Annaheim, Sask. boy's mask is a finalist for World Juniors

When Canada’s World Junior goalies take the ice next month they may be wearing a mask designed by a grade six student in Annaheim, Saskatchewan. 

Edward Knittig is one of two finalists in the Under-13 category for Hockey Canada’s goalie mask design contest. 

“I was looking through my sister’s menu at Boston Pizza and I saw the contest and thought it would be a cool thing to do,” Knitting told CKOM while eating lunch at his home. 

Knittig’s design is a red mask filled with white maple leafs and a map of Canada which he says represents the country’s unity around hockey.

“I tried a couple (designs) out and I felt this was the best one.” 

After submitting his design, the contest became a bit of an afterthought. At first, Knittig didn’t even know he was a finalist. 

“My dad came to a family gathering with a Canada hockey jersey and I couldn’t figure out why,” Knittig said. “Then he showed me a picture of the mask and I figured it out.”

In addition to having their designs featured on one of the goalie’s masks, winners also receive a trip for two to a game at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship along with a $50 Boston Pizza gift card, a Team Canada jersey, and their own painted replica mask autographed by Team Canada. Knittig says if he wins his dad will be the guest of honour. 

Voting ends Monday, Nov. 21 at 11:59 p.m. on the Hockey Canada Facebook page.