Standing on his head: This is a word used to describe an ice hockey goaltender's great performance in a short period of time. When a goaltender allows a rebound, the opponent often returns the shot fast, forcing the goalie to make a rapid stop. If the goalkeeper stands on his head, he will keep every ball out of the net. The first recorded instance of someone standing on their head in order to prevent a goal was in 1872 by George Hoadley. He was playing for the University of Oxford vs. Cambridge University at Lord's Cricket Ground. In a trial of skill, Hoadley stopped all 21 shots he faced from the opposing team with only his knees and elbows. In 1876, Francis Hincks of the Royal Military College, Kingston stood on his head to save the life of an officer who had been severely injured in a duel with another officer. For this act of bravery, Hincks received a medal from the King. In 1878, Charles Auchterlonie of Scotland made history when he became the first goalie to stand on his head while playing exhibition games in North America. The Montreal Olympic Club paid him $500 (about $10,000 in today's money) to wear a special helmet designed specifically for this purpose. Auchterlonie went on to have a successful career as a goalkeeper in the NHL after it started operating in 1896.