Hockey’s Iconic Goalie Masks Get a High-Tech Makeover, But Is It Art or Just a Gimmick?
Apple is once again teaming up with the NHL for the second year of its ‘Goalie Masks Made on iPad’ initiative, and it’s pushing the boundaries of what we think of as sports equipment. This time, six NHL goaltenders—Sam Montembeault, Anthony Stolarz, Dustin Wolf, Adin Hill, Thatcher Demko, and Logan Thompson—are stepping into the spotlight with masks designed entirely using the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a machine-aided design truly capture the soul of a sport as gritty and traditional as hockey? Let’s dive in.
The project, part of Apple’s broader ‘Made on iPad’ campaign, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process between NHL goalies and their chosen artists: Jordon Bourgeault, Dave Fried, and Travis Michael. Using the iPad Pro with M5 and Apple Pencil Pro, these artists transition seamlessly from rough sketches to intricate 3D renderings, all on a device that’s thinner than your average hockey puck. Apple’s latest iPad Pro, powered by the M5 chip, boasts faster speeds and a significant leap in AI performance, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals. But is this technology overkill for something as traditional as a goalie mask, or is it the future of sports design?
And this is the part most people miss: the campaign isn’t just about masks—it’s also about gaming. Through a partnership with EA’s NHL ’26, all six masks will be featured in ‘The Made on iPad Collection,’ allowing fans to design their own masks using iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate. A new 3D goalie mask template will debut on apple.com, giving fans a chance to become designers themselves. But does this democratization of design dilute the artistry, or does it open up new possibilities for creativity?
Now, let’s talk masks. Each design tells a story, blending personal history with team identity. Take Anthony Stolarz’s ‘Polar Bear Mask,’ designed by Jordon Bourgeault. Inspired by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ mascot, Carlton the Bear, the mask features the iconic character alongside blue maple leaves, with Anthony’s number etched into the bark at the chin. It’s a symbolic family-tree motif that pays homage to his favorite Leafs goaltenders. But is it too nostalgic, or does it strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation?
Sam Montembeault’s ‘Python Mask,’ also by Bourgeault, takes a bolder approach. An intricate weave of serpents coils across the mask, accented with snake skeletons and a reimagined Montreal Canadiens logo featuring scales and bone textures. It’s edgy, it’s modern, and it’s definitely a conversation starter. But is it too much for the ice, or is it exactly what hockey needs to stay relevant in a changing world?
Thatcher Demko’s ‘Johnny Canuck Mask,’ designed by Travis Michael, continues the reinvention of a character originally developed with Thatcher’s father. This season’s design features a skull bursting through ice, wrapped around the mask, with metal rivets and staples binding it together. The Vancouver Canucks’ skate logo is stitched onto the character’s toque, adding a touch of team pride. But does this design honor tradition, or does it lose something in its modern reinterpretation?
Dustin Wolf’s ‘Wolf Mask,’ also by Michael, is a fiery tribute to the Calgary Flames. A fierce red wolf anchors the design, surrounded by flames inspired by the team’s logo. One side features a cowboy riding a bull, nodding to Calgary’s rodeo heritage, while the other showcases a serene skating scene on a frozen lake in Banff. It’s a mask that tells a story, but is it too busy, or does it capture the essence of Calgary perfectly?
Adin Hill’s ‘Dragon Mask,’ designed by Dave Fried, aligns with the Vegas Golden Knights’ medieval aesthetic. A dramatic golden dragon head dominates the mask, with an easter-egg detail showing the dragon breaking through a brick wall—a callback to Hill’s Stanley Cup–winning mask. It’s a design that’s both bold and nostalgic, but does it overshadow the player, or does it elevate his presence on the ice?
Finally, Logan Thompson’s ‘Duelling Eagles Mask,’ also by Fried, evolves last season’s design with two eagles mid-flight, adding motion and intensity. The Washington Capitol Building sits between them, anchoring the mask with a bold civic symbol. It’s a design that’s both dynamic and meaningful, but does it risk being too complex, or does it strike the right balance?
By merging top NHL talent with cutting-edge Apple technology, this campaign aims to inspire both hockey fans and creators. But the question remains: is this the future of sports design, or is it a fleeting trend? What do you think? Is the use of technology like the iPad Pro enhancing the artistry of goalie masks, or is it taking something away from the traditional craftsmanship? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this bold new era of hockey design.