HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on December 12, 2015 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
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Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson wears mask painted to remember the victims of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant. 

The Anaheim Ducks announced that their goaltender John Gibson would be debuting a new mask in their Friday night game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

https://twitter.com/anaheimducks/status/1223345474305851392?s=21

The mask was made as a tribute to honor Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the seven other victims of the helicopter crash. It’s a touching way to honor the fallen victims. This way Gibson can bring them onto the ice with him.

Of course, the mask honors all the victims of the tragedy, not just Kobe and Gianna. A silhouette of the father and daughter is surrounded by the names of the other victims. Too often during this tragedy do people forget that there were seven people who didn’t have the last name Bryant on that helicopter.

This tragedy stretched beyond the loss of one of the world’s favorite athletes. Gibson’s mask brings that to life and it serves as a touching tribute to all nine of the victims.

This is just another example of the widespread love for Kobe Bryant. It wasn’t just basketball fans around the world who were affected. This shocking tragedy is affecting sports fans all around the world.

Athletes in nearly every sport across the globe have taken the time to honor Bryant’s legacy. As cliché as it sounds, Kobe was a global icon.

Unfortunately, the Ducks fell to the Lightning, 4-3, on Friday night. Gibson allowed four goals on 22 shots in the loss.

A contributor here at elitesportsny.com. I'm a former graduate student at Loyola University Chicago here I earned my MA in History. I'm an avid Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Rangers fan. I am also a prodigious prospect nerd and do in-depth statistical analysis.