JOSH HARDING
Team: Minnesota Wild
Year: 2006-07
Mask Maker: Itech
Painter: Todd Miska
Acquired From: GameWornAuctions.com 5/24/22 auction
Photomatched: Yes
Description: From Gamewornauctions: This beautiful painted goalie mask by Itech was game worn by Josh Harding while playing for the Minnesota Wild during the 2006-07 NHL season. Harding was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2nd round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After playing in the AHL with the Houston Aeros, Harding joined the Wild briefly in 2005-06 and 2006-07, before making the team for the 2007-08 season. All told Josh played parts of 8 seasons in Minnesota before retiring in 2014-15 after a 2-game stint with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. In November of 2012, it was reported that Harding had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which directly led to his early retirement. Harding was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the 2012-13 season.
This beautiful mask by Itech, painted by Todd Miska, was worn by Harding during the 2006-07 season. This breast cancer themed mask, painted as a tribute to his sister Stephanie, has the player nickname “Hards” painted on the chin. The mask has pink breast cancer ribbons and the slogans “Fund the Fight” and “Find a Cure” on both sides. The backplate is also breast cancer themed with characters, including Stewie from Family Guy, and the initials “SRL”. Shown above is a beautiful photo match of Harding wearing this exact mask during the 2006-07 season. The YouTube link below will take you to a 3-minute video on Josh’s tribute to his sister and the mask getting painted. Josh has autographed the mask on the upper left side. The mask shows solid use and has all interior padding inside. A beautiful mask, painted as a tribute to his sister, from this Bill Masterton Trophy winner.
