Senators' goaltender Craig Anderson unveiled a new mask that he will wear throughout the upcoming season. Beyond his looming nickname and the maple leafs surrounding much of the surface, Anderson paid homage to former Senators head coach and general manager Bryan Murray.
Murray passed away last August after a three-year battle with colon cancer. He served as Ottawa's head coach from 2005-07, until he was ultimately promoted to become the seventh general manager in the organization's history.
The Senators wore a special decal on their helmets throughout the 2017-18 season. The decal bore Murray's initials and with "Family man, friend, coach and mentor" written. Murray, who was the team's general manager at the time, played a crucial role in acquiring Anderson from the Colorado Avalanche in 2011.
Murray awarded Anderson with a four-year extension when the goaltender compiled an 11-5-1 record in his first year with the Senators. The 37-year-old credits Murray for being the reason he's still in Ottawa.
"Devastated to hear of Bryan Murray's passing. That man is the reason I am in Ottawa. I owe him a lot. #rip #sens
— Craig Anderson (@CraigAnderson41) August 12, 2017
Anderson will enter his ninth season with the Senators. Last season, Anderson appeared in 58 games where he tallied a 23-25-6 record. By creating the mask, alongside designer Sylvie Marsolais, Anderson is doing his part to honor his former mentor.