from Geoff Kirbyson of the Winnipeg Free Press,

Two of Terry Sawchuk's sons fought back tears as they touched the goalie mask their late father wore in his last game more than four decades ago.

Jerry Sawchuk, 60, and Terry Sawchuk, 51, were just kids when their legendary father died in the spring of 1970, so the pilgrimage they're taking to his birthplace this weekend is both educational and emotional.

After arriving in Winnipeg Friday morning to participate in the filming of a documentary on their dad, they stopped by the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 1982. One of the Hall's prized possessions is the bare-bones mask -- which bears no resemblance to the facial protection in today's NHL -- he wore late in his career.

"We just touched the mask. It was very emotional," said Jerry Sawchuk. "Both of us looked at each other and said, 'do you want to touch it?' and we did. To think dad had worn that..."

"It was a bonding moment," echoed the younger Terry Sawchuk.

There will be many more such moments this weekend as they visit their father's boyhood home and stomping grounds, including Strathcona School and the Terry Sawchuk Arena.

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