Steve Mason
The young netminder who stopped the world and brought hope back to Nationwide Arena.
Steve Mason is a legendary goaltender who defined an era of hope and resilience for the Columbus Blue Jackets during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers, he quickly evolved from a backup into the franchise's primary netminder, becoming synonymous with the team's first playoff appearances in over a decade.
- Role
- Starting Goaltender
- Affiliation
- Columbus Blue Jackets (2009–2013)
- Status
- Retired from NHL Play
- Key Achievement
- Vezina Trophy Nominee
- Notable Season
- 2012-13 Lockout-shortened season
Lore & Background
The 2012-13 season remains the pinnacle of his tenure in Columbus. In a lockout-shortened year that saw the Blue Jackets surge to a surprising playoff berth, Mason posted historic numbers, including a record-breaking save percentage for the franchise at the time. His performance earned him a spot on the NHL's All-Star team and a nomination for the Vezina Trophy, cementing his place in club history as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever wear the blue jersey.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with the nervous energy of overtime in March 2013. The puck skated toward Mason's left post, and he exploded off his line, dropping into a desperate butterfly. The blade of the opposing stick flashed, but Mason's glove hand snapped up, freezing the shot inches from the net.
Reader's Guide
Steve Mason played for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2009 to 2013, serving as the team's undisputed number one goaltender. His playing style was characterized by exceptional lateral quickness and an aggressive approach to blocking shots deep in the crease. His greatest achievement occurred during the 2012-13 season, where he posted a franchise-record save percentage and helped lead Columbus to its first playoff series victory since 2009. This performance earned him his only NHL All-Star selection and a Vezina Trophy nomination. Mason's legacy in Columbus is that of the player who broke the curse of futility for a time. He remains one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, remembered for bringing excitement and stability to the net during a transformative period for the club.
Did You Know?
- Steve Mason was named to his first NHL All-Star Game while playing for Columbus in 2013.
- He holds the Blue Jackets' single-season record for save percentage (minimum qualifying games) set in 2012-13.
- Mason became the youngest goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout when he arrived from Philadelphia.