DESCRIPTION OF GOALIE EQUIPMENT:
GOALIE MASK: Protective head piece; most are fitted to the player’s face and can withstand multiple high-speed impacts from pucks; most have extensions to the chest to protect the neck; usually decorated with team logos or designs of a goalie’s choosing.
GOALIE SKATES: Cut lower in the ankle than a normal hockey skate and the boot sits closer to the ice for a lower center of gravity; the boot is encased in hardened plastic, called a “cowling,” to protect
the toe, ankle and heel from the force of a puck; the blade is usually longer and has less rocker (curvature) to make it easier for the goalie to move side to side in the crease.
GOALIE PADS: Thick leg pads covering the top of the skate to protect the leg and the foot and help in blocking shots.
GOAL STICK: Stick that incorporates a larger blade than player sticks as well as a widened flat designed to stop the puck.
BLOCKER: Pad worn on the hand that holds the stick, it is a glove with a square pad on the back, used to deflect shots; also referred to as a waffle pad.
CATCH GLOVE: Glove worn on the opposite hand, used to gather up the puck on the ice or catch a flying shot; similar to a first baseman’s mitt in baseball but with more protective padding on wrist.
GOAL PANTS: Incorporating thicker thigh padding and additional pelvic/hip protection.
CHEST AND ARM PROTECTOR: More thickly padded in the front than a player's shoulder pads.
