice for himself.
Why Grant Fall Still Important
When people talk about the best goalkeepers of all time, names like Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur and Dominik Hasek are thrown away. Correctly. But Fuhr should be there in the mix.
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It’s not only because of the Stanley Cup win or award, but also because of the craziest, highest-scoring era the NHL has ever seen, he’s calm in the storm. He is fearless, reliable, and most importantly the clutch. He shows that being a goalkeeper is not just about statistics, but about trust. His team trusts him.
And ask the person who plays with him: When Fore enters the net, you believe you can win.
