NHL player debuts new Mario Kart-inspired helmet

We often see the worlds of gaming and sports collide, as a ton of athletes love to unwind with some virtual gaming. When it comes to the Nintendo side of gaming, plenty of pro sports stars can be found playing Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and one player on the Dallas Stars is clearly in the Mario Kart camp.

Scott Wedgewood of the Dallas Stars recently stepped out onto the ice with a fresh new helmet, and fans instantly recognized that it was filled with Mario Kart tributes. The goalie helmet has a pretty striking design in general, but it’s the Mario Kart iconography that had everyone talking.

The helmet’s Mario Kart tribute was created by goalie mask artist Dave Gunnarsson, and he’s done a pretty stellar job. According to Wedgewood, the inclusion of Baby Peach represents his unborn daughter, and unique interpretations of fellow teammates Oettinger and Jason Robertson can be seen riding a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe kart. There’s also a Mario Kart star smack-dab in the middle of the helmet to really drive the point home.

There’s other nods to Mario Kart on the helmet, and you can check them out via the Instagram post below.