The Buffalo Sabres recalled Matt Hackett from the American Hockey League on Saturday. The 25-year-old has just one appearance so far this season, but with an injury to newly acquired goalie Chad Johnson, it looks like Hackett should see the Sabres' net again.
When he does get back between the pipes, he'll be arriving in style. The London, Ont., native unveiled a new mask for the season that is sure to make Buffalo natives (and team owner Terry Pegula) swoon. Harkening back to the Buffalo glory days of old -- which might feel a little too far away these days -- Hackett's mask pays tribute to some of the great legends of Buffalo's two big-league franchises.
On one side of the mask, Hackett has images of Sabres Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek and Gilbert Perreault. On the other side, there's a tribute to Buffalo Bills legends Jim Kelly and Bruce Smith. Even if you're not from Buffalo, you can certainly appreciate this piece of equipment.
Pegula is now the owner of both the Sabres and the Bills after his family took over the NFL club in the fall. The ownership group has been promoting the slogan "One Buffalo" and it looks like Hackett took that message to heart. Never a bad way to get in the boss' good graces.
An unfortunate update: The mask definitely looks cool, but it sounds like someone got the measurements wrong. Hackett won't wear this beautiful tribute to Buffalo sports. According to John Vogl of the Buffalo News, it doesn't fit...
Unfortunately, Matt Hackett's Bills- and Sabres-themed mask is too big for him and he can't wear it.
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) March 7, 2015
