What Equipment Is Needed for an Ice Hockey Goalie

The goalie position requires the most protective equipment, and many are expensive. Currently, developed and highly protective equipment is available to offer a safe and fun experience. Goalies can play confidently with advanced safety. However, you will have to research to find the most suitable equipment for your position.

Becoming an ice hockey goalie might be exciting. But the position is physically demanding, and you will have to protect yourself with the right equipment to make your game more fun and less stressful. If you are new to this position, you will have to broaden your research beyond the list. You will have to choose quality equipment. Make sure that the equipment ensures proper fit and has improved features to meet the demands of the position and game. You will need gloves, a blocker, helmet, neck guard, pads, stick, skates, chest protector, goalie pants, and jock. Keep reading if you want to know more about the equipment you need to protect yourself in the goalie position.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES ICE HOCKEY GOALIES NEED?

You will need all the equipment mentioned above. The list is extensive, and most are essential for your game. More importantly, some gears are expensive. Here is the list of equipment with details.

LEG PADS

You will need leg pads to protect your legs. However, the options are many, and you can find the best product after having an idea about the features. You will find many leading brands with different styles. You can choose a design that you find suitable for you. More importantly, check the size to get the best fit.

BLOCKER

As you understand the game, you might be aware of the blocker. It is a glove that goalies need to hold onto the stick. You will not find many differences in blockers. Most are almost the same, and you can choose one that complements your leg pad and glove design.

GLOVE

The glove or catching gloves are available in different pockets and angles. You will find many options in gloves. You will have to choose one that you find appropriate for your position. However, you will have to ensure that the fitting is proper and the material is supportive to hands. If you choose the wrong gloves, you might not perform well. Hence, you will have to pay attention to finding a suitable catching glove for your position.

STICK

While buying sticks, you can decide based on your play style. Some players prefer long options since they will not have to bend down to ensure that the stick is on the ice. However, you might not have more control. If you want more power, you can consider having a short piece. But you will have to bend down to check whether the stick is on the ice or not.

SKATES

You will find goalie skates a bit different from regular player skates. You will have flatter-designed blades in goalie skates. These blades will offer better shot protection, and they will be more supportive while pushing around in the crease. Apart from that, some options feature a two-piece design, and the blade holder and boot protector will be replaceable and removable. You will have many options in the one-piece design as well.

HELMET

A helmet is an essential piece of equipment, and you will have to buy a HECC-certified helmet. Otherwise, you cannot wear it at Hockey Canada and USA Hockey events. Moreover, you will need a certified cage for your helmet. However, three different types of cages are available. There are a certified straight bar, non-certified cat-eye, and certified cat-eye. You cannot use the non-certified one since the eye holes are big, and the blade might slip through. Besides, you will need a plastic neck protector for every helmet.

GOALIE PANT

A goalie pant is a pad you need to wear around the waist. You will find the length similar to your shorts. If you are new to this game, you can start with the player pant. But once you gain experience, you will have to invest in goalie pants. You will get additional padding and desired support to perform well in the goalie position.

CHEST PROTECTOR

You will need a chest protector to cover your whole torso and arms. It is a one-piece gear that offers the best protection to your chest. If you are a beginner, you cannot avoid this piece. You might be learning to use your leg pads and gloves and protect yourself from being hit. However, the chest protector will protect your chest. But if you buy a small or thin protector, you will not get the expected benefits.

KNEE PADS

You might not find this equipment the most important one. But it will protect the knees from being hit. Any hit on the knees will not make you feel good, and it might divert your attention. Therefore, you can consider wearing knee pads to protect your knees. Also, these pads will protect your hips.

JILL/ JOCK

You will need these pieces of equipment to protect the pelvis area. If you do not have this protection, you might get hit in the private parts. You can use a player jill or jock. But it is better to use goalie jills and jocks since they are more protective, and you can expect the best outcome.

BAG

You will find many goalie bags in the current market. The wide availability can confuse a first-time buyer. But you will have to understand the unique requirements of a goalie position before going ahead. You will have to invest in a big bag to carry all your equipment. You can also consider buying one with large wheels. It will make transportation easy for you.

These are the equipment pieces a goalie position will require. The goalie is the best position, but you cannot perform with your full potential without adequate preparation. Once you have all the equipment, you can give all the attention to the game without bothering about your safety. While buying equipment, find the pieces that offer the best fit and the desired freedom.