George H Merritt - "Whitey" was the 1st Ice Hockey Goaltender to Wear Goal Pads / Leg Pads / Leg Equipment in a Official Game. The game happened on Valentines Day, February 14th, 1896 at Victoria Rink in Montreal, Canada. This game was for the Stanley Cup Championship. Whitey Merritt appeared at the game wearing White Cricket Pads. -Manitoba Goalers had used Pads & Cricket Pads since 1893 & earlier-. The visiting Victorias of Winnipeg upset the defending Stanley Cup holders, the Montreal Victorias 2 to 0. Whitey Merritt was outstanding in the net for the winning Winnipeg Team