When it comes to on-ice artistic expression in the NHL, most people think of goalie masks. Ever since Gerry Cheevers began painting stitches on his fibreglass fae covering, goalies have used their masks to inject a little personality and style into their game.
But, did you know that skaters have done the same with their skates? More and more, skates are becoming the canvas for players’ self-expression, so this week I’m going to show you some examples of players taking their skate game to the next level.
Beauty is in the blade holder
We’ve seen a number of skate innovations over the decades. For a few years, beginning in 1954, the NHL required players to have their uniform number painted in white on the heel of their skate boot, giving the player’s skates a bit of an individual identity.
Then in the 1980s and 90s, some players began experimenting with different coloured blade holders. Tuuk began making transparent skate blade holders, which were pretty cool and made it look like players were floating two inches above the ice. Then the company started making black and blue blade holders, and a few players picked up on the trend, notably Wendel Clark, Guy Carbonneau and Bernie Nichols.
Despite the greatest player ever using the blue Perfecta blade holder, this style never really caught on.
Guy Carbonneau and his signature blue blade holders.
Wendel Clark sporting the blue blade holders, with a small #17 displayed on the heel.
I remember wanting a pair of blue Tuuk holders, and when I was 22 I was able to track some down at a sports store while on a trip to Toronto. When I went into the store to pick them up, the guy behind the counter said “Wanna look like Wendel Clark, eh?” I had never seen Clark wear the blue Tuuks until I saw a picture of him using them just a few years ago.
A lot of you may remember Wayne Gretzky wearing blue blade holders during his time with the Oilers. Those were made by a company called Perfecta, and Gretz liked them so much he actually bought the company and used the blade holders for the rest of his on-ice career.
But, despite the fact that the greatest player in the world wore coloured blade holders, the trend never really caught on.
From Empty Canvas to work of art
Lately, though, there’s been a surge in skate art. In 2017, Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin became the first NHL player to wear skates with custom artwork on the boots. Ovi’s skates featured St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Russian flag on the left skate, while the right skate featured the U.S. Capitol Building and the American flag.
The Great Eight only ever wore these custom skates in pre-game warm-ups, however, as the NHL has some pretty strict rules about game uniforms.
But, some custom painted skates have seen game play. In December of 2022, Auston Matthews wore a pair of “ugly Christmas sweater” themed skates in support of Sick Kids hospital. The skates were later auctioned off with proceeds going to that charity.
Not to be outdone, Matthews’ teammate, Mitch Marner was allowed to wear a pair of custom carvers for the 2023 All-Star Weekend in Miami, Florida. His skates featured his dog Zeus riding a shark on one boot, and Zeus standing in front of two crocodiles on the other. You’d never get a cat to pose for those.
Anthony Duclair had a sweet pair of powder blue skates made up to match the Florida Panthers’ reverse retro hockey jersey, complete with powder blue blades. Unfortunately, Duclair got injured before he could wear them, and he’s since moved on to San Jose, where wearing Florida Panthers skates is frowned upon.
The World Junior Hockey Championships have recently allowed participating countries to express their team identity on their skate boots with skates painted with the team’s national flag and colours.
In 2021, the NHL approved skates honouring Willie O’Ree, the first African-American player to play in the NHL. Players were invited to wear the flashy footwear during Black History Month. Among those who wore the skates in warm-ups or during games were Patrick Kane, Anthony Duclair, and the Flames defenceman, Oliver Kylington.
While custom painted skates may be coming into their own, at this point they still seem reserved for warm-ups and special events like the NHL All-Star Game or Heritage Classics.
At the 2003 Heritage Classic alumni game in Edmonton, Wayne Gretzky wore a pair of special Nike skates featuring his trademark blue blade holders, Gretzky’s name on the ankle, and a number 99 on the heel. Similarly, In 2016, Dustin Byfuglien rocked a pair of skates with the word “Buff” emblazoned on the outside of the boot and his number 33 on the back of the heel.
Compared to Mitch Marner’s All-Star stompers, those Buff and Gretz skates are rather humble.
The Future of Custom Skates
The NHL has been historically conservative when it comes to uniform rules, notwithstanding the ’70s when Cooperalls somehow made the grade. It seems as though public opinion may be turning in favour of custom painted hockey skates, and we may see more and more artsy-fartsy footwear in the near future.
In fact, a company called SkateSkins has developed a product that allows you to express yourself by adding a wrap-around decal — or “skate skin” — featuring a design of your choice. SkateSkins are removable and reusable and do not damage the skate when applied.
So, it looks like hockey’s headed in a more fashionable direction, and that pleases me very much. If you want to stay up to date on hockey and hockey culture, subscribe to the 4 Shots with Keener newsletter.
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Keener’s new skates- blew his 10 year old nephew’s mind!
