Tag: NHL

August 3, 2026

The Golden Goal: Jack Hughes Portrait by Borbay

There are goals and there are moments. On February 22, 2026, Jack Hughes scored 1:41 into overtime to defeat Canada, 2–1. This victory delivered the United States its first Olympic hockey gold since Miracle on Ice.

A defensive zone poke check. One flash of speed. An incredible forecheck. A tape-to-tape pass. One perfect release.

As an American hockey player and lifelong fan, to say I was profoundly moved would be an understatement.

I grew up watching and rewatching the Miracle on Ice (“Again!”). Moreover, it was the defining American hockey story, a moment so powerful it transcended sports.

It became part of our national mythology.

Exactly 46 years later, to the day, Hughes created a new icon for American hockey: wrapped in the flag, fist raised, front teeth missing and overcome by what had just happened.

I knew immediately — I had to paint it.

January 5, 2018

A Portrait Of Trevor Gillies

My neighborhood on Long Island was fiercely divided. Neighbors took sides, and this animus bled into the streets… during roller hockey games. You were either an Islanders fan, or a Rangers fan — never both. I was, and remain, the former. During the 2009 season, a familiar name hit the ice — Trevor Gillies. He quickly became a fan favorite, and remained that way, even when the Coliseum faithful found out, he wasn’t, in fact, related to the legend — Clark Gillies.

How did this portrait come to be? During our first summer in Teton Valley, we attended a charity event at Teton Springs. There, I met a gentleman named Michael. As it happens, Erin and I found out the gender of our third child that evening, so Michael took me to the clubhouse for a celebratory shot of Jam-O. During our chat, I confessed my love for hockey, and he revealed the name of his brother-in-law — Trevor Gillies. And so, the wheels were set in motion…

Here is a look at the entire creative process, in time lapse. The track, Powerful Vibes (feat. Dolio The Sleuth, GR Stone & Stewie), has been provided by MH the Verb… run, don’t walk, to his website and buy his new album — Afronaut… yes, I painted the album cover.

And now… on to the process, with more about the story behind this new painting.

March 20, 2012

Sometimes Good Things Happen, Via Facebook, Rangers VS. Devils, Take That Slapshot

So I post on Facebook this evening that I want to see the Rangers game; last minute, of course.

April 25, 2010

Painting Process | Martin Brodeur Makes A Save With Much On His Mind

When I had the incredible opportunity to experience the Stanley Cup, I asked Cup-Keeper Mike Bolt (his father, Ron Bolt, is an epic artist) to recommend a goaltending subject… his referral was no surprise. Martin Brodeur, The Devils and Goaltending have been three in the same for 19 years. At this juncture in his career, he is fighting rumors of an early demise, despite shattering records and posting consistent numbers. This, I felt, was the right time to capture Marty.