How to Break In New Ice Hockey Goalie Pads

New goalie pads are stiff and unforgiving until the leather is softened and broken in. Pads should feel as comfortable on a player as a pair of worn jeans. Game day is not the time to break in new equipment. Follow these steps at home and on the ice to get pads into game shape.

Instructions

  1. Pad Perfect

    • 1

      Wear the new pads around the house. Strap them on as you would for practice or games, and walk around in them. Bend your knees, and get on the floor in the butterfly position and stretch to help soften the leather.

    • 2

      Stand the pads against a garage or basement wall. Bend each pad at its natural break point above the knee so it is at a 45-degree angle. Use soft skate laces and place towels underneath them prevent gouging. Keep the pads in this position for a day or two.

    • 3

      Stand the pads against the wall and throw pucks against them. This will help soften the leather and prevent long rebounds.

    • 4

      Wear the pads during practice. It may take a half season to get them into game shape. So plan accordingly as to when you will need new pads ,and order them early to give you time to break them in.