25 most bizarre goalie masks in NHL history

2004 Season: Gary Bromley of the Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
2004 Season: Gary Bromley of the Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /
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2004 Season: Curtis ‘Cujo’ Joseph of the Blues. (Photo by Scott Brinegar/Getty Images)
2004 Season: Curtis ‘Cujo’ Joseph of the Blues. (Photo by Scott Brinegar/Getty Images) /

No. 21: Cujo

Let’s go a little more into the future.

When you want everyone in the arena to know you’re the baddest dude there, and that you also forgot to take your medication, put a growling/rabies infested dog on your mask. Hey, look at that — even decades later we have lunatics roaming a frozen pond.

Inspired by the trainwreck of a film Cujo, Curtis Joseph (Cujo, get it?) is not only remembered as a fantastic goaltender, but for going with this horrifying choice every night. He must not have been keen on growing a fanbase out of toddlers, or anyone over the age of 70. We’re also almost positive he was never first choice to be the entertainment at a kid’s birthday party.

The mask is a true original. It even comes with painted-on drool. Not only that, but his whole brain is clearly protected. Which makes us think that the NHL might be on to something. What’s concerning here are the eye holes. The size could’ve been drastically reduced to add more horror, and to also, you know, not allow a stick to be jammed in there. Or for someone to drive a Prius through them.

Come on NHL, I think we’re going backwards here.

Curtis Joseph never won a Stanley Cup, but if it were up to us, he’d have an honorary one for this monstrously delightful piece alone. Although your taste in film may be a tad lacking, your penchant for scaring us to death does not disappoint. This one’s for you. Kudos, Cujo.