Facial hair is extremely prevalent in the National Hockey League (NHL), especially come playoff time. Hockey players are very superstitious, so most of them don’t shave their mustaches for the duration of their playoff run. However, some players don’t shave at all, making it part of their personality.
There have been some iconic mustaches over the years. When you think of great mustaches in the game, you think of players like Lanny McDonald, Wendel Clark, and George Parros. Mustaches were more prevalent back in the day, but there are still some current NHLers rocking some cool ‘staches. So, let’s look at the five best mustaches among active NHL players.
Charlie Lindgren
Charlie Lindgren has a very underrated mustache, largely due to the fact that his face is covered by a goalie mask. The Washington Capitals netminder has received several news articles about his ‘stache and the sentimental value surrounding it. In an article, Lindgren admits that it takes a lot of dedication and daily work to maintain such an elite ‘stache, including styling, and shaving it in the mornings before practice.
The undrafted goaltender has a shorter version of the classic ‘horeshoe stache, and rocks it extremely well. A true horseshoe mustache proceeds down the face towards the chin, but Lindgren’s stops just short. However, it still looks good, and truly demonstrates his confidence, and swagger. It suits him well, and he’s a recognizable figure because of it.
Filip Forsberg
Simply put, Filip Forsberg has a classic mustache. It has become one of the more iconic facial hair styles in the league, known for its full and bushy look. The Swedish forward has garnered attention for its unique, and playful style. He doesn’t always rock a ‘stache, but when he does, he has variety. His mustache history has ranged from a more subtle, and well-maintained look, to a more prominent and rugged appearance. The rugged appearance shows up during playoff time. Fans often see him experimenting with different facial hair styles which adds to his unpredictability.
Auston Matthews
On top of being one of the best pure goal scorers in the NHL, Auston Matthews has an extremely recognizable mustache which can be polarizing among fans. People either love it, or hate it. While he doesn’t have the best mustache in the league, he arguably has the most popular. It receives constant news coverage, largely due to the market he plays in. Toronto is undoubtedly the biggest hockey market in the league, so all eyes are on him as the face of the franchise. Thus, making his ‘stache a focal point in the hockey community.
Seeing the the superstar forward without a mustache is an unusual experience. He shaved it off back in Dec 2021. His coached joked about it, by asking who the new guy was since he was hardly recognizable without his trademarked ‘stache. Even Matthews said he felt like he was 16 again.
Matthews often rocks a pencil style ‘stache, occasionally seen with a parted pencil style. While it isn’t as thick as other players on this list, it’s still very well-groomed. It has a retro vibe which adds to his unique appeal. As a superstar player in this league, his mustache makes him even more marketable. He has a ‘stache, and he can snipe, making him the full package.
Jake Middleton
Jake Middleton is probably the least known guy on this list. He’s a 6 foot-3, 219 pound, left-shot defenceman from Wainwright, Alberta. The Minnesota Wild blueliner sports a thick, and full mustache, which often garners the attention of his opponents, fans, and the media.
His Mustache has an old-school look, and is something that you would find in the 80s and 90s. He looks like he’s been in the league for decades, but he’s still only 28 years-old, and has under 300 games of NHL experience. His Mustache gives him the perception that he’s older than he is.
Middleton’s a very solid, yet underrated defender. His mustache isn’t just about style, but it’s about his personality. It has become one of his signature features, because it matches his play style extremely well. It adds a bit of character and ruggedness to his overall look, which complements his tough, and blue-collar persona on the ice. When people talk about great mustaches in today’s NHL, Middleton is definitely in the conversation.
Stuart Skinner
The goalie mustache game is really strong as Stuart Skinner joins Charlie Lindgren on this list. While Skinner has been relatively inconsistent throughout his career, one thing that’s always consistent is his elite ‘stache.
His mustache has become a charming, and recognizable feature, adding to his growing popularity as the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender. Its extremely thick, and incredibly straight, while giving off 70s and 80s vibes. He gives off a very laid-back, and relaxed demeanour which can be an important feature among goaltenders. His facial hair has become somewhat of a signature look, which has enhanced his personality, and charisma both on, and off the ice.
Does Skinner have the best Mustache in the NHL? Who else could be added to this list?
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