How to Buy Hockey Goaltending Equipment

Before you embark on a spending spree, you should consult with friends or acquaintances that play or have played ice hockey as a goaltender. See if they will let you try on some of their equipment, and see if it feels comfortable. It will be easier to select appropriate equipment if you know how it will fit and feel on your body.

Leg Pads: Perhaps the largest and most important equipment to select are the leg pads. They are sized in inch increments - 26-inch to 29-inch (junior), 29-inch to 31-inch (intermediate) and 32-inch to 38-inch (senior). Visit a local hockey store to see how you measure up and what size you will need, and visit various websites (goaliemonkey.com, hockeygiant.com) to find pads that suit your style, color preference and price range. Most brands offer pro models, which you probably won't need if you are just starting out.

Glove and Blocker: To stop the puck effectively, your hands must move quickly and easily. Therefore, select a glove and blocker that fits snug over your hand so that you have greater movement and control. Gloves and blockers are divided into junior, intermediate and senior sizing as well, but in many cases, the size that fits your hand may not be the same as your leg pad classification.

Pants: There are generally two types of hockey pants--one that is made for skaters, and the other for goalies. Goalie pants have wider and thicker padding, allowing for a greater chance of blocking the puck and a better cushion. Make sure your pants do not extend below your knee (they should ideally extend to about 2-3 inches above your knee), so that the movement of your pads is not restricted.

Chest protector: Be sure to select a size and model that allows you the greatest mobility and protection. Chest protectors usually come in simple sizing--small, medium, large and x-large. These sizes will usually correspond with your shirt size.

Helmet: Helmets are probably the most unique piece of equipment, and many times display the goaltender's personality. Most hockey websites will have sizing charts, which you can use to determine what size helmet you will need. Make sure it fits snugly. Don't be afraid to exchange for a better fitted one. Hockey retailers understand the need for properly-sized equipment, and you should not have much of a problem.

Skates: Hockey skates usually run larger in size than street shoes. For instance, if you wear a 10 in street shoes, you're skate size will probably be a 9 or 9 1/2. Never use player skates to play goalie (especially in ice hockey). Goalie skates are specially designed to allow your ankle to flex. Player skates are not and can cause serious damage to your feet and ankles. Goalie skates are also designed to have a flat blade (rather than a curved one) to allow easy side-to-side movement.

Stick: Goaltender's sticks are specially designed for stopping the puck and passing, and each one is different. Choose one that is relative to your height and stickhandling needs. If you are just starting out, do not concern yourself with finding the right curve. It will take some time and practice to learn how to pass with a goalie stick, and then you can try out different curves.

Cup: Never use a regular athletic cup to play goalie. Goaltender's cups are expensive (up to $120), but provide a remarkable amount of coverage and padding, and are the best line of defense for protecting yourself.

Neck protection: Goaltenders wear neck protection in one of two forms--a dangling neck protector or a protective collar. The dangling neck protectors attach to the helmet and provide a 4-inch shield for your neck. The throat collar attaches around your neck (with a Velcro strap) and provides additional protection for your collarbone. The dangling protectors provide greater coverage, but can hinder movement. However, the throat collar does not protect the Adam's apple and upper neck area. It may be wise to wear both.