When Marc-Andre Fleury stepped onto the ice Monday morning at the Golden Knights’ practice facility, he drew more looks than even he is used to.
Fleury took his usual lap around the rink at City National Arena, and fans couldn’t help but stare at his new set of goalie pads, which are solid gold.
The glimmering, auric leg pillows are truly a sight to behold and conjure memories of a younger Fleury.
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“They’re pretty cool, huh? It reminds me of when he was young and had the yellow pads,” teammate William Karlsson said. “They look good.”
When Fleury first entered the NHL in Pittsburgh he sported a set of solid yellow leg pads with matching blocker and catcher. The distinct, vibrant look became synonymous with Fleury during his younger years, as his aggressive style of play was just as flashy as his equipment.
Marc-Andre Fleury sporting his bright yellow equipment as a member of the Penguins on Oct. 5, 2006. (Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)
“It looks like Flower in 2003,” said William Carrier. “They look good.”
The pads are certainly unique, like Fleury and most goalies, for that matter.
“Goalies are goalies,” Carrier said, shaking his head and laughing. “Goalies are goalies …”
Coach Gerard Gallant gave the pads a ringing endorsement.
“They really looked sharp, didn’t they?” Gallant said. “They looked really good.”
The CCM pads and gloves are identical to the ones Fleury has used since coming to Las Vegas — other than the color, of course.
🌸’s breaking in his new goldie pads
😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/SlfH961RGj
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 15, 2018
“We’re the Golden Knights, so I thought I’d put a little more gold into my colors,” Fleury said.
A little?
Fleury’s new equipment might have more square inches of gold than the entire roster’s uniforms combined. They’ve gotten mostly positive reviews from players in the locker room, and fans on social media, but he says they won’t be a regular part of his game day wardrobe.
“I’m just trying to break them in,” he said. “I think they’ll be maybe for special games or on special days, I’m not sure yet. It won’t be an everyday thing, though.”
Quick! To the schedule!
What are the most likely possibilities for Fleury’s pads to make a special appearance?
The most obvious answer is Jan. 19 when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit T-Mobile Arena, but they’ll undoubtedly make an appearance before then. On Nov. 10 the Golden Knights visit Montreal, which could be a special day for the French Canadian.
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Matchups with inter-division rivals San Jose on Nov. 24 or Los Angeles on Dec. 8 would also make sense.
As for their first appearance, it’s unlikely he’ll feel comfortable enough in them to play Tuesday’s game in them, but you have to think he wants to get them on the ice before the new shine wears off.
Who am I kidding? There’s no taking the shine off of those things.
(Top Photo: Courtesy of the Vegas Golden Knights)
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