I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario and made my first mask in 1976. I started making masks using materials from a local hardware store and eventually was taught the basics of fiberglass composite work by Jim Murphy (a local mask maker). I made masks for myself and other local goalies, but by this time, most goalies were switching to the helmet and cage. I made my first Jr. “A” mask in 1978, for Jim Ralph of the Ottawa  67’s.

     My hockey career and education eventually landed me in New Brunswick, where I met my wife. I now reside in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, where I work as a high school teacher. In 1999 I started ClassicMask as a web site to promote vintage goalie masks. I was initially surprised at how much interest there was in these masks. Over the past few years, since starting ClassicMask, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in a few interesting projects: movies like Miracle, Exit Wounds, the CBC mini series about the '72 Canada-Russia Summit series, and museum exhibitions.

     I still make masks the way they were made in the 1970's, which I admit is not a very efficient way of making masks, often taking up to 40 hours or work per mask. However, it is the process that I enjoy, from making the mould to the final product. After 6 years of constant work, I have decided to pass the torch. I find that with a young family, my time to make goalie masks is limited, so I will no longer accept orders for masks.

     Presently, I am an avid collector of vintage masks and only make masks to trade for them. If you are interested in having a mask made by myself and you have a vintage mask to trade, you can contact me through this web page or on the discussion forum. Mask making is strictly a hobby for me these days.

             Contact Gary Smith Phone: 506-473-5444 or email me at: gandl@nb.sympatico.ca 

* Legal Disclaimer *

All masks made by the featured maskmakers are designed to protect the head and face from superficial injuries, they are not designed to protect from neck or spinal injuries. Ice hockey and other contact sports can be dangerous. No protective equipment will eliminate all injuries, If you wear a mask made by the featured maskmakers when you play hockey it is implied that you accept the risk of injury.

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