Differences of Goalie Blades

Watching a hockey game, you may notice that goalie blades are different than the blades of other team members, including forward and defense players. Goalies require different blades because they rely on different types of skating and movement than other players. Goalie blades, or skates are designed to enhance goaltenders movement and performance.

  1. Design

    • Goalie blades are flat, rather than curved like player skates. The blades are also longer than the blades of other player's skates. A flatter, longer surface means that a greater percentage of the blade is in contact with the ice. This assists goaltenders need for balance and lateral movement.

      The boot of goalie blades is shorter than the boot of other players' skates. These boots provide less ankle support, but allow room for a goaltender's pads to rest comfortably on top off them. The pads offer support, while flexibility around the ankles allows for lateral movement.

    Protection

    • Goalies often stop the puck from reaching entering the net with their skates. Thus, goalie skates are enclosed in a strong plastic cowling or shell to protect their feet from pucks that hit the sides and back as well as the front of their skates. Although other players, especially defense, frequently stop pucks with their feet, the added weight of a shell hinders speed, which is a more important factor than protection for defense. However, the extra weight benefits goaltenders by enhancing stability.

    Sharpening

    • Goalie blades are sharpened differently than the blades of other hockey skates. While most hockey skates are sharpened with a deep hollow to grab the ice and enhance speed, goalie blades are sharpened with a shallower hollow, which enhances balance and lateral movement. Shops typically sharpen goalie blades with a 1 inch hollow, but each goaltender will discover the best hollow based on playing style. For example, a butterfly goalie that moves up and down would typically ask for a sharper blade.

    Selecting

    • Selecting goalie blades depends on the skill level you are at, your goaltending style, the shape of your feet, and the amount you are looking to spend. Like shoes, certain brands of goalie skates fit certain goalies best. Goalie skates are available in different widths and sizes, and it's best to try on different models from multiple manufacturers prior to purchasing skates.