Goalie Equipment List (2024)

Goalie Equipment List (1)

So you want to be a goalie? Have you always wondered what it would be like to wear the coolest gear in hockey? Or maybe you are the parent of an enthusiastic young hockey player who has taken a liking to stopping pucks. In thisblog post we will cover all the basics of hockey goalie equipment and considerations that should be taken when purchasing your first set of goalie gear. As always, check out our full selection ofhockey goalie equipment.

Hockey Goalie Equipment List

The world of goalie equipment can be a lot to take in, we get it. We’re here to take you step by step through each piece of equipment, covering both the essentials and the helpful tips on accessories to make the goalie position even more enjoyable and safe.

Goalie Mask/Helmet

Goalie Equipment List (2)

Undoubtedly, the goalie mask is the most recognizable piece of equipment for the position. It keeps the goalie safe, yet also provides a canvas of expression like you see on nearly every professional goalie. The mask is designed to protect both the head and much of the neck of the goalie, allowing them to feel confident and safe in facing even the most difficult of shots. Today’s masks have come a long way from the masks of year’s past. The masks you’ll find on the market today are made most commonly of high-end composites (fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid/Kevlar) or polycarbonate, and have a vast range of shapes, sizes, and prices.

Goalie Leg Pads

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Goalie leg pads are the first piece of the three piece ‘combo’ of gear. Leg pads are designed to protect the goalie and provide net coverage to aid in stopping pucks. Made out of lightweight foams and synthetic materials, leg pads are limited by regulation to be 11” wide and range in size from Junior through Senior.

Goalie Equipment List (4)

The goalie blocker is primarily designed to aid in providing net coverage for stopping pucks and holding the goalie stick. The blocker is worn on the player’s dominant hand and offers protection from nearly every angle. As the second piece of the three piece gear combo, the blocker is constructed of high performance foams, plastics, and other synthetic materials.

Goalie Glove

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Surely if you’ve watched any number of hockey highlight reels, you’ve seen at least a few spectacular glove saves. The glove is the final piece of the three piece combo. It is worn opposite the dominant hand and offers protection from the puck, as well as an easy option for the goalie to freeze (or “cover”) the puck to stop game play. Coming in many fit styles and the greatest amount of variation between models and manufacturers, the goalie glove is generally considered to be the most unique preference to each individual goalie.

Goalie Chest Protector

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Just as it sounds, the chest protector (or “chest and arm”) is designed to offer superior protection of the upper body for the goalie. Originally constructed of deer hair and leather, today’s offerings are lightweight, protective, and offer greater amounts of net coverage than their ancestors.

Goalie Pants

Goalie pants are designed to be a loose and more protective version of an ice hockey player’s pant to protect the goalie’s hip and upper leg areas. Compared to a standard skater’s pant, the goalie pants will offer more protection on the front, hip and inner thigh sections. Like most other pieces of gear, pants are offered in a variety of sizes ranging from Youth to Senior.

Goalie Stick

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While one could argue the goalie’s stick doesn’t provide protection like other pieces of gear, it is equally as critical. Held in the goalie’s dominant blocker hand, the stick allows the goalie better net coverage, greater stability on their skates, and the freedom to block and redirect shots away from the goal. Today’s sticks are most commonly made of composite materials similar to player’s sticks, however some goalies still hold a preference for traditional wood core or foam core construction of their stick.

Goalie Skates

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Goalie skates are another highly individual piece of equipment and are specifically designed for the position and provide two main benefits over a typical player’s skate. They offer greater stability from a flatter, lower profile blade and greater protection from a protective ‘cowling’ surrounding the boot. Many manufacturers today have found ways to eliminate the protective cowling to reduce weight, yet still provide enough protection to the goalie’s foot through the use of composite boot materials.

Goalie Bag

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So much fun and unique gear and nowhere to store it? Enter the goalie bag. Like the gear it holds, goalie bags are bigger, more protective, and generally more durable than player’s bags and come in both wheeled and non-wheeled varieties. If you’ve ever tried to fit goalie gear in a skater’s bag, chances are you didn't get very far.

Goalie Cups/Jills

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Of course you need to protect the most prized possessions of a goalie. Goalie cups/jills offer additional protection of the groin area from a skater’s. A curious fact: many NHL goalies wear 3 cups; a single players cup under a ‘double’ goalie cup. One can never be too safe...

Additional Goalie Accessories

The pieces of equipment above make up about 90% of the goalie equipment uniform, and all these pieces are required to play the game safely. In addition to the pieces listed above, most goalies choose to wear a variety of accessories to both enhance the level of protection or assist in the comfort of their gear.

Knee and thigh guardshelp protect the goalie’s knees when in the butterfly position. Manufacturer’s design knee and thigh guards in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, the most common being a standalone knee pad (separate from the leg pad) that protects both the knee from the ice and the lower thigh from pucks.

Neck guardsare designed to provide additional protection to the neck in the area that the mask and chest guard might not cover when actively moving during play. Neck guards can be a rigid clear plastic “dangler” that attaches to the goalie’s mask, or a soft, tight fitting neck guard that wraps tightly around the goalie’s neck. Each goalie has their preference. Danglers tend to be noisy during play when making sudden and abrupt movements, yet the tight-fitting guard often is found to be restrictive and prevents heat from escaping from the goalie’s upper body.

Tips on Buying Hockey Goalie Equipment for Beginners

We’ve all been there, purchasing your first new set of goalie equipment can be a daunting task. Taking it one step at a time and familiarizing yourself with the information provided here will simplify the process and give you the knowledge and understanding to piece together your own set of gear. We’ve put together a list of 5 tips to make this process even easier.

  • Tip 1: Don’t get set on a single model or brand of gear. Often goalies will be drawn to the most flashy, familiar, or brand they see used by their favorite NHL goalie. Every model and every brand has its benefits, but the same model may not work for everyone. Find what fits best for you and your playing style.
  • Tip 2: Plan your budget. Understandably, a budget is often a major consideration when choosing your gear. Plan your budget to keep you safe. Consider the level you’ll be playing at and how often. Arguably, the goalie mask is considered the most important piece of equipment in keeping you safe, so be sure to opt for the right gear.
  • Tip 3: Familiarize yourself with the playing styles. Are you a hybrid goalie or a butterfly goalie? The pad options may differ depending on your style, suiting one better than the other. Most brands make a pad to suit each style.
  • Tip 4: Talk to other goalies at the rink. Getting a first-hand review of equipment can make decision making easier. Ask what they do/don’t like about a piece of equipment. The goalie community is very friendly and inviting, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation before and after your games.
  • Tip 5: VisitPower Play Sports and speak toexperts that are on-hand to provide the most knowledgeable advice, professional gear fittings, and answer all your questions. Power Play Sportsexperts are experts because they ARE goalies, having the first-hand knowledge to get you on the rink!
  • Bonus goalie parent tip: Consider your growing goalie. You buy one set of gear and next thing you know they’ve outgrown it. It’s certainly worth while to anticipate growth in your young goaltender, but avoid buying gear too big. Gear that is far too big will prevent them from learning the fundamentals and will hold them back from their fullest potential.

Hockey Goalie Equipment FAQs

Why is hockey goalie equipment so expensive?

Hockey goalie equipment takes careful design and development to remain protective, yet perform well through the course of the entire game. Each piece of equipment is hand built with the latest in material technology, including lightweight foams, synthetic skin materials, and high-quality buckles and straps.

How much does hockey goalie equipment weigh?

Hockey goalie equipment weight depends on the size and age of the goalie. A full grown adult goalie can expect their entire equipment setup to weigh in between 40-50 lbs (18-23kg). Variance in weight depends on size of the gear, model line, materials, and often the protection level of the equipment.

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Goalie Equipment List (2024)

FAQs

What do goalies wear under their leg pads? ›

Most pro goaltenders wear pajama-like T-shirts and pants underneath their equipment. This is because they are comfortable, absorb sweat, permit free movement and keep the goaltender warm during lulls in the play. You should use clean clothing every game and practice to prevent the dreaded hockey rash.

How much is a full set of goalie gear? ›

The cost to outfit a goalie with brand new, top-of-the-line pro-level goalie equipment is around $6,570. Don't let the sticker price scare you away, on the low end, a goalie outfitted in entry-level gear can buy brand new equipment for less than $3,000.

What pads do NHL goalies wear? ›

What size goalie pads do NHL goalies wear? Since each goalie in the NHL wears a customized pair of pads, the actual pad sizing is not displayed on the pad itself. With that being said, most goalies in the NHL wear a pad greater than 33″ in size, with most falling in the 35″, 36″, and 37″-38″ range.

Do hockey goalies wear two cups? ›

Of course you need to protect the most prized possessions of a goalie. Goalie cups/jills offer additional protection of the groin area from a skater's. A curious fact: many NHL goalies wear 3 cups; a single players cup under a 'double' goalie cup. One can never be too safe...

Why do goalies wrap their wrists? ›

It helps to prevent excessive force being applied to the joints in the fingers when gripping and grappling. This increases your grip strength by moving the strength emphasis away from your fingers to your wrist and hands.

Do goalies have to wear a dangler? ›

A goalie can choose whether they wear a neck guard, a dangler, or both‚—or none at all. If you're just starting out, we definitely recommend using both a neck guard and dangler as you're learning how to stop the puck effectively.

What does +1 mean for goalie pads? ›

The +1 sizing system is standard for leg pads, meaning that “+1” is an extra inch added to the top of the leg pad. This addition helps goalies with their butterfly position as well as with their five-hole coverage. Some goal pads come with a +2” sizing system, which is more common with high level, experienced goalies.

Do Pro goalies wear knee pads? ›

Do goalies really need to wear knee protection? 100% of goalies currently playing in the NHL wear some form of knee protection. Knee guards not only protect against pucks shot towards this vulnerable area of the body, they also help to alleviate the wear and tear on a goalies knees when entering the butterfly position.

Should goalie glove be high or low? ›

Goalkeeping gloves should be worn slightly larger than hand size. A keeper's finger should not be touching the tip of the glove nor should there be excessive room that makes the glove feel sloppy., Generally 1/4" to 1/2" over the end of your fingertip is optimal or a thumbnail length if you dont have a ruler handy.

How heavy is hockey goalie gear? ›

A full bag of goalie equipment weighs about 50 pounds, and that's when it's dry. It's heavier when it is soaked with sweat and melting ice.

Do goalies wear socks under their pads? ›

> Goalies do not typically have to wear hockey socks. Often track pants are more comfortable and less likely to bunch up under their pads. > Goalies sweat a lot so a good dry-wick t-shirt is recommended.

Do NHL goalies buy their own gear? ›

Furthermore, if NHL players are not sponsored by any hockey equipment manufacturers, their teams will cover the cost of new gear for them. This is good news for goaltenders, goalie equipment tends to cost far more than regular players.

What is a goalie cheater? ›

For example; goalies have been allowed to wear an extension on the cuff of their catching glove called a “cheater” since the days of Tony Esposito in the 70s. Again, it's called a “cheater”!

Why do so many goalies wear 35? ›

Numbers in the thirties were seen as "safe" for goaltenders, since most numbers below thirty were already spoken for by forwards and defensem*n (remember that "high numbers" were essentially-unheard of at this time).

Can an NHL team carry 3 goalies? ›

It's an opportunity for any team with space on the roster and under the NHL salary cap to have a third goalie on its active roster.

Why do goalies stand on their head? ›

Stand On His Head

In the early years of the NHL, goalies were prohibited from falling to the ice to block a shot. It was in 1918 when NHL President Frank Calder changed the rules, allowing goalies to drop to the ice. In describing the rule change Calder said, "They could stand on their head, if they want to."

Why can't goalies have Coloured tape? ›

The reason for the use of white tape, rather than other colors is to distinguish between the puck and the knob of the stick. Some goalie's have a quite large knob which can be mistaken for a puck.

Why is between the goalies legs called the 5 hole? ›

When a goaltender stands in the net in the ready position, there are five open areas (and two closed) that the goalie must cover.

What are goalkeepers not allowed to do? ›

Goalkeepers have a very physically demanding job. They are the only players allowed to use their hands, except for throw-ins. Because of this, goalkeepers are often injured during breakaways, corner kicks, and free kicks since they put their bodies on the line.

What a goalie should not do? ›

Goalies should not stay back, flat footed, on the goal line. Be ready to come out. There is nothing worse than rolling the ball right into the feet of the opponent. Don't act quickly as a goalie, instead, take your time and make the right judgement!

Why do goalies wear sweatpants? ›

Sweatpants Provide Warmth

Because goalies are not active while the ball is on the other side of the field, it tends to get a little chilly. Therefore, most goalies will wear the sweatpants to also keep their legs warm.

What is the hardest shot for a goalie to stop? ›

Q: Which shot is the hardest for a goalie to stop? A: Generally speaking, it is one that's low and to the stick side. Some goaltenders overplay to the stick side, presenting a more inviting target on the glove side.

Do NHL goalies use toe ties? ›

Stretchable toe ties made out of material that stretches are the superior choice used by goalies around the world and the majority of the NHL.

Can a team have 2 goalies? ›

Well, a team can field more than one goalkeeper during a football match. But only one player can play as the goalkeeper for the entire duration of the match and have the privileges of the goalkeeper( e.g.- handling the ball). But only one player in the entire team is allowed to wear a unique jersey.

Is being a goalie stressful? ›

Their real target is you—the one thing keeping them from their objective—the one guarding the net. You are a goalie—and you must learn to thrive on stress. The goalie has one of the most mentally demanding positions in any sport.

Do goalies wax their sticks? ›

The majority of goalies use wax on their tape to lengthen the lifespan of the tape used, as well as to improve puck control. It's recommended that you wax a goalie stick for these exact reasons. When waxing a goalie stick, ensure that the entire blade is covered in wax.

Who is not allowed in the goalie crease? ›

Crease Rules

First, opposing players are prohibited from making any contact with the goalie in the crease. If players contact the goalie in the crease, they will receive a two-minute penalty, and a goal could be waived off if it was scored during the interference.

Should I put water on my goalie gloves? ›

During Play: When your goalkeeper gloves are in use, occasionally dampen the palms of the gloves with water to get the best possible grip and durability from the latex palm. Latex is not designed to be dry. This is why you will often see pros on TV squirt water on them or even spit, to make the latex come alive.

Why are goalkeepers gloves spiky? ›

The spiked design is to allow goalkeepers to enjoy greater distance and accuracy on their punches with enhanced power and control.

Does it hurt to be hockey goalie? ›

Most Common Injuries

For goalies, it's common for them to develop hip and groin-related injuries due to the mechanical and rotational movements required to play the position. Hip pain from a labral tear often presents sharp groin pain, which can be made worse when in a squatting or sitting position.

Are goalie skates harder to skate in? ›

Youth goalies typically have the hardest time adjusting to goalie skates for the first time. Due to the thicker blade, a goalie's skates may feel a bit slower, especially if you're used to skating with traditional hockey skates. This is because of the increased friction added with a longer, wider blade.

Is hockey goalie easy? ›

Is goalie the hardest position to play in hockey? Goalie is a difficult position, it requires learning to skate and make movements with more gear than skaters, however for many, it comes easier. Often young players will try goalie and become hooked, growing into the position with a background in skating out.

Do goalies wear nut cups? ›

Many Soccer Goalies Wear Cups. A protective cup is a hard shell, usually made of lightweight plastic with a steel shield or dense foam. It is worn inside a jockstrap or compression shorts to protect the groin area during sports or other activities where trauma to the genitals could occur.

Is it icing If the goalie touches it? ›

Touch icing

If the puck is first touched by the goaltender or a player on the team that iced the puck, icing is waved off (canceled), and play continues. The touch icing rule can lead to high-speed races for the puck.

Can you use normal skates for goalie? ›

Do You Need Goalie Skates? If you plan to play goalie on any kind of routine basis, then yes—you absolutely need a pair of goalie skates. The boots and blades on goalie skates versus players' skates are different enough to matter to your performance in goal.

Why can't NHL goalies wear warrior? ›

The short answer is, Warrior doesn't pay the National Hockey League. 2013 was the last time an NHL goalie wore branded Warrior goalie equipment in a game. Since that time, plenty of pros have tested the equipment during their summertime training, but none have worn it in an actual game.

What happens if a goalie loses his glove? ›

Keeping safety as the primary consideration, the referee should stop play whenever the goalkeeper loses a glove and is in a vulnerable position UNLESS there is an imminent scoring opportunity in which play should be allowed to continue until the imminent scoring opportunity has passed. Rule References 304(a and e).

How often do NHL goalies get new pads? ›

Because of this, I usually receive a new blocker, glove, and pad set 2-3 times a year, depending on playoffs. It's generally accepted – although not mandated – that AHL goalies will receive at least two sets of gear per season, while those in lower leagues might receive only one.

Why do goalkeepers always dive? ›

Because, the academics theorized, the goalies are afraid of looking as if they're doing nothing — and then missing the ball. Diving to one side, even if it decreases the chance of them catching the ball, makes them appear decisive.

Why do goalkeepers come off their line? ›

Eisenhut says the most common instances where you will come off your line include defending against a long ball or one-on-one breakaway. Looking for more Pro Tips to improve your goalkeeper skills? Distributing the ball can happen in three different forms.

How do goalkeepers not break fingers? ›

The best way for goalies to protect themselves from future injuries is to tape their fingers and wear gloves to protect them. In addition, incorporating goalie-specific exercises with a medicine ball as well as throwing and catching drills will strengthen fingers and hands.

Can you wear 69 in the NHL? ›

Fun fact: Desjardins and forward Melvin Angelstad (two games with the Washington Capitals in 2003-04) are the only players in NHL history to wear No. 69.

Can you wear 00 in the NHL? ›

Beginning with the 1996-97 season, the NHL decreed that Nos. 0 and 00 could no longer be worn since they confused the League's digital database; today, only No. 1 through No. 98 are allowed, No.

Do all goalies wear number 1? ›

The first-choice goalkeeper is usually assigned the number 1 shirt as he or she is the first player in a line-up. The second-choice goalkeeper wears, on many occasions, shirt number 12 which is the first shirt of the second line up, or number 13.

Why can't goalies play every game? ›

Simple: the risk of injury is greater for goaltenders than it is for players. Goalies themselves might be champing at the bit to play a full slate, but those behind the scenes caution against it.

How many times can you switch goalies? ›

Teams can make five changes during normal time and are allowed an extra substitution during the 30 minutes of extra time. Goalkeepers are only allowed to be changed during a penalty shootout if they are injured and their team has enough substitutions left to enable the switch.

Can a goaltender be captain? ›

Currently, goaltenders are not allowed to be the captain of their National Hockey League club. In the past, there have been six netminders to hold this official distinction: John Ross Roach, Toronto St. Patricks, 1924-25.

Do goalies wear padded shorts? ›

During games, keepers can wear shorts if that's what they're most comfortable in. But if the game is on artificial turf, the keeper should use long pants. Some goalkeeper jerseys and pants come with padding.

Do goalies wear breezers? ›

Goalie Breezers/Pants - Goalie pants have extra pads on the front of the hip, outer hip, inner thigh, outer thigh and all around the waist, but many players wear skater pants through the Peewee/12U level.

How heavy are goalie pads? ›

A full bag of goalie equipment weighs about 50 pounds, and that's when it's dry. It's heavier when it is soaked with sweat and melting ice.

Why do goalies wear 13? ›

The unwritten rules for goalkeepers are simple and clear: as the first player on the team sheet, they should wear number 1. Number 13 is also used for goalkeepers in many countries; traditionally it has been reserved for the back-up goalkeeper, though plenty of starting keepers have worn the number in recent years.

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