Colorado Avalanche: Ranking the Best Goalie Masks in Avalanche History

Semyon Varlamov’s Mask from the 2011-12 to 2014-15 Seasons

I always used to think this mask was a bunch of dog-slobber.

Turns out, it’s just a bunch of snow. More specifically, it’s a bunch of snowmen doing and be subjected to various things.

Here’s a picture of the other side of the mask, but be warned, it’s not a very detailed picture:

There are a lot of things going on with this mask, but for a more detailed description of everything going on, then check this out from the Denver Post. There is the Colorado Avalanche logo at the top of the mask, an American flag right where “Varly” is inscribed, and lots of slobbery looking snow.

It’s difficult to disseminate everything that’s going on with this mask, but Varly wore it during his Vezina-finalist season, and it became the mask associated with the brick wall he was during that year.

But, he soon changed his mask, and the change was actually pretty good.

Semyon Varlamov’s Mask During the 2015-16 Season

There is a reason Varly only wore this mask for one season, and that’s indicated by the “20 year anniversary” logo on the left side of his mask.

There is also a lot going on with this mask, but for most of the details, I’ll direct you to the Hockey News, and this post.

Make no mistake, this is one of my favorite Colorado Avalanche masks, but it was only worn for a year, and it is inevitably ranked lower because of it’s minimal shelf-life.

Also, the 20th anniversary season was a season to forget, so let’s forget the mask that was associated with it as well.

Semyon Varlamov’s Mask for the 2016-17 Season

This mask is almost just as bland as Craig Billington’s earlier. Here’s some side images so you get the idea:

The right side:

And the left side:

It’s essentially just two gigantic Avalanche logos with his nickname “Varly” in the middle. In other words, there is not much going on there.

It’s just not a very inspiring mask, especially considering the fact that this one followed that amazing 20th year anniversary mask. If Varly had stayed consistent with great masks, he’d be ranked higher on this list. But last season’s mask knocks him down a bit.

Hopefully he’ll return next season with a new hip/groin, and a new mask. We’re all allowed to dream right?

Let’s move on to the next player on this list.