Top 10 NHL goalie mask designs

In the National Hockey League (NHL), goalies have the freedom to customize their masks with practically any design they want. Here are my top 10 designs for the 2024 season.

Johnathan Quick - New York Rangers

Quick’s mask builds around many of the historical buildings in the New York area. The one side spotlights the Twin Towers while the other side highlights the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty stands right in the center. For a relatively plain design, I thought it was worthy to make it in the top 10.

Andrei Vasilevskiy - Tampa Bay Lightning

Vasilevsiy’s mask looks sick. It appears to be a lion with lightning shooting from its eyes. I mean, who can hate on that?! His mask also features some palm trees to represent the city and fill in some space, too.

Petr Mrazek - Chicago Blackhawks

I’m not really sure what drew me to this mask, but it’s just visually pleasing. From the view of Chicago’s skyline to the gradient color scheme, Mrazek’s mask looks amazing.

Scott Wedgewood - Dallas Stars

Wedgewood's Mario Kart-inspired design incorporates aspects from the game and his personal life. One kart showcases cartoon versions of his two teammates. The other kart encompasses his two dogs, Captain and Bucky, as well as Baby Peach to represent his daughter. There’s something about a cartoon design that I find eye-catching.

Joonas Korpisalo - Ottawa Senators

The focal point around Korpisalo’s mask centers on a gladiator theme. There are a bunch of nods to this from a Roman chariot as well as Marvin the Martian, who is known for his Roman-style dress. It also shimmers in gold which makes it a beautiful work of art.

Tristan Jarry - Pittsburgh Penguins

There’s yet another cartoon design. Jarry took a play on his name and built his mask around the old-school cartoon, Tom & Jerry. Tom’s riding a beaten-up car while Jerry’s on a mini monster truck. What can I say, it’s just a fun mask to see.

Devon Levi - Buffalo Sabers

This Star Wars-inspired mask parallels perfectly with the Buffalo Sabers. It features Darth Vader and Darth Maul’s lightsabers alongside the slogan, “May the Force be With You,” and a quote from Obi-Wan Kenobi. The starry backdrop completes the look. Despite its relatively simple design, I really enjoy it.

Freddie Andersen - Carolina Hurricanes

This may seem like a plain black mask with the Hurricanes logo from afar, but that is miles from the truth. You can really see the beauty with a close-up view. This mask offers immense detail while maintaining a clean, slick design and that’s why I have it in my top three.

Elvis Merzlikins - Columbus Blue Jackets

I was pleasantly surprised with Merzlikins’s mask and the sheer amount of detail it required. I also love the red, white, and blue color scheme he chose to use. It really makes the mask pop. Despite the busyness of his mask, it still comes together well to present a wonderful masterpiece.

Jacob Markstrom - Calgary Flames

Do I need to say anymore? Markstrom has the best mask this year, by far. This knitted skull-themed mask may seem like a simple design, but it looks hyperrealistic almost as if it’s actually been crocheted. I’m no artist, but I know that takes immense skill.

Carlin Whalen is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cjw6426@psu.edu.