Tim Cook’s Nike Air Max 1 ’86s aren’t the only things being “Made on iPad” this year. The National Hockey League has also turned to the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro for creative design inspiration.
Since the 1970s, NHL goalies have used customized masks as a form of expression. This year, creators of hockey masks the top goaltenders in the league have leveraged the power of the iPad to bring their designs to life.
Made on iPad
As the 2024/2025 NHL season commences, Apple and the NHL as well as the National Hockey League Players Association are showcasing this unique creative collaboration between athletes, designers, and iPad.
The goalies:
- Jacob Markstrom
- Jeremy Swayman
- Joseph Woll
- Linus Ullmark
- Sam Montembeault
- Stuart Skinner
- Thatcher Demko
The artists:
- Dave Gunnarsson
- Jordon Bourgeault
- Travis Michael
The process starts long before the goalies ever hit the ice for the new season.
“From day one iPad has been a game changer for me,” says renowned artist Travis Michael. “Being able to draw up a design, send it to a goalie, get their feedback and make edits. It’s sped up the process so much.”
Behind the mask
New Jersey Devils’ Jacob Markstrom, with artist Jordon Bourgeault, created a mask inspired by the Jersey Devil, drawing from 1700s folklore. The design reflects New Jersey’s iconic legend, embodying both the state’s history and the fierce spirit of his team.
Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman’s mask, designed by Dave Gunnarsson, honors Boston’s revolutionary history with depictions of Paul Revere, William Prescott, and a nod to the Freedom Trail. A reference to Swayman’s home state of Alaska adds a personal touch to the design, blending his past with his present team.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Joseph Woll worked with Gunnarsson on a mask inspired by his meditation practice, featuring serene mountain landscapes, including Norway’s “Troll’s Tongue.” A grand piano atop the mountains represents his off-ice passion, combining calm and focus in the design.
Ottawa Senators’ Linus Ullmark’s mask incorporates Viking-inspired initials for his family and the original Ottawa Senators logo. Montreal Canadiens’ Sam Montembeault’s mask, by Jordon Bourgeault, pays tribute to Canadiens legends Plante, Dryden, and Roy while commemorating key team milestones.
Edmonton Oilers’ Stuart Skinner’s mask, by Gunnarsson, features Oilers’ orange oil splats, a bear paw for his family, and his signature moustache. Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko, with Travis Michael, reimagined the “Johnny Canuck” character as a zombie, adding BC’s Rocky Mountains and a nod to his childhood idol, Roberto Luongo.
M4 iPad Pro + Apple Pencil Pro
The 2024 iPad Pro features the M4 Apple silicon chip, Apple’s first tandem OLED display, optional nano-texture anti-reflective glass, and a thinner design. Apple Pencil Pro includes new squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback features. Photoshop and Procreate for iPad are available on the App Store.
Posted from iPad. In-game photo credit: Getty
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