When Samuel Montembeau took to the ice with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night, spectators immediately noticed something different—the Bécancourt native was sporting a new mask. Unlike the traditional Canadiens-style masks that usually emphasize the team’s logo, this one featured a fresh, modern design. The mask, crafted by artist Jordan Bourgaud—who previously designed Carey Price’s cyborg-inspired mask—depicts a giant, twisting snake forming a knot, with snake scales incorporated into the Canadiens logo. On the front of the mask, just above the cage, are snake eyes, giving Montembeau a fierce, snake-like look.
This innovative mask was created in collaboration with Apple as part of the Made on iPad initiative and is included in the latest EA Sports NHL game, marking a significant step toward more realistic goalie designs in the series. Traditionally cautious in their mask choices, Canadian goalies often stick to classic designs, but this new look signifies an exciting shift. The backplate of the mask is painted to resemble bones, complementing the snake skeleton theme, and features a large “M” for Montembeau’s last name, along with an image of his French bulldog, Gucci. Overall, it’s a striking and personalized piece of equipment.
Given how Montembeau’s season began, some wondered if he would stick to traditional designs or embrace change like a snake shedding its skin. His recent performance, allowing only one power-play goal and posting a remarkable .973 save percentage, suggests he’s now shedding any doubts and confidence is rising. His impressive play could lead to an improved Olympic break, reassuring the Canadiens’ coaching staff, especially if he continues to build on his success. Fans might see him sporting this distinctive mask when he returns from vacation, as the team appears committed to maintaining its winning approach.
Fan Take: This bold new mask not only showcases Montembeau’s personality but also signals a broader shift toward more creative and personalized gear in hockey, which fans love to see. It adds a fresh layer of excitement and individuality to the game, hinting at a future where goalies and players more openly express themselves through their equipment.
