Holtby honoring Tragically Hip, Downie with World Cup mask

Braden Holtby is making sure his World Cup of Hockey mask is put to good use.

The Canadian goalie has paid tribute to Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip on the piece of equipment, and will auction it off after the tournament with a view to having the lead singer - who was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in May - donate it to a charity of his choosing.

"Everyone knows the story in Canada," Holtby told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. It’s one of those things that has turned a positive from a negative. It’s pretty amazing kind of what Canadians do. I grew up and I can have vivid memories of listening to my first Hip songs.

"This being the biggest stage for hockey and a lot of Gord’s songs have hockey in them, I mean it ties the two in and I think it’ll be very good."

Holtby is expected to serve as backup to Carey Price in the tournament, so the mask may not see much action, but it will serve as a great piece of Canadiana nonetheless.