Goalie equipment plays a crucial role in the safety, confidence, and development of young goaltenders. Properly fitted and protective gear not only keeps players safe but also enhances their comfort and interest in the position. Below is an overview of the essential pieces of goalie equipment and their primary purposes:
Moisture-Wicking Undergarments
These garments provide warmth, minimize discomfort from the gear, and wick away perspiration during play. They are an essential base layer for goalies.
Goalie Supporter/Cup
A goalie-specific jock or jill is critical for midsection protection. These versions come with thicker foam padding to better shield players from impact.
Goalie Helmet
Often regarded as the most important piece of goalie gear, the helmet must fit snugly around the head with little-to-no wiggle room. Ensure the helmet is HECC-approved, which guarantees the openings are small enough to prevent injuries. Proper fit is crucial to ensure maximum protection during play.
Goalie Chest Protector
Covering the entire midsection and arms, the chest protector is a key piece of gear. It should fit so that its bottom sits at the player’s beltline, the arms cover the wrist bones, and the top protects the collarbone. Balancing protection and mobility can be challenging, so proper fitting is essential.
Goalie Neck Guard
Most chest protectors leave some room at the top to allow for head movement. A goalie neck guard adds extra protection for the neck and collarbone, safeguarding vulnerable areas from pucks and sticks.
Hanging Throat Protector
This clear plastic shield attaches to the goalie helmet to further protect the neck and throat from potential injuries. It’s an additional safety measure that every goalie should consider.
Goalie Breezers/Pants
Goalie pants offer extra padding on the hips, thighs, and waist. While some younger players (Peewee/12U level and below) wear standard skater pants, goalie-specific pants are better suited for the position. These pants should fit loosely around the waist and end just above the kneecap when in a partial squat.
Goalie Leg Pads
Leg pads are measured numerically in inches, from the toe to the top of the thigh. Properly sized pads should reach the mid-thigh or slightly above when standing with legs together. They provide crucial protection and mobility, enabling goalies to confidently block shots.
Leg Protection
Underneath the leg pads, goalies should wear additional garments or equipment to protect the backside of their legs.
Goalie Thigh Guards/Knee Protectors
These accessories provide additional protection to the thigh and knee areas, particularly useful for goalies who rely on the butterfly position.
Glove and Blocker
Goalies require a glove for their catching hand and a blocker for their stick hand. The sizing of these items should allow for effective stick handling and glove closure.
Skates
Young players may start with standard skates, but transitioning to goalie-specific skates is important as they grow. Goalie skates enhance balance in the stance and offer better protection.
Stick
A properly sized goalie stick is vital for effective play. When the goalie is in their stance, the blade should lie flat on the ice, and the stick hand should rest at mid-thigh level.
Ensuring proper fit and function of goalie equipment is a cornerstone of a young goaltender’s journey. At The Sharpening Dude, we’re here to help players and parents navigate the equipment selection process, providing expert advice and support to set goalies up for success. For more tips and guidance, visit us in-store or check out our online resources!