DETROIT -- The Tigers haven't played at Coors Field since 2011, but they'll be represented when the Red Wings take the temporary ice there next month for the NHL's Stadium Series game against the Avalanche, thanks to goaltender Jimmy Howard.
When the Wings and Avs meet Feb. 27 at the Rockies' home park, Howard reportedly will have a personalized goalie mask that honors Tigers legends Al Kaline, Alan Trammell, Kirk Gibson, Ty Cobb, manager Sparky Anderson and broadcaster Ernie Harwell. The likenesses of all six are painted on the sides of the mask, while the top of the mask lists the Tigers' World Series titles (1935, '45, '68 and '84).
The mask will feature classic Tigers logos from the '20s and '80s.
Howard has sported several custom masks over the years, but with the visit to Coors Field, a Tigers-themed design made too much sense. The designer, Ray Bishop of Bishop Designs, is based in Michigan, so he didn't need a refresher course on the Tigers' history.
Bishop -- who also paints cars and motorcycles -- has put custom designs on goaltender masks across the NHL. With several catchers now adopting hockey-style masks to help reduce the risk of concussion, perhaps a custom catcher's mask could be a new venture.