Goalie Gear

Ice hockey goaltenders have some of the most extensive gear in the sport. Snickers candy bars made a comedic commercial about how long it takes for them to suit up before a game. What is not a laughing matter, however, is the importance of all of this goalie gear. Keeping the ice hockey goalie safe is not only one of the topmost priorities for his or her team, but also for the companies who manufacture that gear they all wear. Several of these companies have spent over a hundred years creating and perfecting equipment so that the goalie can act without hesitation during game-play, while remaining uninjured in the process.

There are several pieces to a goaltender’s gear, all designed to fit together seamlessly while protecting his or her body from the impact of the puck they have chosen to guard their nets against. These important pieces include a stick, a blocker, a catcher, an arm protector, a chest protector, a mask, a jock or a jill, leg pads, pants, and a pair of skates.

Traditionally made entirely of wood, the special ice hockey stick that goaltenders use is now manufactured with materials that that are designed to reinforce them so that they can withstand the rigors of the game. These newer and improved sticks have a blade with very little curve, and a wider shaft called the paddle, which provides them with a larger surface to block with. Teaming up with the goalie’s stick is the blocker, which is worn on the hand that holds the stick. This piece of gear looks like a rectangular board attached to the backhand side of a glove, and it is designed to protect the ice hockey goalie’s stick hand.

On the other hand, the left hand if the goaltender is right-handed, and the right hand if the goaltender is left-handed, is the catcher. This piece of gear, also sometimes referred to as the catch glove, is used to catch the puck, and is designed with a deep pocket and special padding to protect the goaltender’s hand in the process. A compliment to this are the arm and chest protectors, which is worn beneath the jersey and protects the upper body from the impact of the puck.

Of course, the player cannot forget the jock (or the jill for female goaltender‘s), specifically designed to protect the pelvic area. On top of this, they wear pants that are padded all the way down the front, sides, and over the tailbone, as well as leg pads, which keep the ice hockey goalie’s legs and knees safe. Lastly, though most definitely not least, are the mask and the skates.

Though this might seem complicated, to any ice hockey goaltender these are essential pieces of gear for every one of their on-ice practices and games. Their equipment is there to keep them safe during what might otherwise be a foolhardy activity. Industry standards as well as innovations have produced some of the best hockey goalie gear the game has ever seen, with improvements still emerging every day. It’s no wonder that the position has recently become so popular in the sport of ice hockey.

Check Out all the In-Stock Goalie Equipment: