Movember’s Finest: The NHL’s 12 best mustaches
It’s November. And you know what that means: mustaches. Not turkey. Or cranberries. Or pumpkin-spiced everything. November means glorious lip sweaters.
As Movember has taken root over the past decade, more and more NHL players have embraced the movement. Most teams have several players that participate. And social media has taken the fun to a new level.
Of course there’s more to it than a player’s appearance. Movember started as a way to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
And with that in mind, I thought it would be fun to analyze some of the NHL’s best mustaches. So in honor of Harold Snepsts – one of my favorite childhood players – here’s a dirty dozen of the NHL’s top mustachioed players.
FILIP FORSBERG
MY TAKE: The fact that Forsberg has been displaying the full handlebar for more than a year is impressive. For him, Movember is every day. I respect that. He owns the look and clearly puts time into rolling the corners of the mustache. My only gripe is that Forsberg occasionally lets his beard get a little scraggly, which lessens the dramatic effect.
JUSTIN FAULK
MY TAKE: Something about Faulk’s look reminds me of a Spanish conquistador. And I’m here for it. Let’s face it: Faulk has a great head of hair. It’s flowing, just like his mustache. Faulk’s another player that isn’t afraid to rock the muzzy outside of November.
AUSTON MATTHEWS
MY TAKE: Count me as a fan of the fashion sense Matthews brings to the NHL. And I understand what he’s going for with his understated mustache. But I’d love to see him grow it long enough to cover his upper lip. Now that would be a statement.
JOEL EDMUNDSON
MY TAKE: Is that Farva from Super Troopers? Does Edmundson order a liter of Cola when he takes a spin through the drive-thru? I like how his mustache tapers. It’s fun.
SCOTT LAUGHTON
MY TAKE: Laughton has by far the creepiest soup strainer in the NHL. Seriously, if you saw this guy on a street corner, you’d probably avoid him. Which is amazing. I can’t imagine lining up against Laughton at a faceoff. I’d be laughing too hard to win the draw.
ERIK KARLSSON
MY TAKE: EK65’s facial hair is downright regal. Like, unfairly beautiful. Karlsson’s entire look, from the newsboy hat to the paisley tie, is perfect. I’m jealous.
DYLAN DEMELO
MY TAKE: DeMelo is one of the funniest teammates I’ve played with. He’s great on the mic and brings an effervescent personality to the room. I’m zero percent surprised that he has fully embraced Movember. Look at that caterpillar. Thick. Dark. Wide. Perfection.
ALEX TUCH
MY TAKE: I’m convinced Tuch was the kid in bantam that could grow a full beard years before anyone else. Regardless, his muzzy has great form. It suits him. Tuch’s look is timeless.
JACOB MIDDLETON
MY TAKE: At various times during his career, Middleton has had arguably the best cookie duster in the NHL. But right now he’s in the midst of growing it back to former glory. Give it a few weeks and Middleton will be back in the mix.
SIDNEY CROSBY
MY TAKE: Remember early in Crosby’s career when he wouldn’t shave during playoffs? That wispy facial hair was tough to look at. Not anymore. Crosby’s ‘stache is well groomed. And he kind of looks like Penguins legend Bryan Trottier. Which is really cool.
STUART SKINNER
MY TAKE: This is the straightest mustache I’ve ever seen in my life. Just stunning. Skinner looks like Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood. When the Oilers win the Stanley Cup with Skinner in goal, Daniel Day Lewis will portray him in the movie. Book it. This mustache is a total throwback and the level of commitment on display from Skinner is legendary.
MARIO FERRARO
MY TAKE: Whoa. Hold the phone. Ferraro’s look has a whole vibe. From the mustache itself, to the missing teeth, to the hair: it’s almost surreal. A direct nod to the Derek Sanderson era of the NHL. Ripping darts between periods. Going for lunch beers after practice. Putting dentures in someone else’s drink just to get a laugh. I didn’t think anyone could beat Skinner. But somehow Ferraro has done it. The San Jose Sharks defenseman is the King of Movember.
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