J.P. Hoornstra, The Daily Bulletin/The Sun
Former Reign goaltender Jeff Zatkoff is looking for a mask.
Zatkoff, who backstopped the first regular-season win in Reign history, is now firmly entrenched with the Kings' American Hockey League affiliate in Manchester, N.H. Any question as to where he would begin the 2010-11 season was all but answered with today's announcement out of Manchester that Zatkoff is looking for a new mask.
Information from about the mask contest:
Returning for another season in the Kings organization, goaltender Jeff Zatkoff is asking fans to help him design his goalie mask for the 2010-11 season. He wants his mask's design to be inspired by Kings and Monarchs fans of all ages.
"The Monarchs are celebrating their 10th season and I think it's a cool way for fans to get involved," Zatkoff said. "I would like to see how they incorporate the Kings logo and the Monarchs logo to tell a story on my mask. A story of the organization as a whole could be very intriguing and inspiring when it comes from a fan's perspective."
Fans (one entry per person) will be asked to download a template from the Monarchs website, www.manchestermonarchs.com, and create their best mask design. All submissions must be mailed and received at the Monarchs office by 11 a.m. on Friday, August 27.
Submissions will be narrowed down to five finalists. Those finalists will be sent to Zatkoff, who will pick his favorite entry as the Grand Prize winner and the artwork will be sent to DAVEART Studio for the airbrushing of the design. The Grand Prize winner will be announced at a press conference the first week of October. The Grand Prize winner of the contest will have the opportunity to watch a private Monarchs practice at the Verizon Wireless Arena with one guest on a mutually agreed upon date between the winner and the team. Following practice, the winner and guest will enjoy lunch with the team. Please note that the mask may not be an exact replica of the winning submission, but will resemble and be inspired by it.
Throughout the 2010-11 season, Zatkoff will wear the mask during all Monarchs home games at the Verizon Wireless Arena and fans will have the opportunity to win the mask following the season. Fans can purchase raffle tickets throughout the season online at www.manchestermonarchs.com starting on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Following the end of the 2010-11 season, the Monarchs will choose a raffle winner to receive Zatkoff's game-worn and autographed mask specialty designed by a Monarchs fan. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Monarchs Care Foundation and the charity of Zatkoff's choice, the Lupus Foundation of America.
"My grandmother was diagnosed with Lupus as a child and has been battling the disease her entire life," explained Zatkoff on why he chose the Lupus Foundation of America for his charity. "I try to incorporate the purple Lupus ribbon on all of my masks in honor of her."
"To be able to involve the fans in designing something that inspires the players and team, and also give back to the community and a foundation that is near to Jeff's heart is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Cheryl Abbott, Monarchs Senior Vice President. "We are very excited to see what our fans can come up with to help us celebrate our 10th season in Manchester."
Submissions should be mailed to: Monarchs Care Foundation, Attn. Jeff Zatkoff's Mask Design, 555 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101.
