Skip to content

Why Sherie McKay is lookin' mean

That's Sherie McKay, the St. Joseph Island artist, in our photo. And yes, that's Mike Palmateer's famous Confederate Flag goalie mask from his 1980-81 season with the Washington Capitals. Sherie's the marketing officer at Art Gallery of Algoma.
SherieMcKay

That's Sherie McKay, the St. Joseph Island artist, in our photo.

And yes, that's Mike Palmateer's famous Confederate Flag goalie mask from his 1980-81 season with the Washington Capitals.

Sherie's the marketing officer at Art Gallery of Algoma.

She wants us to tell you about Lookin' Mean, a new exhibition that opens tonight, about the art of the hockey mask and helmet.

Curated by Michael Burtch, the show features items on loan from both the Hockey Hall of Fame and private collections, exploring the relationship between contemporary sports iconography, traditional fine art, and ceremonial masks.

Says Burtch: "The primary purpose of masks and helmets is to protect, but the expressiveness of design adds a powerful psychological dimension."

There's an opening reception from 7 tp 9 p.m. tonight at the gallery (10 East Street beside the library) with Soo Greyhound players on hand to provide autographs and a free chance to win a jersey.

The fascinating exhibition continues through January 3.

If you go

The gallery's open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Until Christmas, it's also open Wednesday nights until 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

You'll be able to see the following masks:

**************************************************************** Mask Mold (inverted) Ron Low, Washington Capitals 1974-75, National Hockey League

The reverse mold on the mask is prepared by the mask maker to form the contours on the face

**************************************************************** Mask Mold (face) Ron Low, Washington Capitals 1974-75, National Hockey League

After the reverse mold is made, the mask maker can make a duplicate of the goaltenders face.

**************************************************************** Back Piece of Mask Jacques Plante, Toronto Maple Leafs 1970-71, National Hockey League

Early back piece of the goalie mask, protects the goaltender when he/she falls backwards. Plante also invented the goalie Mask in 1959.

**************************************************************** Back Piece of Mask Ken Wreggett, Pittsburgh Penguins 1995-96, National Hockey League

Painted back piece, Wreggett's design incorporated secret messages to his family. (Welcome and the 3 USA Coins)

**************************************************************** USA Confederation Mask Mike Palmateer, Washington Capitals 1980-81, National Hockey League

A traditional long faced mask used to protect face and part of upper neck. Painted in the colours of the Confederate Flag.

**************************************************************** Non Painted Mask Cam Newton, Chicago Cougars 1973-75, World Hockey Association

An early-style mask made from layered fibreglass.

**************************************************************** Early Face Protector John Groff, Plante Hockey School 1958-61, Burlington Minor Hockey

Encouraged by Jacques Plante, this face protector was made to protect Against sticks and pucks.

**************************************************************** Team Canada Sledge Hockey Pierre Pichette, Team Canada 1998 Paralympics

Worn during the 1998 Paralympics, Pichette wore this mask playing Sledge Hockey while representing Canada. Notice the neck protector which has become standard today.

**************************************************************** Team Canada Women's Manon Rheaume, Team Canada 1994 World Championships

Painted to represent her country, Rheaume helped Canada win Gold in 1994.

**************************************************************** Hockey Hall of Fame Replica

Mask shows the cage and fiberglass style of a mask, notice the vision a goaltender can get using this style of Mask.

**************************************************************** Maple Leafs Legends Mask

Autographed by Leaf Legends Johnny Bower, Curtis Joseph, Dave Keon. Modern Itech mask which incorporates a steel cage and painted fiberglass.

****************************************************************


What's next?


If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.




David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
Read more