Tim Cook’s Nike Air Max 1 ’86 isn’t the only shoe that’s “Made on iPad” this year. The National Hockey League also looks to iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro for creative design inspiration.
Since the 1970s, NHL goalies have used customized masks as a form of expression. This year, the league’s top goaltenders and hockey mask creators harnessed the power of the iPad to bring their designs to life.
Made on iPad
As the 2024/2025 NHL season begins, Apple, the NHL, and the National Hockey League Players Association are showcasing a unique creative collaboration between athletes, designers, and iPad.
Goalkeeper:
- Jacob Markstrom
- Jeremy Swayman
- joseph wal
- Linus Ullmark
- Sam Montembaugh
- stuart skinner
- thatcher demko
Artist:
- Dave Gunnarson
- Jordan Bourgeault
- travis michael
This process begins long before a goaltender steps on the ice for the new season.
“The iPad has been a game-changer for me since day one,” says noted artist Travis Michael. “I can now create a design, send it to the goalie, get feedback and edit it. It has sped up the process a lot.”
behind the mask
Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils, along with artist Jordan Bourgeault, drew inspiration from 1700s folklore to create a Jersey Devil-inspired mask. The design reflects New Jersey’s iconic legends, embodying both the state’s history and the team’s fierce spirit.
The Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman mask, designed by Dave Gunnarson, celebrates Boston’s revolutionary history with depictions of Paul Revere, William Prescott, and a nod to the Freedom Trail. References to Swayman’s home state of Alaska add a personal touch to the design, blending his past and present teams.
Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs collaborated with Gunnarsson on a mask inspired by meditation practices, featuring serene mountain landscapes, including Norway’s Troll’s Tongue. The grand piano at the top of the mountain represents his passion on the ice, combining tranquility and concentration in its design.
Ottawa Senators Linus Ullmark’s mask incorporates his Viking-inspired family initials and the original Ottawa Senators logo. Created by Jordan Bourgeault, the Montreal Canadiens’ Sam Montembeau mask pays homage to Canadiens legends Plante, Dryden and Roy while commemorating important milestones for the team.
Gunnarsson’s mask of Edmonton Oilers guard Stuart Skinner features the Oilers’ orange oil splash, a bear’s paw for his family, and his signature mustache. Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, along with Travis Michael, reimagined the “Johnny Canuck” character as a zombie, adding a nod to B.C.’s Rocky Mountains and 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-textured anti-reflective glass, and a thinner design. Apple Pencil Pro includes new squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback features. Photoshop and Procreate for iPad are available on the App Store.
This is a post from an iPad. In-game photo credit: Getty
Follow Zac: X, Threads, Instagram
FTC: We use automated affiliate links that generate income. more.
