Steve Mason Renewed by Change of Scenery

As the conclusion of the 2012-13 season approached, Mason was at a crossroads. Tossing his goalie pads in the trash seemed like the best, perhaps only, course of action.

“My mind was so beat up that I truly did not enjoy playing hockey anymore,” Mason told NHL.com. “It had definitely crossed my mind to consider other options. I was just so beat up mentally that hockey was becoming more of a chore than a passion and something that was fun. … I hadn’t thought about what I’d do, but it definitely crossed my mind to hang the pads up and focus on other aspects of life because hockey was something that was making life not enjoyable.”

One year later, Mason’s angst is a distant memory. His smile is omnipresent and the pads he was ready to trash have earned him his second 30-win season. He’s virtually assured of making his second trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and he has a three-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers that starts in July.