Halak pays tribute to late countryman Demitra on new mask

Jaroslav Halak is paying tribute to his late friend and countryman
Pavol Demitra
this season.

Halak's mask design features Demitra's name and No. 38 which he wore for nearly his entire NHL career, including from 2008-2010 with the Canucks until his tragic death in September of 2011. Demitra and 43 others were killed in a plane crash in Russia.
"Obviously it's always hard to talk about it," Halak said. "It's been 10 years, but I just want to have a tribute to him and his family to just put him on a helmet."

The helmet also features the crest from the Slovakian flag next to Demitra's number. The two were teammates for Slovakia, most notably during the 2010 Olympics where they placed fourth, the best finish in the country's history.
"He was incredible," said Halak of Demitra's play in those Olympics. "He was great. He was hurt before, so he didn't even know if he was going to play or not and then he came and he was our best player."
Halak, who signed with the Canucks this offseason and is entering his 16 NHL season [the same number of seasons Demitra played], decided to pay tribute to his friend, a favorite in Vancouver.
"He played here and obviously people know him here and how great he was and that's why I just decided I want to put him on my helmet." Halak said.
--NHL Independent Correspondent Kevin Woodley contributed to this report.