Flyers' Mason embraces undead with unique mask

PHILADELPHIA -- Christmas came early for Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Steve Mason.

Mason received his new mask Thursday, a zombie-themed creation that features a number of Revolutionary War-era historical figures.

"I feel like a kid on Christmas morning," the goaltender said.

Zombie Betsy Ross on the left side of Steve
Mason's goalie mask. (Click to enlarge)

"I'm very impressed," Mason told NHL.com. "He [artist Franny Drummond] had sent me photos throughout the week so I knew what to expect, but when you see something in person for the first time, knowing the amount of hours Franny had put into the helmet, it's pretty impressive to see it in person."

One side of the mask features a zombie Betsy Ross in her home sewing an American flag backlit by a single candle, while the other side has a zombie Benjamin Franklin presenting what Drummond called, "the key to the city."

On the backplate is a zombie George Washington alongside the Declaration of Independence. The top features a battered Flyers logo "stitched" into place, while the chin features Mason's nickname, "Mase," in large black, block letters, similar to what the Flyers wear on the back of their home jerseys.

The zombie theme is one Mason had utilized in smaller sections on masks he's used in the past, but this season's helmet is the first time he's gone for the full zombie invasion.

Zombie Benjamin Franklin on the right side of
Mason's mask. (Click to enlarge)

"Ever since I was growing up I had wanted a scary-themed helmet," he said. "The last few years I've had a mask done I've had a zombie theme but not the entire helmet. One of my favorite shows is 'The Walking Dead,' so to kind of incorporate that into the design and put a Philly twist on it with some historical figures, for the most part I think it turned out awesome."

Drummond, who runs Paint Zoo based in Langhorne, Pa., was more than happy to indulge Mason's wishes.

"He was blown away," Drummond told NHL.com. "He was waiting for it. It was very exciting for him to get to see it in person. I was sending him pictures, but pictures don't do it justice."

Mason certainly agreed. He said he and Drummond had exchanged ideas throughout the summer, and the final product was just what he was hoping for.

"We talked a lot throughout the summer to get down pat the overall design," Mason said. "There's a lot of thought that goes into it to make it work on such a unique painting surface … so for Franny to have come up with this design and make it work, he did a real good job."

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