PHOTO: Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy's electrifying new mask
Based on the iconography that adorns his new goalie mask, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is a big fan of electric kittens, palm trees and Greek mythology.
The big Russian-born rookie, a first-round pick of the Lightning at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, will make his debut in North American professional hockey this spring. While he's expected to earn his stripes in the American Hockey League this season, Vasilevskiy's mask makes it clear that he intends on stopping pucks sooner rather than later for the Lightning.
The mask features Tampa Bay's 'Bolts' lettering from the club's third jerseys on the right side of the mask, in addition to some Russian iconography and a hefty dose of lightning:
[Courtesy InGoalMag.com]
The left side of the mask features, yep, you guessed it: more lightning. Also, palm trees!
[Courtesy InGoalMag.com]
On the top of the mask is a frightening 'big electric-charged lion' according to designer Sylvie Marsolais of Sylabrush.
[Courtesy InGoalMag.com]
Marsolais' description is probably fair, but to me, that's a Raiden lion:
[Courtesy InGoalMag.com]
On the mask's backplate is Zeus – the most badass of the Greek gods – holding two lightning bolts:
[Courtesy InGoalMag.com]
Vasilevskiy's mask is busy, but does well to integrate Tampa's team iconography in a colorful, highly personal way. Full marks!
[H/T @michellegingras]