Minnesota Wild's Marc-Andre Fleury Defies NHL Ban to Wear Native American Heritage Mask
Despite being forbidden by the NHL, Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury wore a custom Native American Heritage night mask in warmups on Friday night. Fleury wanted to honor his wife, Véronique, who is Native Canadian, by wearing the specially designed mask. Although the NHL threatened the Wild organization with an 'additional significant fine,' there is no expected punishment for Fleury or the team. Fleury did not appear in the game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Fleury Disobeys NHL Ban
Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury defied the NHL's ban on specialty equipment by wearing a custom Native American Heritage night mask in warmups.
Fleury wanted to honor his Native Canadian wife, Véronique, by wearing the specially designed mask by artist Cole Redhorse Taylor.
Despite being informed that he couldn't wear the mask in the game or in warmups, Fleury offered to pay the fine but was threatened with an additional fine.
No Punishment for Fleury
According to a source, there is no expected punishment for Fleury or the Wild from the NHL for wearing the Native American Heritage night mask.
The Colorado Avalanche won the game 3-2, and Fleury did not make an appearance.
The Wild's request to allow Fleury to wear the mask was denied by the NHL, but exemptions have been made for other themes such as Hockey Fights Cancer.
Designer Honored to Create Mask
The mask for Fleury was designed by artist Cole Redhorse Taylor, who expressed his honor to represent his community and family through this design.
The helmet will be up for auction, with all proceeds going to a Native American-led charity that assists indigenous families in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Bids on Fleury's mask were nearing $6,000 on Friday night, and the Wild's autographed Native American Heritage Night jerseys were also up for auction.
