What about "Vesku"? Welcome Vesa Toskala!

Vesa Toskala

Vesa Toskala was drafted 90th overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He made is NHL debut on November 24, 2001, in a ten-minute relief effort of Evgeni Nabokov allowing no goals on two shots by the Kings... Since then he has compiled an impressive NHL record of 65 wins 28 losses 2.35GAA .914 Save% over 5 years as the Sharks backup. (115 games played, 99 games started)

Vesa used to be considered untouchable by the San Jose franchise and was lined up to be their main man behind Nabakov,,, while shipping Miikka Kiprusoff off to Calgary in 2003 for a 2nd round draft pick. So it seems to be very fortunate for Toronto to have acquired Vesa when he reportedly went on the market last year.

Vesa Toskala, nick named "Vesku" has a new mask ready to go for this season, crafted by artist Frank Cipra (Cipra Design)

Here are some images provided by Bob Orr.

While I do not know any of the inspiration or story behind the mask I do like the fact that it is a standout design. It should go well with Toskala's standout attitude and I look forward to seeing him as Toronto's #1 goalie this year! Andrew Raycroft did great and all but he in my opinion has a very lackadaisical attitude and wasted too many games letting in soft goals... and all he had to say about it at the end of the year was how proud he was that he had 37 wins but little concern about the Leafs not making the playoffs or what he is going to do better next year. Toronto fans demand a hockey man,,, and Raysoft's hockey passion just doesn't seem to cut it for this market.

UPDATE:

His Mask has been the same since 1999. "It is mainly a drawing of a skull that I saw in  Tattoo Magazine in Finland." says Toskala.

So again, welcome Vesa!!!

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