As a lifelong advocate for quality aesthetics in athletics, goalie masks have always been one of my favorite pieces of sports equipment.
Unlike uniforms in baseball, football, and basketball, hockey doesn’t leave much room for customization. About the only thing hockey players can select on their own are the brands of their helmet, gloves, skates, and stick, and sometimes even those are influenced by sponsorship deals.
Goalie masks are the exception. The paint jobs are entirely up to the goalie, and we’ve seen some great designs. I loved the one Pittsburgh Penguins’ goalie Marc-Andre Fleury wore for the 2014 game at Soldier Field against the Blackhawks. Mike Richter of the New York Rangers had a great Statue of Liberty theme back in the 90s. And don’t you dare forget about Eddie the Eagle.
That’s why I was thrilled to see the excellent design released by CCM Hockey that will be worn by Corey Crawford in the 2017-18 season.
I don’t know when matte finishing for helmets/masks became so popular in sports, but count me in as a huge fan. That was the firs thing I noticed about Crawford’s mask for the upcoming season. A few staples of Crawford’s past designs are back again, with feathers on the top of the helmet and his number 50 over the chin.
Both logos from the sweater also appear on the helmet, with the tomahawks by each cheek and the Indianhead front and center atop the mask. For my money, though, it’s that matte finish that makes for a cool, sleek design.
Can’t wait to see it on the ice in a few months.