The Story Behind the Islanders Pride Night T-Shirt
When Mona Monahan emerged victorious in the Islanders’ pride t-shirt design contest last June during Pride Month, her goal transcended the realm of artistry; it was about conveying a profound message of inclusivity through her creative expression.
“I hope that my piece shows that pride is about recognition and acceptance of a person’s authentic self,” Monahan shared. “No matter if you’re a player, a fan, or a part of the Long Island community, you deserve to express yourself and feel accepted, no matter what your orientation is.”
Now, Monahan’s winning design takes center stage as the New York Islanders host the Vegas Golden Knights on their annual Pride Night at UBS Arena. The special piece will be available on t-shirts for fans to enjoy and resonate with, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting LGBTQIA+ programs supported by the Islanders Children’s Foundation.
“When I saw that I can use my artistic talents for an awesome cause, I knew I had to do it,” Monahan expressed. “You can make art for yourself, but design is for the masses. It can change people somehow, it can make a difference.”
As a graphic designer and recent college graduate residing in Manhattan, Monahan possesses a keen artistic eye. In her free time, she immerses herself in the vibrant culture of New York City, often indulging in “people watching” and sketching the diverse array of individuals bustling through the city. This observational approach also influenced the early stages of creating her design for the Islanders Pride contest, sparking inspiration through careful observation and attention to detail.
The Story Behind The Islanders Pride Night Shirt
“In hockey especially, the movements are very beautiful and fluid compared to other sports,” Monahan explained. “I noticed when a player makes a short stop, ice shavings kick up dramatically and make a cool effect. I remember thinking that I can totally use that shape for my design.”
Monahan ensured to integrate the rainbow – the most recognizable symbol of pride – into her piece. “I landed on illustrating what it would look like if the ice flying through the air was able to catch a rainbow,” she said. “Just as it does when it rains in nature, which was the inspiration for the shape around the skate.”
Her passion for Islanders hockey runs deep within her family lineage, describing being an Islanders fan as a birthright. Growing up in a family of ardent Islanders supporters, her grandparents laid the foundation by becoming Season Ticket Members in 1977, passing on the fervor for the team through generations. Family gatherings became opportunities for storytelling, with Monahan’s grandmother recounting iconic games, including Bobby Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-clinching goal in 1980.
“Every family holiday, I’d always hear stories from my grandma about iconic games they’ve been to,” Monahan reminisced. “Especially Bobby Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-clinching goal in 1980, and how crazy it was to be in that environment.”
Her grandparents’ home in Deer Park featured a unique fixture in their basement – an Islanders shrine adorned with memorabilia, printed news articles, and hand-stitched logos. Monahan cherished the space since childhood, using her imagination in the basement to foster a love for hockey.
“When I was really young, I used to pretend to skate on the linoleum floors in the basement because it was so slippery, I felt like an ice skater,” she fondly recalled.
Her grandmother, part of a trio of sporty sisters, initially attended Brooklyn Dodgers games with her father. When the team moved to Los Angeles, there was a void that lingered for years. Upon moving to Long Island, she found solace and passion in supporting the local team.
“The Islanders filled the Dodgers-sized hole in my grandma’s heart,” Monahan humorously shared.
As the oldest of five with two cousins, attending Islanders games became a cherished family tradition. While her younger self relished seeing Sparky the Dragon and collecting giveaway items as souvenirs, the most treasured aspect was spending quality time with her family.
“Going to an Islanders game meant I’d be able to see my cousins and enjoy the game with my whole family,” Monahan said. “That’s something I’ve always looked forward to.”
Designing a piece for her favorite team holds special significance for Monahan and her family, creating a full-circle moment as her work is showcased on Tuesday night for the broader fanbase to see.
“Showing that even just a small thing like a piece of art like a logo on a tee shirt can really touch someone and make them feel more included and accepted in the world, that’s one of my favorite things,” Monahan expressed. “I’m so excited.”
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