Ice Hockey Goalie Pads
Over the last 10 years, hockey goalie pads have evolved so much and you can see the effect of these advanced pads on the success of goalies in today’s game of hockey. I stopped playing goalie in 1999, and when I look at my old equipment from back then which I still have, I see enormous differences in the way goalie equipment, especially goalie leg pads are being manufactured.
The big difference to me when looking at the new style of goalie gear is that it seems much lighter and less difficult to break in. I used to dread breaking in any new ice hockey goalie equipment because it was so uncomfortable and difficult to move. But the way that hockey goalie pads are made now seems to be less of a problem for people like me who don’t like breaking in new equipment. Goalie gloves and chest protectors used to be the thing I dreaded buying the most because I knew they would just be too stiff.
The other thing that is very different is the way hockey goalie leg pads are being engineered to stop pucks in places that used to be much more difficult. Although the goalie leg pads are not as wide as they might have been in the past due to the goalie pad size regulations in the professional ranks of hockey which has had a trickle down effect on amateur hockey, now the leg pads have an extended thigh rise making goalie pads seem very tall on goalies. The reason for the high thigh rise is to prevent goals being scored in the dreaded 5 hole, or between the legs. Nowadays, butterfly goalies do not have to worry so much about covering up their 5 hole because the leg pads pretty much do that for you automatically. This is a great new feature for butterfly goaltenders which has had an impact on the low scoring games that have become more prominent in leagues like the NHL.
Another thing that I have noticed when I have watched goalies in recent years is the way that hockey goalie chest protectors are being worn. I remember always wanting to have my chest protector be snug and right up against my stomach and chest. I even had suspenders to hold down my chest protector. Most goalies now end up allowing their chest protector to fit looser which seems to give them a few extra inches of net coverage in their upper body, which surely allows them to make a few more saves here and there. Also, it seems to provide more cushion allowing for them to absorb shots to the mid-section without even feeling the puck and it also allows them to control rebounds that are shot right into there body.
These are just a few observations that I have had about the new style of goalie pads that have made goalies these days so difficult to beat. Goalies are much quicker, more protected and have greater control over their rebounds and I think a lot of it is a direct result of the advancements in hockey goalie pads over the last decade or so.
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