Concordia Stingers’ goaltenders talk about their gear and the inspiration and meaning behind it
Everybody knows how agile and smart hockey goaltenders have to be. But they also have the most creative and artistic position when it comes to gear in team sports.
Goalies have the freedom to design their own equipment, including their masks and pad sets.
While everybody notices how aesthetically pleasing these masks are, what they don’t always realize is the meaning and inspiration behind certain designs.
The Concordia Stingers’ goalies — from the women’s and men’s hockey teams — explained the designs on their gear.
Alice Philbert wearing her white mask.
The veteran goaltender in her matching white pads, glove, and blocker. She’s a big fan of white gear as it’s discreet and allows her to blend in with the background.
Woody from Toy Story on the back of Philbert’s mask has a special meaning for her.
“My best friend’s nickname is Woody,” Philbert said. “She was on the team and she didn’t play much so I wanted something to represent her so she can be on the ice, in the net with me during every game.”
Jonathan Lemieux in his old mask from his time with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
Lemieux with his mask on top of his head.
Lemieux’s mask mostly has designs representing his old team, banners from their championships, Garfield, and scratches on the back. He also included “prove people wrong” and a four-leaf clover for good luck.
Lemieux in his white set and his teammate Gabriel Proulx in the back. The 6’1 goaltender said he likes to wear white equipment because it makes him look bigger.
Teammates Jordan Naylor (left) and Lemieux (right) on the ice during practice on Jan. 11, 2023.
Madison Oakes in their gradient white-to-maroon mask.
There are four stars on Oakes’s mask with encouraging messages they have received from people close to them. They said they wanted to have them on their mask as reminders. The message “I will always be there” is from their teammate Philbert.
Oakes in their full gear. They wanted a more colourful setup and liked the idea of a gradient.
Jordan Naylor in his grey-base mask with maroon and gold designs.
The Stingers’ #34 with his mask on top of his head.
On the back of Naylor’s mask, he decided to have designs that remind him of his home in Aldergrove, B.C. Designs include the skyline and “The Shack,” which is what his parents call their house.
Naylor in his full equipment set.
Lemieux and Naylor after practice on Nov. 30, 2022.
