Gifts of Glory

Its that time of year. The time where goalie mask lovers hope to get a mask related gift but never do. I'm here for you. Even if the gift is for yourself.
So without further ado, I give you the top six Mask Gifts for the Christmas Season.

6. Team Mini Mask
Plain? Yes, but these masks are perfect for autographs and to put on display.
You can find team selection here.

5. Evolution of the Mask
I cam across these gems on the NHL Store. You can get them framed or unframed

4. Upper Deck Mini Mask
In 2002 the card company Upper Deck inserted Miniature Replica masks into certain boxes of hockey cards. Now, you can find them on eBay.

3. McFarlanes Figure
I've talked about these before, and nothing has changed since. Find out more here.

2. Saving Face
This is number one on my list, and if I don't get it, I'll be getting it myself. If you haven't heard about it, Saving Face is a book about goalie masks. Must Read.

1. Replica Mask from Masks From the Past
Wow! It might not fit everyone's price range, but I can dream can't I? The best gift ever can be found right here.

10 Best Masks of the Year: 3

3. Mathieu Garon

Ah fire and ice, blue and red. Even though it's technically orange oil, you get the idea. Who would have thought to put ice on a Oilers mask? Come to think of it, why name a team that plays on ice Oilers in the first place? Anywho, awesome mask. The one downside: the RBK logo. But, what can ya do?

10 Best Masks of 07-08
10: Hannu Toivonen
9: Jocelyn Thibault
8. Marc Denis
7. Alex Auld
6. Jose Theodore
5. Marty Turco
4. Vesa Toskala

Mike Smith Likes the New Mask Smell

Tampa goalie Mike Smith must have a thing for donning a new mask. After his "Saw" mask, he has made comments about having a new mask every month. Overall, it seems to gimmicky.

From Tampa Bay.com:

MASKED MAN: G Mike Smith has his third new mask of the season, and said he might wear a new one every month. He said he wore a Christmas mask last year and likely will do so again.

"I think it's a great idea for goalies around the league," he said. "The artists are willing to do it and goaltenders have fun with different masks."

The current mask commemorates Veterans' Day and Canada's Remembrance Day. Both are celebrated Tuesday. The United States flag and army boots are on one side. The Canadian flag is on the other. All 30 NHL logos adorn the brow.

Smith said he is unsure if he will give the mask to charity as he did the Saw V mask he wore the past few weeks.

Cam Ward...Again

Cam Ward wore a new mask again, this time mimicking the move "Cape Fear". I've never seen this movie, I have to imagine that stare is important.
It seems that the days of a goalie being known for one mask are slowing fading. Brodeurs, and Belfours are now not too common.

Pics of the new mask are here, here, and here.

10 Best Masks of the Year: 4

4. Vesa Toskala

Yes, I know it isn't all that original, and it has nothing to do with Maple Leafs. However, it is very Vesa (if that makes sense). The story goes that he saw the skull in a tattoo shop in Finland. He has worn the same basic design since '99, both in Sweeden and in San Jose. The only difference is the color.
Another reason this mask is number4 is that it just looks awesome when paired with the jersey. Look at this. I have no clue why, but it just looks amazing.

10 Best Masks of 07-08
10: Hannu Toivonen
9: Jocelyn Thibault
8. Marc Denis
7. Alex Auld
6. Jose Theodore
5. Marty Turco