Over time, some ideas around imagery came together. But another obstacle still remained. Sheahan knew he wanted to begin a full sleeve (a large tattoo or collection of tattoos that cover most or all of someone's arm), and a piece like that takes time not just to have put on your body, but also to dry and heal. That's not an ideal scheduling ask for someone who straps pads over most of their arms and body and engages in a hard-hitting, sweat-inducing sport as their job.
But, three years ago, as the now 30-year-old's NHL season was coming to a close, he saw a window of opportunity. Sheahan found an artist he liked based in Toronto and, over the course of three days of 5-6 hour sessions, saw his vision come to life on his right arm.
An almost entire sleeve in three days? How high must Sheahan's pain threshold be?
"There's some parts that didn't feel good," Sheahan said with a smile. "But I heard there's other parts on your body that can hurt worse. (The artist and I) bonded over hockey and then it was nice being able to sit with a guy like that for so long. We talked for most of the time."
What images and meanings came out of all that work? Let's take a look.