Hockey Pads for Goalies

One of the areas most prone to injury for hockey players is the elbow. These hockey pads are worn on the elbow and protect it against hitting the ground, a stick, or another player. Elbows are pointy, therefore they hold most of the force of a blow. The rest of the arm absorbs barely any shock. This can lead to heavy scars, disjointed shoulders, and stiff elbow. Elbow pads come in various thicknesses. The thicker the pad, the stiffer the arms. The player must find a good medium between protection and freedom of movement. Elbow pads aren't a magical safety net, however, and players are still advised to try and fall on the meaty parts of their arm.

Street Hockey Goalie Pads

In the summer months it's common for kids and adults alike to take their hockey game to the streets. While pavement isn't as solid as ice, wearing hockey pads is still a good idea. Goalies are especially at risk due to their propensity for working from the knee. Leading manufactures of street hockey pads for goalies and Pro Shot, Linwood, Franklin, and Mylec. A thickness of at least four inches is suggested for street pads. Special street hockey equipment makes for better plays as hockey pads designed for the ice are a bit too thick for a street game. Conversely, it's not recommended to take pads designed for street hockey onto the ice or for more intense players.

Ice Hockey Goalie Pads

Hockey pads designed for goalies descended from designs for English cricket pads. They came in two basic varieties designed for two very different playing styles. The traditional leg pad for goalies is ten to twelve inches wide and extends four to eight inches above the knee. It is designed specifically for a player that works mostly on his feet. In recent years a variation known as the "butterfly style" has risen in popularity. Originated by Glen Hall, the "butterfly style" involves the goalie blocking most shots from his knees. Hence, the pads designed for this type of play are more flexible than traditional pads. They are also longer than traditional pads to cover the five hole when the player is in the butterfly position. The knees are also thicker to lift the player off the ice and increase his ability to block high shots. Goalies tend to wear these pads loosely around the leg to effect the "power leg" or "butterfly push," in which the goalie slides from side-to-side on his knees while blocking. The choice of goalie pad is purely dependant on the player's personal style.