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Hockey writers have taken many stabs at anointing the greatest goaltender of all time, but their work isn't over yet.

First, we were told it was George Hainsworth, who once had 22 shutouts in 44 games with the Montreal Canadiens. Then it was Terry Sawchuk, who still holds the record for shutouts by a goaltender with 103. Then Patrick Roy came along, winning 551 games - the most recorded at the time of his retirement in 2003.

It's time to start thinking about adding Martin Brodeur to this list.

The New Jersey Devils backstop is the best goaltender playing hockey right now - period. There is no one playing with any team right now who is as synonymous with greatness at this position.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is quickly becoming the greatest goaltender of all time after setting the record for wins by a goaltender on March 17 against Chicago. - photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

All of you clamouring about Alexander Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals can settle down. I'm sure we'll be talking about him in 10 years or so, but right now, Brodeur is the man.

He just added another accolade to his first-ballot hall of fame career against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 17, when he overtook Roy for career wins by a goaltender, notching his 552nd. Brodeur is also just three shutouts shy of Terry Sawchuk's record.

Brodeur tied Roy's record in Montreal, the city where Roy enjoyed half his success as an NHL player. It was touching when the horn went to end the game, and Brodeur's teammates came out to congratulate him.

As soon as people realized what had happened, Brodeur received a standing ovation. Remember, this is a city where Habs legends are revered.

For Brodeur to break a record held by a Montreal Canadiens legend and to get a standing ovation for it says something about those fans. Good on them for recognizing time goes on and there are others who deserve to be recognized.

What was also interesting to note was the respect his own teammates gave him when Roy's record was broken.

They patted him on the back and the coaching staff applauded, but they all stood back and let Brodeur take in the accolades.

This was his night, not to be overshadowed by anyone else.

Forgotten in all this is what Brodeur has done for his country. He's played in two Olympics, in Salt Lake City in 2002 and in Torino in 2006. He basically rescued the gold medal in 2002 when it was discovered Curtis Joseph - the man he replaced - was exactly what I knew he was: a one-hit wonder who choked when the pressure was on. Brodeur stepped in and showed the world what he was capable of, and Joseph faded away to the backburner, never to regain any kind of super-stardom everyone thought he had.

Now that Brodeur has the wins record, he has his sight set on Sawchuk's record for shutouts, a record everyone thought - including myself - would never be broken for as long as hockey existed.

But it will be done sooner rather than later, and when it does, the debate will be over. Brodeur will ascend to the throne as the greatest goaltender who ever lived. I challenge anyone to point to someone who can hold a torch to Brodeur.

From now on, Brodeur will be the man goalies will be measured against.

Sports briefs

Remembering Connie Loutit

Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson - More than 30 soccer teams are expected to travel to Fort Simpson for the seventh annual Connie Loutit Memorial tournament from March 27 to 29.

"We have teams coming from Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Providence," said recreation co-ordinator Nathan McPherson.

There will be five age groups for both male and female teams. Games will be played at the rec centre and Thomas Simpson school in memory of Loutit, who worked with youth soccer in the community for many years.

McPherson said action is slated to begin on the afternoon of March 27, and the finals will take place on March 29.

Bison Jamboree

Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence - The annual Deh Cho Bison Jamboree kicked off on March 22 in Fort Providence. Recreation co-ordinator Clifford McLeod said there will be something for everyone to do.

"We're having hand games competitions, traditional games and a cribbage tournament," he said.

McLeod said the jamboree runs all week and will end on March 29 with Ski-Doo races.

Spring already?

Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution - The Fort Resolution Spring Carnival took place last week from March 19 to 22.

Recreation programmer Vanessa Sanderson said the action began with a skating party for the kids.

"They got to go on the ice on Thursday," she said. "We also had a Guitar Hero competition for the kids."Other events included the third annual Marilyn Sanderson hockey tournament, which began on the Friday and finished on Sunday.

"We also had the Cecil Lafferty dog races, which began on Saturday and the annual Victor Lafferty Memorial cribbage tournament," Sanderson said.

Remembering Pat Lyall

Taloyoak/Spence Bay - The third annual Pat Napatsi Lyall Memorial Cup for U-21 players is scheduled to take place in Taloyoak from April 3 to 5. The tournament is open to teams from anywhere in Nunavut, so long as they are affiliated with Hockey Nunavut. Teams are allowed to enter a maximum of 18 players per team.

Contact Curtis Jayko, the recreation co-ordinator in Taloyoak, for more information.

Help from Alberta

Uqsqutuuq/Gjoa Haven - Volleyball players in Gjoa Haven will have a chance to hone their skills, as an instructor from the Alberta Volleyball Association will be in town from March 29 to 31.

"We'll have a clinic for the kids in the afternoons and then the adults will have instruction in the evening," said Sonny Porter, acting recreation co-ordinator for the community. The clinics will take place at Qiqirtaq Ilihakvik high school, and they are free for anyone who wants to attend.

Looking for the best

Iqaluit - Some of the best junior hockey players in the Baffin region were in Iqaluit from March 20 to 22 for the Team Qikiqtani Junior C selection camp.

Fifty-four players were vying for one of 17 spots on a team that will contest the Nunavut Junior C Championship in Rankin Inlet from March 27 to 29.

Head coach John Thomas said there were players from communities such as Arctic Bay, Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet trying their luck at nailing down a spot.

The team will now play Team Kivalliq in a three-game series. The winners will advance to the Maritime-Hockey North Junior C Championship in Yarmouth, N.S., in April.

Courtney moves on

Iqaluit - Mike Courtney is no longer the director of recreation for the city of Iqaluit. An employee with the city confirmed Courtney has moved on to pursue other interests. Traci Leschyshyn is the acting director of recreation until a new director is found.