With the NHL season quickly approaching it’s time to start seeing some of the new art that will be featured on goalie masks around the league, especially for goaltenders that are joining new teams.
After being traded to the Calgary Flames over the summer, Mike Smith needed to get a new design for his lid and ended up going with a celebration of the Calgary Stampede. Artist David Arrigo did all of the artwork, giving Smith an “over the top” celebration of the Stampede. The mask also features Smith’s children driving a chuck wagon.
Here is a quick look at it. You can see more at Arrigo’s website.
Flaming hot Mike Smiths new @NHLFlames @VaughnHockey @Progoalie #goaliemask more pics; https://t.co/p4kCSTrW2p pic.twitter.com/cIWbw0YbEU
— David Arrigo (@darrigoart) September 1, 2017
The Stampede is an annual 10-day rodeo (one of the largest rodeos in the world) that is held in Calgary every July. It is billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
The Flames acquired Smith in an offseason trade with the Arizona Coyotes, one of two big moves the team made this summer in an effort to strengthen its defensive play. Smith will be playing behind what should be one of the best blue lines in the league this season and will be counted on to solidify a position that has been a revolving door over the past couple of years. The pressure will be on for him to have a strong season if the Flames are going to take the next step in their development from playoff team to Stanley Cup contender.