Goalie Equipment

One of the most important positions on the ice during any ice hockey game is that of the goalie, without which it would be very easy to score a goal but very difficult to win a game. A good goalie can easily be the backbone of any well constructed ice hockey team, and the players need to know that they can depend on their goalie to make those game winning saves. That same ice hockey goalie needs to know that he or she can depend on his or her equipment, because without that trust, a moment of hesitation could be the end of the game.

In ice hockey, the goalie wears specialized equipment designed to protect him or her from the impact of the puck, or to aid in making the all important saves. This padding has evolved quite a bit over the years. Most modern goalie equipment is created from the same basic types of materials so that what was once leather stuffed with animal hair is now a composite of synthetic leather, nylon, foam, and plastics designed to keep the goalie safer.

Safer doesn’t always mean more padding, though. The NHL has dictated a maximum dimension for goaltending equipment to prevent ice hockey goalies from gaining any unfair advantage that may result from their padding being too wide in front of the net. As a result of these equipment size regulations, ice hockey supply companies have spent decades trying to perfect the safety of their goaltending equipment without increasing its size. Several innovative companies offer options in blockers, catchers, leg pads, masks, pants, skates, sticks, jocks, and chest and arm protectors, so ice hockey goalies know that they can find whatever best suits their needs.

For example, all ice hockey goalies know how important peripheral vision can be during a game, which is why Bauer designs goalie masks with large windows. Then there’s Itech, an industry leader when it comes to their masks, which are known for providing clear visibility as well as impact resistance. Vaughn, Reebok, and CCM are also highly recommended makers of fine ice hockey goalie equipment. So when it comes to deciding which brand to go with, a goalie should discuss his or her options with a coach, friend or an ice hockey store professional. With all of these innovators around, chances are good that any goalie, amateur or professional, can find exactly what he or she is looking for.

Check Out all the In-Stock Goalie Equipment: