The Many Masks Of Islanders Goalie Legend Billy Smith

Goaltenders are crazy.

But there are perks to playing the position.

Outside of getting to play the entirety of the game -- if things go well -- goaltenders have the ability to customize their equipment, most notably their helmet.

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During the 1971-72 season, Boston Bruins goaltender Gerry Cheevers was one of the first goaltenders to customize the Jason mask, with his trainer placing stitch marks in spots to signify pucks hitting him the noggin.

New York Islanders legend Billy Smith had his fair share of masks over the course of his NHL career:

Let us know your favorite Smith mask in the comments below!

Before the start of the 2023-24 season, The Hockey News interviewed Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin about his brand-new mask:

Related: EXCLUSIVE: Islanders Sorokin Unveils & Explains New Mask Design

A few months later, ahead of the Stadium Series game against the New York Rangers at MetLife Stadium, THN caught up with Sorokin and his goalie partner Semyon Varlamov:

Related: Inside Look At Islanders Stadium Series Goalie Masks

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