Growing up as a Big Bad Bruin fan, Gerry Cheevers was my guy in the net. What I used to love most about goalies in the 1970"s was that they were all so unique. They all had very distinct ways of playing, with such personality. Cheese was known to often stray from his net to play the puck much more than other goalies. In fact, he was the first goaltender recognized as a "third defenseman". He of course, was also the first goalie to add Artwork to his legendary mask, literally changing the standard for all goalies, forever. You will never see a single goalie today without Artwork on their mask, anywhere in the world. Although he is fondly remembered for his “stitches” goalie mask, a tradition he started every time he made a save with his face, often lost among his career accolades is the fact he’s held the NHL record for the longest undefeated streak for well over 50 years. In 1972, on one of the greatest teams in the history of the NHL, he went undefeated in 32 consecutive games, a record that still stands, and one that will likely never be touched. Cheevers is also the only goalie in NHL history to win at least 50 playoff games in fewer than 90 appearances. But that mask is so iconic, those stats are almost never mentioned, and always overlooked. "At times, I did feel like I was somewhat of a pioneer in hockey because I actually decorated my mask," said Cheevers. "If you know goalies the way I do, none of them would probably be smart enough to put anything on their mask - so if I didn't do it, they might have all been white masks. And what good is that?!" What good indeed. It was a no brainer for me to choose to paint Cheevers. Not only is he one of my favourite goalies ever, but it sure felt good paying tribute to the man who is responsible for so much amazing Art that myself, and the whole world have enjoyed. Thanks Cheesie