5 Hidden Details Of Jordan Binnington’s 2025 Winter Classic Mask That Honored Baseball Legends

The tradition of the NHL Winter Classic is about more than just a hockey game; it is a canvas for unique artistic expression, especially for the goaltenders. This was perfectly exemplified by St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington during the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic, played on December 31, 2024, against the Chicago Blackhawks at the iconic Wrigley Field. The game, a monumental clash between two bitter rivals, saw Binnington debut a mask that was a masterful blend of hockey history, St. Louis pride, and Chicago’s legendary baseball venue, creating a piece of wearable art that immediately became a fan favorite.

The design, crafted by the renowned Swedish mask artist David Gunnarsson, was a deliberate "home run" that paid homage to the St. Louis Cardinals legends while incorporating the unmistakable aesthetic of the Chicago Cubs' historic home park. This multi-layered tribute not only celebrated the spirit of the outdoor game but also highlighted the deep connection between the Blues and their baseball counterparts, solidifying the mask’s place as one of the most memorable pieces of Winter Classic gear to date.

The Goaltender’s Profile: Jordan Binnington Biography

Jordan Binnington, known for his fiery competitive spirit and clutch performances, has become a cornerstone for the St. Louis Blues franchise since his breakout 2018–2019 season. His journey from a third-round draft pick to a Stanley Cup champion is a testament to his perseverance. The following is a quick look at the man behind the mask:

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• Full Name: Jordan Binnington
• Date of Birth: July 11, 1993
• Birthplace: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Position: Goaltender (Catches Left)
• Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
• Weight: 172 lbs
• NHL Draft: 2011, Round 3, 88th Overall by the St. Louis Blues
• Career Highlights: Stanley Cup Champion (2019), Calder Memorial Trophy Finalist (2019)
• Current Team: St. Louis Blues (NHL)

The 2025 Winter Classic Mask: A Baseball-Hockey Masterpiece

The 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field presented a unique opportunity for Binnington. As the game was hosted in a baseball stadium—the home of the Chicago Cubs—the theme naturally gravitated towards the diamond. Binnington, however, brilliantly flipped the script, dedicating his design not to the host team, but to the legendary figures of his own city’s baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. The mask was a complex narrative, expertly executed by artist David Gunnarsson of DaveArt, who has a long history of creating iconic NHL goalie masks.

1. The Pencil-Sketch Tributes to the Cardinals’ Holy Trinity

The most striking element of the mask is the tribute to three of the most beloved figures in St. Louis Cardinals history: Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright. Rather than using high-definition photographs, Gunnarsson rendered the portraits in a distinct pencil-style sketch or charcoal drawing look. This artistic choice gave the mask a vintage, timeless feel, perfectly matching the retro aesthetic often seen in Winter Classic jerseys and gear. The portraits are prominently featured on the sides and back, ensuring that the St. Louis baseball legends were visible to the world.

2. Incorporating the Enemy’s Home: Wrigley Field’s Ivy

While the mask was a Cardinals tribute, it was impossible to ignore the venue: Wrigley Field. To bridge the gap between the two rival cities, the design subtly incorporated one of the ballpark's most famous features: the iconic ivy that covers the outfield walls. This design element served as a backdrop, weaving its way around the Cardinals portraits and the Blues’ logos. It was a respectful nod to the history of the Chicago Cubs and the historic ballpark, acknowledging the unique atmosphere of the outdoor hockey game without betraying his team's loyalty.

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3. The "Home Run" Theme and Hidden Imagery

The overall theme of the mask was described as "swinging for the fences," a direct reference to the baseball setting. This concept was not just visual but thematic, symbolizing the Blues' aggressive approach to the outdoor game. The use of the St. Louis Blues' vintage logo and colors was integrated seamlessly with the baseball motifs, ensuring that the primary focus remained on hockey. The design effectively merged two distinct sporting worlds—NHL hockey and MLB baseball—into a single, cohesive piece of art.

A Look Back: Binnington’s 2022 Winter Classic Mask

The 2025 design was not Jordan Binnington's first foray into Winter Classic artistry. His mask for the 2022 Discover NHL Winter Classic, played at Target Field in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Wild, followed a different, yet equally rich, historical theme.

For the 2022 event, Binnington chose to honor the legacy of his predecessors in the Blues net. This mask was heavily inspired by the iconic designs worn by legendary Blues goalies of the past. This included subtle nods to the masks of Curtis Joseph (CuJo) and Grant Fuhr, who both hold significant places in the team's history. This pattern of honoring the past, whether it be hockey or baseball legends, has become a hallmark of Binnington's outdoor game gear, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the history of professional sports in St. Louis and the surrounding region.

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The Artist Behind the Art: David Gunnarsson and DaveArt

The brilliance of Binnington’s mask, both in 2025 and in previous years, is largely due to the talent of David Gunnarsson. The Swedish artist is arguably the most famous and prolific goalie mask painter in the world, with a client list that includes dozens of NHL netminders. His company, DaveArt, is known for its hyper-detailed, high-concept designs that often incorporate 3D-like effects and hidden imagery.

Gunnarsson's collaboration with Binnington is a perfect example of a successful partnership. The artist takes the player's vision—in this case, the desire to honor the Cardinals during a game at the Chicago Cubs' stadium—and translates it into a complex, visually stunning piece of equipment. The custom goalie mask becomes a personal statement, a piece of Winter Classic memorabilia that tells a story far beyond the confines of the hockey rink.

Topical Authority: The Cultural Significance of Goalie Masks

In the world of National Hockey League (NHL) gear, the goalie mask holds a unique cultural significance. Unlike a jersey or a stick, the mask is a blank slate for personal expression, often reflecting the goalie's personality, hometown, or interests. For a special event like the Discover NHL Winter Classic, the mask transforms into a historical artifact, a snapshot of the event's location and theme.

Binnington’s 2025 mask, with its St. Louis Cardinals focus in Wrigley Field, is a prime example of this cultural importance. It sparked conversation across both hockey and baseball fan bases, transcending the typical sports news cycle. By weaving together the history of the St. Louis Blues, the legacy of Albert Pujols, the atmosphere of Chicago, and the artistry of David Gunnarsson, the mask became a powerful symbol of sports rivalry and respect. It is an essential piece of Binnington’s gear history and a testament to the enduring appeal of personalized sports equipment.