The Washington Capitals revealed Braden Holtby‘s new mask for the Winter Classic and it is awesome. Adorned with the classic Caps logo, the new bucket features an illustration of Uncle Sam that once was on a vintage Olie Kolzig mask.
In his own words, Holtby coyly states that the design is “a little tribute to a pretty good Capitals goalie from the past.”
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On his new vintage pads:
It wasn’t too much thought really. I wanted to do something retro. I actually asked for cream but they didn’t have [those] at CCM so I did the vintage brown. It’s been done a few times before but I wanted to add a little bit of color to change things up a bit. It goes really well with the burgundy look.
On getting his new equipment game-ready for the Winter Classic:
I think we have four or five practices and pre-game skates that I’ll wear them in. If they’re ready, they’re ready. If they’re not, they’re not. They felt pretty good today though. It all depends on how they make them and I think they’re pretty consistent. It shouldn’t take too long.
Holtby on bringing his normal gear and his Winter Classic gear on the road with the team.
It might not be a very Merry Christmas for the equipment staff. [Laughs] I’ll make sure I thank them for it.
On his new mask:
It’s a little tribute to a pretty good Capitals goalie from the past. Same backplate and everything. It’s based off Olie’s first mask. I think they did a pretty cool job of tying the future and the past into it.
Holtby on if he’s comfortable in the mask:
I can put it on now and not know which mask I’m wearing.
