Red Wings G Petr Mrazek "will be sporting what surely are the most unique goaltending pads ever seen in a professional game" either at Michigan Stadium for the NHL Winter Classic against the Maple Leafs on Jan. 1, or at Comerica Park with the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, against the Toronto Marlies on Dec. 30, according to Ansar Khan of MLIVE.com. Due to injuries to fellow Red Wings Gs Jimmy Howard and Jonas Gustavsson, which game Mrazek appears in is unknown. The pads are "red and feature a snowman near the bottom, beneath six large snowflakes." Mrazek said that Griffins equipment manager Brad Thompson "gave him the idea." Mrazek said, "I know a couple people didn’t like it, they think it’s ugly or they think it’s like a kid, but no one has [done] it before so I think it’s a good idea." Should Howard or Gustavsson play for the Red Wings both will go with a "traditional look for the outdoor spectacle, wearing brown pads, glove and blocker." Meanwhile, Howard's sprained left MCL "prevented him from wearing a special Christmas mask with a Santa Claus design on Monday, which was to be auctioned off to raise money for Toys for Tots." Howard said, "I don’t know if I’m going to hold off until next year with it or wear it when I come back after Christmas." The mask "was designed by Ray Bishop of Bishop Custom Designs" (MLIVE.com, 12/25). Howard, asked if he has a special Winter Classic mask in the works, half-grinned and said, "We'll see" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/24).
