Drop the Puck!
- Tammi Henke
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
Hockey season is upon us! Whether you grew up in a "frozen tundra" area and perhaps played the sport yourself, or you are just an avid hockey fan, the time for hockey is one of the things that helps get people excited for winter and all things frozen. There are many reasons for people to like the game--the fast moving pace, the skill to stay on your feet on super slick ice, and of course, the fan-favorite college and national teams. And now, the arts even play a role in the sport! As you can see from the picture above, the art of the mask, the goalie mask that is, has become quite a thing in the sport of hockey. And just in case you didn't know, the mask featured in the picture above is from my favorite college team(and my alma mater), the University of Wisconsin Badgers! The goalie mask itself has changed in several ways throughout the years. It's hard to believe, but at one time in history, goalies and other hockey players did not even wear protection for their face or head during practices or games. YIKES!! Thankfully, over the years, safety of helmets and protection has become a very important part of the game. But something else has changed over time with regards to the goalie mask as well. Now, instead of just the mask being seen as an important part of the game in terms of safety, it has become a form of artistic expression and creativity as well! Below are several examples of various artistically inspired goalie masks--from NCAA level hockey all the way up to the pros. Some are incredibly unique and expressive, featuring themes about the individual person themselves, or images that represent the city or team that they play for. Perhaps there are some that especially catch your eye. What a great way to see how art and creativity can exist together in all things--even in a game played on ice with sticks and a puck!
Cami Kronish's goalie mask, NCAA University of Wisconsin. In 2022, the design for one of her helmets was part of a contest open to local students.
Click here to watch a few players from the women's Princeton University Tigers hockey team talk about the designs they incorporated onto their goalie masks.
Kyle McClellan's goalie mask, NCAA University of Wisconsin.
Click here to watch an interview with Kyle and hear what the images on his mask represent.
Evan Plotnik's goalie mask, NCAA American International College
Tyler Wall's goalie mask, NCAA UMASS Lowell. He drew the images himself!
Niko DellaMaggiore's goalie mask, NCAA Alaska-Fairbanks
Kristen Campbell's goalie mask, PWHL Toronto Sceptres
Sonjia Shelly's goalie mask, PWHL Metropolitan Riveters
Philipp Grubauer's goalie mask, NHL Seattle Kraken
Tristan Jarry's goalie mask, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins
Elvis Merzlikin's goalie mask, "La Catrina," NHL Columbus Blue Jackets
If you would like to see how these masks become amazing artworks, below are 2 really great videos that show the techniques of taking an idea, turning it into a sketch and design, and then putting it onto an actual goalie mask. Enjoy!
Video links:
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