Made on iPad: The iconic mask design of the NHL goalkeeper will be realized with the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro

This year, Tim Cook’s Nike Air Max 1 ’86 isn’t just “made on an iPad.” The National Hockey League also relied on the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro for inspiration for creative design.

Since the 1970s, NHL goalkeepers have used customized masks as a form of expression. This year, hockey creators mask the league’s top goaltenders and utilized the power of the iPad to make their designs come true.

Made on iPad

As the 2024/2025 NHL season begins, Apple, the NHL, and the National Hockey League Players Association showcase this unique, creative collaboration between athletes, designers and iPads.

Goalkeeper:

• Jacob Markstrom
• Jeremy Swayman
• Joseph Wal
• Linus Ullmark
• Sam Montenbe
• Stuart Skinner
• Thatcher Demco

Artist:

• Dave Gunnerson
• Jordon Bourgae
• Travis Michael

This process begins long before the goalkeeper hits ice for a new season.

“From day one, the iPad has been a game changer for me,” says well-known artist Travis Michael. “You can create designs, send them to goalkeepers, get feedback, do edits, and it’s really elevating the process.”

Behind the mask

Jacob Mark Strom of the New Jersey Devils, along with artist Jordonblegae, created a mask inspired by the Jersey Devil, painted from folklore of the 1700s. The design reflects the iconic legend of New Jersey, embodying both the state’s history and the fierce spirit of his team.

The Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman mask was designed by Dave Gunnersson and celebrates Boston’s revolutionary history with portrayals of nods to Paul Revere, William Prescott and the Freedom Trail. Swayman’s reference to Alaska adds a personal touch to the design, blending his past and present team.

Joseph Wal of the Toronto Maple Leafs collaborated with Gunnerson with a mask inspired by meditation practice featuring gentle mountain scenery, including Norwegian “troll’s tongue.” The grand piano on the mountain represents his icy passion, focusing on calmness and design.

Ottawa Senator Linus Ullmark’s mask incorporates Viking-inspired initials for his family and the logo of former Ottawa Senator. Sam Montembeault’s Mask of Montreal Canadiens by Jordon Bourgeault pays tribute to Canadiens Legends Plante, Dryden and Roy, celebrating the milestones of key teams.

Edmonton Oilers’ Stuart Skinner’s Mask by Gunnarsson features Oilers’ orange oil splat, bear feet for his family, and his signature mustache. Along with Travis Michael, Sutcher Demko of Vancouver Canucks reimagined the character from “Johnny Canuck” as a zombie, nodded to BC’s Rocky Mountain and the childhood idol, Roberto Luongo.

M4 iPad Pro + Apple Pencil Pro

The 2024 iPad Pro features an M4 Apple Silicon Chip, Apple’s first tandem OLED display, optional Nano-Texture Anti-Reflective Glass, and a thinner design. The Apple Pencil Pro includes new squeezes, barrel rolls and tactile feedback features. Photoshop and Procreate for iPad are available on the App Store.

Posted from iPad. In-game photo credits: Getty

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