A 14-year-old’s choice of goalie mask customization has people debating if the art is appropriate.
Painted by Doug Wagner for the teen who plays for the Palmyra Black Knights, the mask shows President Donald Trump holding a trowel and brick, building a wall, USA Today reported.
The mask was commissioned and paid for by the teen's parents, who Wagner said, own a business in Central Pennsylvania and Trump supporters, USA Today reported. They paid about $900 for the mask and design.
Wagner told the newspaper, "Personally, I would have picked something different. It's a hot topic. It'd be a bit too far for me if it was my mask."
Youth hockey goalie's mask features Donald Trump in brick wall theme
— soccerman (@soccerm00956420) March 21, 2019
Artist Doug Wager created the mask - which features President Trump holding a trowel and brick - for a 14-year-old player in Pennsylvania.
from USATODAY - Sports Top Stor… https://t.co/3KP2vIYVH2 pic.twitter.com/N59PGR7wVZ
"Normally, there's no reason why anyone would be upset over having the president of the United States on a mask. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing that people take offense to and, in my opinion, it's a willful act to be outraged," Wagner told USA Today.
Wagner has been creating art on goalie masks since 1992 and makes about 100 masks a year. He made one for Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Garrett Sparks, as well as for players in the minors, college, junior, youth and beer leagues.
The parents of the goalie were contacted by USA Today, but declined to answer questions. Team officials did not return calls.
Cox Media Group