When the Wells Fargo Center upgraded their lighting and installed approximately 25,000 LED lights, those in charge probably only considered the positives such as saving on energy and a better, brighter experience for fans. One thing they probably didn’t consider was Steve Mason and the fact he’d have to adjust to the new lighting on the ice.
As seen over on Philly.com, Mason mentioned that he struggled to adjust to the new lighting, but believes it will soon be an advantage for the Flyers.
“It’s eventually going to be helpful. But I had never had a skate there (with the new lights), so the first time I wasn’t familiar with it. It was definitely an adjustment, but once I get acclimated to it, it’s going to be a good thing because we had a bunch of shadows with the old lighting. It was almost like we had an orange or yellow tint with the old lighting, and now it’s very clear.”
The article also states that Mason had to change masks during the team’s game against New Jersey because he was having so much trouble with the lights. Mason said he usually sands his mask so that it doesn’t reflect the light, but he did not have a chance to do so with his new lid.
Mason said he won’t have an issue with the lights in the future, but this may be a story worth following when other teams come to the Wells Fargo Center. Veteran goaltenders who were more familiar with the shadows and dimmer lighting may have a tricky time when they visit Philadelphia.
