Eight Goal Tending Equipments

You must have noticed that the goal tender looks way different from the regular hockey players because he has to wear a different set of gears. This is probably the reason why goal tenders look really bulky and big. Here are some goal tending gears each goal tender has to wear.

1. Skates. There is no better way to move around the ice than with skates. Ice hockey players have skates and so does their goalie.

The goalie's skates are not like that of others simply because it looks way different. The first difference lies on the blade. The blade of the goalie's skates is flatter, wider and longer. This is so in order that the skates will be able to provide more stability.

The second difference lies on the make. We all know that regular skate blades are made from stainless steel while the blades of the goalie's skates are made from carbon steel which is stronger.

Apart from the make, the vertical height also differs. The blade in the goalie's skates has a vertical height that is shorter as compared to the vertical height of the blades in regular skates. In addition, the boot has a rigid cowling that protects it from direct impact.

2. Sticks. The hockey sticks for goalies are wider as compared to the regular hockey sticks. In addition, the lower part of the shaft is widened in order to provide more blocking surface which is essential for every goalie.

The conventional goalie sticks are made from wood but as the years went by new materials have been used like graphite and fiberglass. At present, some goalies are now using composite hockey sticks.

3. Mask. The goalie's mask is way different from the regular hockey mask but the function is the same which is to protect the head and the face. Years ago, the goalie's mask is made from fiberglass alone with holes for the eyes, nose and mouth for ventilation. Over the years, some modifications have been made.

Now, the goalie's mask can be made from kevlar, fiberglass and even carbon fiber. The designs have also changed. Goalie masks have bigger holes or cutouts for the eyes and nose and these are covered by a titanium or steel cage.

4. Leg pads. This is the goalie version of the shin pads. The leg pads are bigger, longer and wider. The goalie's leg pads are somehow patterned from the designs of cricket pads.

A variety of leg pads are available. These leg pads are designed to cater to every goalie's style of defending the goal. Some leg pads have built-in knee pads that allow the goalie to move freely and defend better.

5. Jock. The goalie jock is different from the jockstrap despite that fact that it also uses an internal plastic strap. The jock is used to protect the pelvic area and it is padded in order to be able to spread the impact in a larger area.

The jock rests on the legs and is bulkier as compared to the jockstrap. Newer designs of jocks have two cups to provide more protection.

6. Chest and Arm Protectors. These gears are used to protect the upper body and limbs of the goalie including the collar bone. Chest and arm protectors look bulky because it is made from high density foams and carbon fibers. As years passed by, manufacturers of these gears made sure that the protective capacity has also improved. Today chest and arm protectors provide more protection as compared to its predecessors.

7. Catch Glove. This is the hockey counterpart of the baseball glove or mitt. This glove is usually worn on the free hand. The goalie's catch glove which is also otherwise known as the trapper has deeper pockets that help the goalie catch the puck. The catch glove doesn't only catch the puck, it also protects the hands.

8. Blocker. This is a kind of glove with a broad board on the backhand and worn on that hand that holds the hockey stick. The board on the backhand is used to deflect or block a puck in an attempt to keep it from getting into the goal.