Catalog of Best Goalie Masks in NHL History

[Johnny Engine]

Beezer (John Vanbiesbrouck) on the Panthers

I don't think any goaltender has worked their team logo/branding into their mask quite so seamlessly. Beezer should have passed that helmet down to new Panthers starters after he left...or maybe just fold the franchise. Forget it, it doesn't get better.

 

[Doctor No]

I don't think any goaltender has worked their team logo/branding into their mask quite so seamlessly.

Although I agree for the most part, I'll offer up:

 

[Killion]

Billy Suitcase Smith

circa 70/71... and checkout his skates. 2 tone. unreal.

 

[Doctor No]

Gary, yes?

If it were Billy, the stick would be around the Canadien player's neck.

 

[Killion]

Gary, yes?

If it were Billy, the stick would be around the Canadien player's neck.

Ahhh of course.... my mistake.... thats Gary folks.

 

[Doctor No]

Ahhh of course.... my mistake.... thats Gary folks.

I love the two-tone skates, by the way. And people say Charlie Finley added nothing to the sport.

 

[Killion]

I love the two-tone skates, by the way. And people say Charlie Finley added nothing to the sport.

Even still Doc, Suitcase there sartorially challenged. Pants too big, sweater too small... and he's looks kinda pissed off about it.

 

[Doctor No]

Even still Doc, Suitcase there sartorially challenged. Pants too big, sweater too small... and he's looks kinda pissed off about it.

He was a big dude - they probably didn't have "big & tall" goalie stores back then.

 

[Flamer12]

Presuming that the font is too small to be read, how many can y'all name?

Awesome. I remember seeing a lot of them but can only name a few. Would like to see who they belong too.

 

[Crosbyfan]

Sawchuk's "mask"

 

[Johnny Engine]

Although I agree for the most part, I'll offer up:

Less so in the "seamless extension of the logo" category, more in the "I think San Jose might have actually dressed a great white in net tonight" category.

 

[SUBdrewgANS]

Although I agree for the most part, I'll offer up:

thats not the sharks logo though.. thats just a shark.. The only resemblance of the branding is the colors

 

[Doctor No]

In that vein, Mark Fitzpatrick also did a nice job.

 

[Doctor No]

For a plain white mask, I always loved Mike Liut's long-billed version.

 

[Killion]

For a plain white mask, I always loved Mike Liut's long-billed version.

Yeah, way back in the day & even into the 80's some guys wouldnt paint their masks, was in fact circa mid-60's through the 70's considered amongst some schools of thought a total hot-dog move. Was unusual when I played until the early 70's. Only Cheevers with his Stitch Mask & I think it was either Suitcase Smith up there with all yellow or maybe Favell in Philly who's team mates as a lark one year went & painted his mask orange just before Halloween on him. I never had a paint job. Used the Plante model which was white, then a custom Harrison which was like bondo grey... which was kinda Badass.... like the car in some schlocky horror flick... Duel or whatever starring Dennis Weaver... Martin Sheen or what have you.... Tarantino's Deathproof... that was a good one... Kurt Russell as the vehicular killer Stuntman Mike.... far cry from playing the very likeable Cap'n Ron or Herb Brooks huh Doc?... his & Goldie Hawns son is a Goalie I believe.... wonder what kinda paint job he had applied to his mask....

 

[GMR]

Gilles Gratton for sure is my favorite.

The fact he was kinda nuts makes it even cooler.

 

[Johnny Engine]

In that vein, Mark Fitzpatrick also did a nice job.

All signs point to "Panthers should have folded in 1998"

 

[Doctor No]

These are my retired masks (my current past is not painted yet, although I'm going to do something either Seattle-themed or Colorado mountains-themed).

Bottom - my first (roller hockey) mask, which I painted to look identical to Kirk McLean's mask at the time (I did my painting in the summer of 1994). The Canucks logo is a stencil that I painstakingly made, and then stuck onto the mask prior to applying the clear coat.

Top right - my first ice hockey mask, which I wore during college as well. The mask is a purple/gold wolf, representing where I grew up, although the design is a copy of Curtis Joseph's Edmonton mask. I paid to have this one done.

Top left - my second ice hockey mask. I wanted to get it painted, but couldn't take enough time off from hockey to get it done by a professional. Then one day, I took a nasty shot right above the temple, and decided to put some stitches on a la Cheevers. I finally retired the mask about a year ago.

 

[Eisen]

It's Gump Worsley's

 

[FrozenJagrt]

Was always a fan of this one

 

[Voight]

I liked Giggy's masks when he was with Toronto

Liked Toskala's too

 

[Killion]

 

[Gunnersaurus Rex]

I LOVE simple design masks. These are the bests :

Dryden. My fave of all time !! Simple yes, but just so iconic....

 

[Voight]

GOAT mask. Inspired so many kids to have that sort-of design its not even funny, my favourite of all time quite easily.

 

[iamjs]

I love the two-tone skates, by the way. And people say Charlie Finley added nothing to the sport.

those two-tone skates were courtesy of several layers of paint, right?