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News Release – Scroll Down for Images Arturs Irbe of the NHL Carolina Hurricanes Unveils New Goalie Helmet that Celebrates Homeland of Latvia and the Kids First Fund New helmet design for “Irbe The Wall” to be shown on December 6 at KidsFirstFund.org web site and worn by Irbe on December 6 during the Carolina Hurricanes – Florida Panthers game. December 6, 2002. Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, – Arturs Irbe, goaltender for the NHL Carolina Hurricanes and a board member of the Kids First Fund, is making a bold statement with a new internationally inspired goalie helmet. The helmet features the red and white flag of the Republic of Latvia, the logo of the Kids First Fund as well as the Carolina Hurricane’s flag logo. The striking images are set upon a backdrop of a brick wall, representing Irbe’s impenetrable goalie defense. The result is a message that is pure Irbe with a lot more color - - and a design that is unique within the NHL. “I'm a long way from my home and my country is very important to me. The flag keeps me connected with Latvia and the Kids First Fund logo expresses the importance I place on helping children,” said Arturs Irbe. “These are two very important parts of my life - - my homeland and children.” Arturs Irbe has been a supporter and board member of the Kids First Fund, an organization to help abused and abandoned children, since its founding in 1999. Images of the new helmet appear below and may be downloaded. Irbe will also wear the helmet during the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the Florida Panthers game in Raleigh on December 6, 2002. “We are so very fortunate to have Archie on our board,” said Jay Sorensen, president of the Kids First Fund. “Seeing American athletes wearing uniforms with corporate logos is not new. But Arturs has taken endorsements to a personal level by displaying a logo that represents his true character and interest in helping abused and abandoned children.” Dave Gunnarsson, a renowned artist in Sweden, created the colorful image. “This helmet is different from my other pieces because it emphasizes simplicity of design. I wanted something that communicated the strength of Arturs’ hockey skills and the depth of his integrity,” remarked Gunnarsson. “It was a joy to create a helmet for someone I have admired ever since I first saw him play in Europe.” Gunnarsson’s dramatic designs (www.DaveArt.com) can also be seen on the “Moose Mask” of Johan Hedberg with the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and on the helmets of Olympic ice hockey players for Sweden, Switzerland and Finland. Irbe’s new helmets were recently discovered in the basement of a Minnesota-based sporting goods store where they had sat in their original boxes since 1982. “These helmets were an incredible find, because they have not been produced for many years,” said Steve Swenson, Irbe’s personal equipment manager. “Arturs is very specific in his equipment needs, which makes equipment sourcing a challenge. I found a supply of helmets and cages which sat forgotten, sealed in original boxes, on a storeroom shelf. We now have a virtually endless supply of helmets to meet Arturs’ future needs.” Click on an image to enlarge.
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