Lifelong KISS fan’s dream come true: Creating hockey masks inspired by band

LOS ANGELES – If you’re a netminder in need of a mask, David Arrigo is your man. He’s created some of the most memorable designs for goalies of every level, from Angry Birds to that super scary Carey Price mask.

The NHL needed a mask for its Stadium Series game at Dodger Stadium. Four of them in fact. But not for the goalies in the game. For the in-game entertainment.

A little rock and roll band called KISS.

“It’s been an interesting five days,” said Arrigo earlier this week.

Arrigo already had a mask to create this week: Mike Smith’s Canadian Olympic mask. So that’s five masks in a matter of days; he usually needs two weeks to complete that workload.

“But the artwork here was so much fun. When I’m hot after the art work, I just don’t stop working,” he said.

It also helps that Arrigo has an affinity for the subject.

“Part of the KISS Army when I was a kid,” he said, with a laugh.

The four goalie masks

featured the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings logos alongside the likeness of the band.

Two of the helmets have all four members on them. Another has the symbols of the members. “Another one I did was based on the flamboyancy of Gene’s boots. So they’re it’s Demon’s Boots,” he said.

“Unless you’re a KISS fan, you probably won’t get it.”

Arrigo said the band-autographed masks will be available for bidding on auction.NHL.com. Proceeds will benefit the Anaheim Ducks Foundation and the Kings Care Foundation.

For him, it was a chance to help a good cause and honor the legendary, if divisive, band.

“There are a few detractors asking why they’re in the Hall of Fame. And they’re not the greatest rock and roll band, but you know what? It’s like a builder in the Hockey Hall of Fame. They showed so many bands how to market themselves,” he said.

Now, how do we get Gene Simmons to wear one of these onstage?