A coaching change isn’t the only transformation going on with the Toronto Maple Leafs right now: Beleaguered goaltender James Reimer is also switching things up with a new mask that plays strongly off his nickname, Optimus Reim.
Like his old lid, which featured the popular Hockey Night in Canada duo of Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, Reimer’s new Transformers-themed mask was painted by Swedish sensation Dave Gunnarsson of Daveart.com
The CBC commentators have been replaced on the right side of the mask by the two forms of Optimus Prime – a dominant shadow of the robot lurking in the shade over the big rig automobile version of the leader of the Autobots – while the left side of the new mask features the Autobot symbol that was turned into a t-shirt to honour Reimer during his breakout rookie season last year.
Will Reimer's new backplate continue to reflect his strong Christian faith? Scott Slingsby photo.
At the time of publishing this piece we hadn’t had a look at the back plate yet so it’s not certain if it will again reflect Reimer’s strong Christian faith. For the complete story behind the most personal part of Reimer’s mask, see this in-depth piece from the InGoal Digital Magazine.
Leafs fans are clearly hoping Reimer, who has struggled to find that frst-year form since coming back from an early season concussion, can “transform” back into the goaltender they had such high hopes for heading into this season.
Friday’s coaching change, with a more structured Randy Carlyle taking over for the fired Ron Wilson, should at least be a better fit with the percentage-based blocking style of puck stopping taught by Leafs’ goalie guru Francois Allaire, who has come under heavy fire in Toronto amid his goalie’s recent struggles but got a vote of confidence from GM and President Brian Burke.
As for the mask? While if it’s a matter of look good, feel good, play good, Reimer could undergo a transformation.
Wow! It was about time he thinks about his nickname for a mask design! Really great artwork/theme. I hope he keeps this theme for his entire career!
My mask is cooler…
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/GreganDunn/dunn2resize.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/GreganDunn/dunn3resize.jpg
Actually, here is a better shot of my mask:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/GreganDunn/3MaskShots.jpg
So how is that cage being held on?
Prayer, mostly.
excellent paint…both masks equally cool
What a mess. Kind of like the Leafs’ season. If the Leafs were in an English soccer division they would’ve been relegated down a division years ago.
Bust-a-Reims
I wonder if Reimer will ever transfor into a real goalie
Once they trade him, and he’s cured of blue & white disease.
WOW, this is by far the best mask in the NHL (and I’m not a Leaf fan). Amazing lines and details. Very cool mask 5stars
It’s another one of those masks that has too much detail. I’m seeing this after seeing it on TV last night. There I had no idea what was on his mask. The only thing I could make out on TV was the Leafs logo on the left. Now that I can see the right side I can see the truck transforming but you can’t make that out on TV or from the stands. The potential to make it simple with the logo was missed. Andre – lmao – good question!
@ Gregnan… who did your mask if I may ask?