Some of the NHL's newest goalie helmet designs include retro throwbacks, familiar icons and splashy colors.
Hockey season is right around the corner now, which means it’s time to get those airbrushes out and paint some goalie masks.
We’re in a golden era of goalie mask design, as the NHL’s netminders have never been more bold and prolific with their headgear.
Some goalies even run a rotation of masks, often suited for their team’s home, away and alternate uniforms. On these unique canvases, we’re treated to powerful personal anecdotes, homages to great cities and wacky characters.
In a world of increased corporate sponsorship, which has led to jersey patches, helmet stickers and more, goalie masks have become an important haven for creativity.
Here are some of the latest works of art to be worn this upcoming season:
Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild
Painted by Stephane Bergeron
For his farewell season, Fleury's throwing it back with three different mask designs to wear with the Wild’s home, away and 1978-themed alternates.
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The home and away masks can only be distinguished by their different green and white background colors. But they share the same ferocious animal design, which is reminiscent of the many 1990s netkeepers who sported animal themes on their helmets.
The third mask is reminiscent of Fleury's retro helmet from 2022, which used a mainly white color palette, but this time, it sports a bold yellow cage.
The big ‘M’ on either side is a little plain, but it matches the ’78 retro aesthetic nicely.
Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils
Painted by Sylvie Marsolais
Allen has only tended the crease for 13 games with the New Jersey Devils, but he’s already been inspired by franchise icon Martin Brodeur for his latest mask.
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Like Fleury, Allen will be rocking home and away versions. Both feature the iconic devil horns and tail, making for an instant classic.
Mads Sogaard, Ottawa Senators
Painted by Dave Fried
The big Danish goalie has previously paid tribute to his home nation with a Great Dane character, and that continues with his latest collaboration with Fried.
This time, the happy canine is seen playing winter games with his snowman friend. With just enough Senators theming to tie it all together, this helmet is just pure fun.
Fun fact: the Great Dane actually originates from Germany.
Logan Thompson, Washington Capitals
Painted by Dave Fried
With so much American iconography and lore to work with in Washington, new arrival Logan Thompson has packed in a lot here, including the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and a fearsome eagle.
The eagle's talons gripping the Capitals logo is a nice touch, as is the dispersal of stars throughout.
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Joey Daccord, Seattle Kraken
Painted by Shifty Custom Helmet Art
Daccord took the starter duties in Seattle last season, and he's got another two masks this upcoming campaign as he looks to keep the positive momentum going.
The first one was unveiled earlier in the summer and is meant to complement the white uniforms. 'Shifty' said on Instagram the mask is simple and subtle from a distance but packed with lots of sparkle.
It certainly makes sense to lean into the aquatic aesthetic brought out by the anchors and bold water splashes, but the grid of dots is more generic. While it looks nice, it leaves something to be desired in this writer's opinion.
That said, the mask for the home jerseys is electric.
The ultra-detailed Kraken on both sides of the helmet strike the eye, while team mascot Buoy also appears on the bottom left side.
Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
Painted by Dave Gunnarsson
Regardless of whether Kuemper manages to stabilize the Kings’ crease this season, he’ll look sharp between the pipes.
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The Kings have rebranded for this year with a throwback, and this mask seems to incorporate something from every era of pro hockey in Los Angeles. There’s the original 1960s crown, the sweeping ’90s font and the 2000s-era silver.
And, of course, there are the palm trees that are well-known in Los Angeles.
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