New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss revealed the mask with which he will defend Team Europe’s crease at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.
Autism Awareness AND a nod to Bavaria? Thomas Greiss has one of the best #WCOH2016 masks yet https://t.co/dqUozRm2NE pic.twitter.com/a87Ka0ZSWE
— Catherine Silverman (@CataCarryOn) September 1, 2016
The mask’s design is very interesting, with a jigsaw puzzle composing all the flags of the nationalities represented in the Team Europe roster. On the back plate, you can see the coat of arms of Bavaria, the German province where Greiss was born. The mask also pays tribute to autism awareness.
While most of the World Cup masks are crafted by David Gunnarsson, Greiss’ helmet was painted by Blake McCully, a Calgary-based artist who has collaborated with the German goalie for a long time.
During the 2015-16 NHL campaign with the Isles, Greiss posted a 23-11-3 record, with a save percentage of .925 and a goals-against average of 2.36. He also had a shutout. The native of Fussen, Germany, is under contract with the New York franchise for a further season.
Greiss will have to compete for a spot in Team Europe’s crease against Slovakian Jaroslav Halak and Dane Frederik Andersen. Unfortunately for the team, the latter picked up an injury during the Olympic Games qualification tournament and right now it is unclear if he will participate in the World Cup. Team Europe will have their first exhibition game against Team North America on Sept. 8 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
The Hockey Writers coverage of the World Cup of Hockey 2016 is being brought to you by PrimeSport, the official Fan Travel & Hospitality Package Partner of the World Cup of Hockey 2016.
Thomas Greiss Statistics