Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will be debuting a new mask in Detroit tonight, and it’s one with a very special significance. The new helmet strays from the Wings’ typical red and white color scheme in favor of a whole lot of pink, a cool gesture to support the NHL’s ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ campaign this October.
It’s not the first time Howard has had some new gear made especially to promote Breast Cancer Awareness; The American netminder had a full setup created for the cause last season as well:
FIRST LOOK: A full look at Howie's pads for Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Saturday! pic.twitter.com/tCl3lVagt1
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 10, 2013
His dedication to the cause isn’t just limited to the gear he wears on the ice, either. Earlier this summer, the Red Wings invited Kelly Rothe, a young Michigan woman and Wings fan battling breast cancer, to Joe Louis Arena for a tour. Upon discovering that Howard was her favorite player, the team asked Howard to surprise her during the visit. He happily obliged, and this video was produced as a result:
[Warning: You might need tissues.]
Shortly after that meeting, Rothe, at 20-years old, became the youngest woman who chose to undergo a preventative double mastectomy. The surgery was successful and she returned to Joe Louis Arena just a few weeks ago to revisit Howard and the Wings on Breast Cancer Awareness Night.
