Luongo's new mask

Hockey is a quirky sport.

Fighters sometimes wish each other "good luck" before they tussle, a goal-scorer will often hold back a smile if he scores, and a coach will wear a high-end suit to a hockey rink.

Among these things that don't seem to make much sense is the goalie's mask design.

From professional boxers to cartoon characters to famous musicians, why the goalie gets to paint awesome and colourful stuff on his helmet is kind of a mystery. He just does.

Why would a professional, making over $6 million per year, paint an animated lumberjack on a $1000 piece of equipment?

This may be the most blasphemous, counter-hockey-culture idea of ever, but what if players got to design their helmets like goalies do?

Imagine Calgary's Jarome Iginla with "IGGY" on the front of the helmet and fire bursting out of it down the side. ahahaha. K, maybe not.

But you know what, something as pointless as Luongo's new mask makes me even that much more excited for the season to start. Love the Johnny Canuck on the top, love the city skyline, love the green trees, and love the subtle touch of all the old logos. I even blogged about it.

Hockey culture is so weird.

Man, I love hockey.

p.s. Big game for the Mayhem this Saturday at 8 pm. Hope to see you there.