By Avery Wildes
Goalie masks are more than just protective gear; they’re hockey’s version of a masterpiece on ice. Over the years, these helmets evolved from simple fiberglass shields into canvases for self-expression. From bone-chilling skulls to pop culture tributes, these masks have evolved into a powerful statement piece in the world of hockey. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just appreciate cool art, the designs behind these iconic helmets are as diverse as the players who wear them. Join us as we dive into the world of goalie mask designs, the jaw-dropping art that has us in a chokehold!
Cam Ward
A Tribute to Family
Carolina Hurricanes’ Cam Ward’s mask is both uniquely beautiful and deeply personal. It represents him as a player and a person. Designed by Steve Nash of EyeCandyAir, the backplate features a cross symbolizing Ward's faith, with the initials “F.W” beneath it as a tribute to his late grandfather, Frank Ward.
Adding to the sentimental value there is also a small handwritten note from his son that reads “I love you, Dad”. More than just a piece of equipment, this mask tells a heartfelt story.
Steve Mason
Zombie Apocalypse
Philadelphia Flyers’ Steve Mason’s zombie masks are anything but ordinary. Mason’s mask features his teammates Claude Giroux, Jakob Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, and Scott Hartnell transformed into zombies. Designed by Franny Drummond, the mask captures their ghoulish visages in unsettling detail.
Mason convinced his teammates to let him zombify them by saying, “At the end of the day you’ll probably look better as a zombie than you do in real life.” A horror movie on ice? We’re so here for it.
Brian Heyward
The Original Sharkboy
Shark-themed masks are a dime a dozen, but none hold a candle to Brian Hayward's legendary design. Created by Greg Harrison, this mask features a snarling shark jaw wrapped around the cage- making it one of the most memorable masks of all time. It’s so iconic that it now resides in the Hockey Hall of Fame- a testament to its place in hockey history.
Curtis McElhinney
A Tribute to Black Athletes
Curtis McElhinney has rocked several memorable mask designs,but his tribute mask to Black athletes stands out as the most powerful. Designed by David Leroux, the mask features Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Willie O’Ree, Alice Coachman, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos. The chin plate bears a clenched fist with “Black Lives Matter” inscribed on it, and the backplate displays Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote “Lighting makes no sound until it strikes.” with the Tampa Bay Lightning logo underneath. A truly impactful design both on and off the ice.
Gerry Cheevers
The Stitch Mask
Something, the simplest idea creates the most legendary results. During practice, Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers took a puck to the face and headed to the dressing room. Since he wasn't actually injured, head coach Harry Sinden, ordered Cheevers to go back on the ice. That’s when assistant coach John Forristall, grabbed a marker and drew a stitch mark on Cheevers’ mask where the puck had hit. From then on, every time was hit in the face, a new stitch mark would appear. The stitch mask is now recognized as the most famous mask in hockey history.
Gary “Bones” Bromley
Nightmare Fuel
Gary “Bones” Browley wore what many consider the scariest mask in the NHL. Another Greg Harrison creation, this terrifying skull design fits perfectly with Bromley’s nickname. The backplate even features his moniker spelled out in bony lettering. It was a haunting sight for opposing shooters, especially in his finals seasons with the Canucks.
Josh Harding
The Beanie Mask
Not all goalie masks are designed to intimidate. Take Josh Harding’s, for example—the former Minnesota Wild goalie went in a completely different direction with his. Created by artist Tom Miska, Harding’s mask was a playful masterpiece, designed to look like a cozy knit beanie, complete with a pom-pom on top. It was a perfect nod to Minnesota’s wintery vibe and outdoorsy aesthetic - a fan favorite for its creativity. Who says goalies can’t have a little fun with their gear?
Curtis Joseph
The Canine Classic
Few masks are as instantly recognizable as Curtis “Cujo” Joseph’s. Throughout his career, he struck with a fierce canine design, tweaking the colors to match whichever team he was playing for. Created by David Arrigo, the mask became so iconic that even non-fans associated it with him. It's proof that a great design can make a goalie as memorable as their saves.
The Legacy of Goalie Masks
There are hundreds of incredible goalie masks out there and narrowing them down to a select few is no easy task. Each mask is a reflection of a goalie behind it, offering a glimpse into their personality, inspiration and even their sense of humor. What started as a simple piece of protective gear has transformed into one of the coolest forms of self-expression in all of sports. And as long as goalies keep pushing the boundaries of creativity, the art of the mask will continue to thrive.
Edited by Madeleine Meneguzzi
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