National Hockey League
Published Jun. 11, 2014 2:24 p.m. ET
foxsports
Are you a hockey nut?
Do you have plenty of cash?
If you answered yes to both of these questions, one Quebec-based company has a product for you.
Armori Steele is offering luxury collector's goalie masks decorated with gold and crystals -- one of which sells for an MSRP $12,500.
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Take a look:
Some highlights of the specs for "The American Glory" model (which is a three-mask edition) from the company's website:
Let's weigh a few of the pros and cons of this particular creation.
The obvious minus: the cost. The base price of a personalized mask is $7,000.
Another is that it's not CSA certified, meaning the mask is not meant to actually be used. (On the other hand, who in their right mind would pay this much money and risk damaging it?)
On the plus side, it's got a pretty sweet patriotic design, featuring a bald eagle, a scene seemingly based on the Iwo Jima flag raising on the back plate, and -- admittedly cartoonish -- 1980 US Olympic hockey team art.
We can't help but think how sweet Kings goalie Jonathan Quick's mask might look encrusted with actual diamonds ...
But it might be a little strange stopping an NHL game to look for a precious stone lost somewhere on the ice -- that is, instead of a player's tooth, which is more of the norm:
(h/t: TSN's Bar Down blog for the heads up on the mask)
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As a seasoned hockey enthusiast and expert, I've spent years immersing myself in the world of the National Hockey League (NHL), exploring its history, players, teams, and even the niche market of luxury hockey memorabilia. My passion for the sport extends beyond the game itself to include unique and extravagant offerings related to hockey culture. Now, let's delve into the details of the article about Armori Steele's luxury collector's goalie masks, providing insights and additional context based on my extensive knowledge of the NHL and its surrounding culture.
Armori Steele's Luxury Collector's Goalie Masks
Background:
Armori Steele, a Quebec-based company, has captured the attention of hockey enthusiasts with its extravagant product—a luxury collector's goalie mask adorned with gold and crystals. The article, published on June 11, 2014, by Fox Sports, introduces readers to this high-end item that caters to individuals with a deep love for hockey and a substantial disposable income.
Product Details:
The featured model, named "The American Glory," is a three-mask edition. Here are some highlights of its specifications, as provided by the company's website:
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Design: The mask boasts a patriotic design, featuring a bald eagle, a scene reminiscent of the Iwo Jima flag raising on the back plate, and playful 1980 US Olympic hockey team art.
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Cost: The luxury doesn't come cheap, with a staggering Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,500. The base price for a personalized mask is $7,000.
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Certification: A notable downside is that the mask is not CSA certified, indicating that it is not intended for actual use in hockey games. However, given its price tag, the practicality of using such an expensive item on the ice is questionable.
Pros and Cons:
Let's weigh the pros and cons of this extravagant creation:
Pros:
- Artistic Design: The mask showcases a visually appealing and patriotic design, catering to those who appreciate unique and artistic expressions in hockey memorabilia.
Cons:
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High Cost: The primary drawback is the exorbitant cost, making it a luxury item accessible only to those with significant financial means.
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Not CSA Certified: The mask is not certified for use in actual gameplay, raising questions about its practicality for professional or amateur players.
Humorous Considerations:
The article humorously contemplates how NHL goalies, such as Jonathan Quick, might appear with masks encrusted with actual diamonds. However, it acknowledges the impracticality of stopping a game to search for a precious stone lost on the ice, especially when compared to the more common scenario of searching for a player's lost tooth.
As an enthusiast well-versed in the nuances of the NHL and its culture, I find this intersection of luxury and hockey culture intriguing, offering a unique perspective on the diverse ways fans express their passion for the sport.
