Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is coming off a stellar season in which he led the Preds to a Western Conference Championship, and was a staple in helping the city of Nashville becoming a hockey-crazed market known as “Smashville.”
After posting a solid regular season where he won 31 games with a .918 save percentage, the 34-year-old had a Conn Smythe playoff performance posting a 1.96 goals against average and stopped 93 percent of the shots directed his way. Even though Rinne had some hiccups throughout the Preds' playoff run, he gave the team a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup, which is all you can really ask for out of your goaltender.
With NHL training camps just getting underway, most goaltenders around the league are breaking in new equipment ahead of the season. While Rinne appears to be wearing the same pads as last season – for now at least – he was spotted wearing a new mask last week at informal practices.
The Finnish goaltender will be donning that mask for the majority of the season, but not on opening night when the Preds host the Philadelphia Flyers. The Predators announced on Wednesday their No.1 goaltender will be auctioning off a special helmet to aid those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, complete with Rinne's signature.
David Gunnarsson, one of the premier goalie mask painters that designs numerous NHL masks, was the architect behind the design along with Bauer Hockey. The Texas flag is featured on the lid in a heart-shaped outline.
The Predators also announced that Ryan Johansen’s locker that features an autographed jersey and nameplate is available for auction.
Last week, Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin and team owner Ted Leonsis donated to those in need effected by the Hurricane Harvey. Numerous other athletes like J.J. Watt and Nazem Kadri have also stepped up in the cause.
(h/t to the Nashville Predators)
