Paying homage to country and family, Olympic-bound Sabres goalie Ryan Miller’s mask features Uncle Sam, his Michigan State mascot, and his late cousin “Matt Man,” who lost a battle with cancer.
Miller is being looked at as the likely starter for the United States Olympic hockey team, sporting number 39 (US teammate, goalie Tim Thomas will wear number 30, Miller’s Sabres number).
Two other native Western New Yorker’s, Pat Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks and Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will play for the US also.
The mask depicts Uncle Sam, rolling up his sleeves and getting ready to do business. It was designed in Michigan, Miller’s home state, based on sketches Miller came up with.
Image: The Times Herald