Goalie masks have evolved over the years. There was a time when goalies didn't even wear masks because of the coach's fears that it will hinder their ability to play. The first mask worn in an NHL game was on November 1, 1959 by Jacques Plante after a puck broke his nose. The coach, Toe Blake, was extremely angry but had no other backup goalie. Ever since then the goalie mask has been worn, and has grown beyond something made just to protect them. Most goalies have a design on the mask that is a reflection of themselves and are very personal. In the picture above the words "Bulin Wall" are a play off his name, Khabibulin. The picture underneath is of Rick Dipietro and he has a design of Vietnam war veterans, after his father. Not all goalie masks are as great as these, but for the most part they are pretty cool nowadays. Some just have the team's mascot or name on their with a design, and some go to a more personal level. In the future they may change even more. We've seen them go from no mask to a plain white masks to all out colorful designs. Maybe they can go holographic next, or employ some ways to distract the opposing team. It's all up to the goalies and how far they want to take it.
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