Coyotes goalie to honor Pat Tillman on his mask
Oct 5, 2011, 5:37 PM | Updated: 7:02 pm
NHL goaltenders like to express themselves via their
masks, which are often adorned with impressive graphics,
which can mean any number of things.
Coyotes goaltender Jason LaBarbera’s new mask will be used
to honor Pat Tillman and other service members.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pat Tillman and
everything he did for this country,” said LaBarbera in a
press release. “Not many professional athletes would give
up their playing careers to defend their country and fight
for what they believe in. It was an incredible, selfless
act and I just want to honor him and help keep his memory
alive by putting some images of him on my mask. He was a
great American hero and I’m proud to have him on my mask.”
The left side of the mask will feature Tillman’s face,
Tillman playing football and Tillman hugging his brother
Kevin. The right side will have an image of a soldier and
a military aircraft, with the front of the mask showing a
yellow ribbon that stands as a symbol for all members of
the armed forces.
The mask was designed by David Arrigo, a Toronto-based
artist who also designed new Coyotes goalie Mike Smith’s
mask for the 2011-12 season.
LaBarbera will also donate $420 to the Pat Tillman
Foundation for every win he records.
