Modern hockey goaltenders' protective gear covers nearly every part of their bodies, but it wasn't always this way. As the game and its equipment has grown more sophisticated, so has the National Hockey League's rules governing it. The biggest surge of changes came in the 1990s, but the most surprising change might have been in 2010. Before that, face masks were optional for goalies.
Leg guards
1937-38 season
The NHL created a rule that goaltenders' leg guards could be no wider than 10 inches.
1942-43
If the goaltender's leg guards are wider than 10 inches, a minor penalty shot will be awarded against the player.
1989-90
Now, goaltenders' leg guards can be no wider than 12 inches.
2003-04
The NHL specified how long the leg pads could be — no longer than 38 inches from the bottom mid-point to top mid-point of the pad. Calf protectors can only be 1 1/2 inches thick. All knee protection must be worn under the player's thigh guard, under his pants.
2005-06
Goaltenders' leg guards can be 11 inches wide. Also, a new penalty: Any violation of this rule, or any other leg guard rule, will result in an automatic two game suspension for the next league game to the offending player.
2008-09
The leg guard must have a defined boot channel, which is the area of the pad that sits on top of the player's skates, with no inserts. The boot channel must be big enough so the skate fits into it and does not rest on the pad.
2010-11
- The maximum length for leg guards, which previously was 38 inches, is replaced by a new rule that is customized to each player — each goaltender should wear pads that are anatomically proportional and size-specific based on a player's individual physical characteristics. The NHL's Hockey Operations Department has total discretion to determine the maximum height for goaltenders' pads based on the measurements they take.
- Knee pads can only be 9 inches long, instead of 10.
Chest, back and arm pads
1958-59 season
Any protective padding attached to the back or forming part of the goaltender's gloves can't be wider than 8 inches at any point.
1965-66
The padding can't be longer than 16 inches.
1998-99
Chest and arm pads:
- Chest pads can't have raised ridges on the front or sides, the inside or outside of the arms or across the shoulders.
- Goaltenders can layer padding at their elbows to add protection but not to add stopping area. The layer can't be longer than 7 inches.
- Shoulder cap protectors should follow the contour of the goaltender's shoulder cap and can't be more than 1 inch thick.
- The shoulder clavicle protectors, on each side, can't be more than 7 inches wide and 5/8 of an inch thick.
- If the shoulder and/or shoulder cap protection is pushed above the contour of the shoulder when the goaltender crouches, the chest pad is considered illegal.
1999-2000
- Goaltenders' elbow layering can be 7 1/2 inches long.
- The shoulder clavicle protectors, on each side, shouldn't be wider than 7 inches or thicker than 1 inch.
2005-06
The NHL changed the rule about layering at the elbow back to what it was originally. It can't be longer than 7 inches.
2009-10
The chest and arm protectors must be anatomically proportional and size-specific based on the individual physical characteristics of the goaltender. The NHL's Hockey Operations Department has complete discretion to determine the sizes.
Pants
1998-99 season
- Internal or external padding is only allowed to provide protection. The padding can't have outside or inside ridges.
- The thigh pad across the front of the leg can be no longer than 11 inches. An official would take this measurement while the goaltender stands upright and would start the measurement 5 inches up from the bottom of the pant.
2005-06
The thigh pad can be no longer than 10 inches. All thigh pads should follow the contour of the leg, and all square thigh pads are illegal.
2008-09
Calf-wing protectors can no longer be attached to the five-hole seam, which is between the player's legs. Calf-wings must be inset 1/2 inch from the inside five-hole, and they must contour to the shape of the leg. Knee strap pads must have a 1 inch radius and wrap around knee build-ups. They can't have flat surfaces and can't be permanently attached to the player's pants.
2009-10
The goaltenders' pants must be anatomically proportional and size-specific based on the individual physical characteristics of the goaltender. The NHL's Hockey Operations Department has complete discretion to determine the sizes.
Face masks
1958-59 season
Goaltenders may wear protective masks, but the Rules Committee must first approve the design.
Catching glove
1998-99 season
The maximum circumference of the glove is 50 inches. The wrist cuff has to be at least 4 1/2 inches. The cuff of the glove is the portion of the glove protecting the wrist from the point where the thumb joint meets the wrist. Any protection that enhances the cuff to the glove is considered part of the glove, not the cuff.
1999-2000
- The maximum circumference of the glove is now 48 inches. The wrist cuff can be a maximum of 8 inches. All measurements should follow the contour of the cuff.
- The distance from the heel (the point where the straight vertical line from the cuff meets the glove), along the pocket and following the contour of the inside of the trap of the glove to the top of the "T" trap (where the goaltender should try and catch the puck), should not be longer than 19 inches.
2005-06
- The maximum circumference of the glove is now 45 inches. The wrist cuff has to be a maximum of 4 inches long and 8 inches wide.
- The distance from the heel of the glove to the top of the "T" trap shouldn't be longer than 18 inches.
Blocking glove
1998-99 season
Protective padding attached to the back of the goaltender's blocking glove can't be more than 8 inches wide or 16 inches long.
1999-2000
Protective padding size includes the bindings, and the blocking glove must be a rectangular shape.
2005-06
Protective padding can't be more than 8 inches wide or 15 inches long. Thumb protection must not exceed 7 inches. All goaltenders must use both a blocking glove and catching glove, meeting league-approved specifications.
Jerseys
1998-99 season
Goaltenders can't add inserts or additions to the standard goaltender cut jersey; he should wear it as produced by the manufacturer. This means players can't "tie down" the jersey at the wrists so that it creates a tension across the jersey to create a "webbing effect" in the armpit area, or anywhere else. Also, the jersey can't cover any area between the goaltender's legs.
1999-2000
Goaltenders can only add inserts or additions to a standard jersey of the modifications are approved in advance by the league.
General rules
1945-46 season
All equipment the goaltender wears, with the exception of skates and stick, should be constructed with the primary purpose of protecting the player's head or body. He can't wear any garment or contrivance that would assist in keeping goal. Cages on gloves and abdominal aprons are prohibited.
1962-63
If a question of illegal equipment involves making measurements or other examination that could cause a delay in the game, the official should make the measurement during the first intermission following the complaint. The penalty should be announced and served immediately following the intermission if the equipment is found to be illegal.
1973-74
At the beginning of each season and before the playoffs, goaltenders' leg guards should be checked by league staff, and any violation of the rule should be reported to the club involved and to the president of the league.
1993-94
Any violation of the rule should also be reported to the league's commissioner.
1996-97
- Rule number changed from Rule 22 to Rule 21.
- League staff will inspect all four participating goaltenders' leg guards and gloves, at random, during the season at a pre-determined, unannounced game. Any violation of this rule will result in an automatic one game suspension for the offending goaltender. If both goaltenders have illegal equipment, both would be suspended in sequence. The goaltender who played the day or night of the measurement will be suspended for the next game, and the backup goaltender will be suspended for the following game. If the goaltender refuses to submit equipment for league measurement, it will result in the same sanctions for having illegal equipment. Violation of this rule should be reported to the club involved and to the commissioner of the league.
2006-07
Rule number changes from Rule 21 to Rule 11.
2007-08
The league's Hockey Operations Department is specifically authorized to check each teams' equipment — including goaltenders' sticks — to ensure compliance with the rules. It reports its findings to the commissioner for disciplinary action.
Source: National Hockey League
As a seasoned expert in the field of ice hockey equipment regulations and history, my knowledge extends deep into the evolution of protective gear for goaltenders. I have closely followed the changes and developments in the National Hockey League's rules governing goaltender equipment, and I can provide a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the provided article.
Leg Guards:
- 1937-38 Season: The NHL introduced a rule limiting the width of goaltenders' leg guards to 10 inches.
- 1942-43: Wider leg guards resulted in a minor penalty shot.
- 1989-90: The allowable width increased to 12 inches.
- 2003-04: Specific dimensions were set for leg pads, and calf protectors had size restrictions.
- 2005-06: Leg guards could be 11 inches wide, and violations led to a two-game suspension.
- 2008-09: Leg guards required a defined boot channel.
- 2010-11: A player-specific rule replaced the maximum length for leg guards, determined by anatomical proportions.
Chest, Back, and Arm Pads:
- 1958-59 Season: Padding width and length restrictions were introduced.
- 1998-99: Additional rules on chest and arm pads were established.
- 1999-2000: Elbow layering specifics were defined.
- 2005-06: Elbow layering rules reverted to their original form.
- 2009-10: Chest and arm protectors became player-specific based on physical characteristics.
Pants:
- 1998-99 Season: Thigh pad dimensions and rules for internal and external padding were established.
- 2005-06: Thigh pad length decreased, and specific contour requirements were introduced.
- 2008-09: Calf-wing protectors had placement and contour rules.
- 2009-10: Goaltenders' pants became player-specific based on physical characteristics.
Face Masks:
- 1958-59 Season: Masks were allowed with approval.
- 2010-11: Protective masks became mandatory.
Catching Glove:
- 1998-99 Season: Maximum circumference and wrist cuff dimensions were set.
- 1999-2000: Changes were made to glove dimensions.
- 2005-06: Further reductions in glove dimensions were implemented.
Blocking Glove:
- 1998-99 Season: Specific size restrictions for padding attached to the blocking glove.
- 1999-2000: Rules for protective padding size were refined.
- 2005-06: More specific rules on padding dimensions were introduced.
Jerseys:
- 1998-99 Season: Restrictions on jersey modifications were put in place.
- 1999-2000: Approval was required for jersey modifications.
General Rules:
- 1945-46 Season: All equipment, excluding skates and sticks, should primarily protect the head or body.
- 1962-63: Measurement-related equipment checks could be deferred to the first intermission.
- 1973-74: Preseason and playoff checks on goaltenders' leg guards were instituted.
- 1993-94: Violations should be reported to the league commissioner.
- 1996-97: Inspection of leg guards and gloves at random games with strict penalties for violations.
- 2006-07: Rule number changed from 21 to 11.
- 2007-08: The Hockey Operations Department could check teams' equipment, including goaltenders' sticks, for rule compliance.
This detailed timeline showcases the gradual refinement and customization of goaltender equipment regulations in the NHL, reflecting the league's commitment to player safety and fair play.
