Ken Dryden Hockey Mask

In 1971, Ken Dryden won his first Stanley Cup, as well as the Conn Smythe trophy (playoff MVP).

Though only eight years old at the time I remember his calm under pressure and of course, his trademark standing pose. He inspired me to try out for goaltending on the local mite team.

This is a hand carved mask (14" x 9" x 6") made from Poplar wood.

When freshly cut, poplar wood has hardness much like a Granny Smith apple. But with each week the wood rapidly dries to hard wood like toughness.

This mask is successful not only because of the great subject but also because no cracking occurred. Next time you look at a log you might see cracking on the outside. This happens because the outside looses its moisture before the inside of the log. Carving off equal amounts from the front and back of the mask produced even drying and a memorable result.