The Calgary Canucks’ goalie coach has a favourite hobby – painting goalie masks.
“I always love when they open the bag for the first time and see it and go, ‘Wow.’”
Mike Bergren is a busy man.
He works full-time at an e-waste startup company and, besides to being the Canucks goaltending coach he’s also a part owner at Apex Goaltending, a goalie school.
He uses all his spare time to paint goalie masks.
Bergren says it all started during COVID.
“I was actually going in and working with Dave Fried (Friedesigns) beforehand doing some prep work and started being a bit of a mask nerd,” he said.
“I enjoyed that, growing up all the time. You know, being a goalie, I was always pumped to see the masks and stuff like that. I have ideas in my head and never knew how to get them out anywhere else.
“He (Fried) kind of taught me how to do that.”
Not in their league
Bergren knows he’s not at the level of Fried or Calgary’s other famous mask painter Jordon Bourgeault, but he says that’s not who he’s trying to be.
“I’m not that guy,” he said.
“Those guys are artists and they’re worth every penny that comes in. They’re amazing artists. I’d like to work up to something even remotely close.”
Doesn’t paint for NHL goalies
Bergren’s painted masks are in the $500 price range and he says he knows who his clientele is.
“My favourite ones are the association kids here in Calgary,” he said.
“Some kids in quadrant and stuff like that and the beer league guys. You know they’re pumped that they can get something they love and they’re proud to wear.
“I’m happy to at least help in that way.”
Loves this hobby
Bergren doesn’t have any big career aspirations when it comes to painting goalie masks.
He says he just wants to continue having fun with it and making goalies happy.
“I think it’s just a great way to be creative and to have a good hobby and make it fun for other people,” he said.
“I know when I got my first painted mask how happy I was and how excited and proud it made me to put that on everyday.
“That’s all I want for the little kids and the big kids.”
The Canucks are back in action on Saturday night when they host Camrose at the Max Bell.
