Whereas some regular forwards and defencemen block a hockey puck by choice, it is the goalie's job in hockey to block any and all
pucks shot at a hockey goal no matter how hard the shot. As a result, they are armed with a completely different set of equipment
than regular skaters.
Worn on the legs of the goaltender, pads are intended to cushion the blow of an oncoming puck all the while making for a softer
landing when going down to the ice.
Typically made of fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber, and other composite materials a mask is designed to protect the face and head
of the goaltender.
In the modern age, many professional goaltenders have their masks custom-airbrushed with designs and colors to reflect themselves
and the team they play for.
Many goaltenders wear a plastic attachment to the bottom of their mask that is intended to screen the neck from oncoming pucks.
In today's game in rare cases goaltenders will still make use of a class helmet-and-cage style helmet and mask.
Goalie skates have a significantly different appearance than standard hockey skates. Made out of carbon steel, the blade is longer,
wider, and flatter. Boots are also made out of strong material to withstand high force impact.
Similar to standard hockey player pants, goalie pants feature much padding to protect parts of the body not protected by pads.
Larger and heavier than a standard player stick, a goalie stick features a much wider blade. It also has a wider bottom portion of
the shaft (also known as the "paddle") to allow for easier blocking when placed on the ice. As a result of its makeup and the
priority of being a tool with which to block the puck, a stick is much more awkward to handle the puck with. This hasn't prevented
many, namely Martin Brodeur and Rick Dipietro, from mastering the art. In rare situations goalies many score goals when shooting
from the other end of the ice on an empty net.
Flat surfaced and square, the blocker is worn on the same hand/arm that a goalie holds the stick with. It contains a glove in order
to allow for proper controlled gripping of the stick.
Worn on the opposite hand of the one used to hold the stick. Similar in many ways to a baseball glove, it's intent is as equipment
with which to catch and cover the puck. It is also important to have some level of mobility in order to allow efficient
puckhandling with both hands on the stick.
Resource: Wikipedia, Hockey Goaltending Equipment
Website developed and operated by
Sobkow Technologies. Copyright 2010.