NHL Goalie Equipment Standards

Hockey goalies are considered a rare breed of athlete, one that willingly stands in front of 100 mile per shots. Advancements in gear design have allowed the wearers to play safer, but there's rules regarding the required equipment.

  1. Leg Pads

    • According to the NHL's revised rule book, Rule 11.2 states the maximum width of each leg pad cannot exceed 11 inches. The pads cannot be taller than 38 inches total, measuring from the top thigh rise to the boot, which must be 7 inches long.

    Chest/Arm Units

    • Dubbed "monkey suits" by some goalies, the large chest and arm units cannot feature any raised portions that rise upward from the shoulder caps. Clavicle protectors can't be longer than 7 inches and no padding can exceed 1 inch in depth.

    Gloves

    • Catch gloves ("trappers") can't measure more than 45 inches in perimeter with no more than 4 inches width on the cuff and 8 inches in length. Blockers cannot be more than 15 inches in length, 8 inches in blocking surface width and must be rectangular. Thumb protectors can't be longer than 7 inches.

    Pants

    • No additional padding is allowed on the outer or inner thighs of the goal pants. Rule 11.4 also states that the frontal thigh pads can't be more 10 inches in width and must conform to the contours of the wearer's thigh.

    Masks

    • Masks must serve their only purpose: to protect the goalie's face and head. Any mask formed to increase blocking surface is prohibited per league rules, and the league must approve the designs of all masks.