NHL 2011 Preview: Coyotes Goalie Jason LaBarbera Honors Pat Tillman with Mask

Jason LaBarbera has exceeded all expectations with his new goalie mask.

He promised to honor deceased U.S. Army soldier Pat Tillman this year, and has done exactly that with this incredible goalie mask that features images of the former Arizona State and Arizona Cardinals star defender.

Tillman had given up his professional football career after 9/11, enlisting in the Army. He would be killed by friendly fire while on duty in Afghanistan.

Not only is LaBarbera honoring Tillman with his mask, but he plans on donating $420 for every victory to the Pat Tillman Foundation, according to USA Today. He also had this to say to USA Today about the decision to honor Tillman this season:

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Not many professional athletes would give up their playing careers to defend their country and fight for what they believe in. It was an incredible, selfless act and I just want to honor him and help keep his memory alive by putting some images of him on my mask.

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LaBarbera's decision to honor Tillman just reminds us of what Tillman and every other soldier gives up for their country. It is an incredible sacrifice that is far too often overlooked.

There is no doubt it takes a lot to give up being a professional athlete to become a professional soldier. What Tillman did for the United States was incredible, and what LaBarbera is doing to honor him is extremely respectful, and a well-intended tribute.

I will be rooting for LaBarbera to win a lot of games and donate a lot of money to a meaningful foundation this season.

On another note, LaBarbera is not the only goalie who is using his mask to honor someone. St. Louis Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak and Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings will be honoring the members of Russian team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, who perished in a horrific plane crash in September.

These goalies have earned the respect of their peers and fans with the decision to honor their fallen comrades, and should be appreciated for their gracious actions.