Very often we see a goalkeeper who is puck shy and “pulls-up” on the shot. We think he is afraid of the puck, but really his fear is caused by lack of confidence in his equipment.

Equipment confidence is a state of mind which greatly affects the goalkeeper’s movements. A goalkeeper without equipment confidence feels unsafe and hesitates before making a move. He/she often pulls-up, taking his eyes off the puck.

This pulling-up motion hinders all movements by a goalkeeper. He/she is literally afraid. Obviously, a goalie cannot consistently stop what he/she cannot see.

Our responsibility as coaches and parents is to see that our goaltenders are properly protected and have enough equipment confidence to get the job done. Many, however, do not know how to achievethis.

The biggest areas where equipment confidence is lacking are in the shoulder, arm, and chest regions. Many goalkeepers use equipment supplied by local youth hockey associations and often that equipment is inadequate. The equipment is often “broken down” or it fits the youngster poorly.

Many equipment companies mass produce arm pads with each arm padded identically. Goalkeepers, however, use each arm differently, with the catch-side needing more padding inside the arm, and the stick-side arm needing maximum elbow protection.

Overall, many goalkeeper arm and chest pads often fall short of the protection needed for the age level for which they were designed. In general, the arm pads should protect the goalkeeper one level above that which he/she is playing. Today, the equipment
is so much better than the past. There is no excuse for putting a youngster in goal with poor body gear.

A second area of concern is the thigh region protected by the hockey pants. A goalie’s pants should be loose fitting and suspenders are better than the belt. No matter what type of pants the goalkeeper now owns, they can be upgraded at home. In the thigh pad
area, replace the thin plastic thigh pad with a high density rubber coated pad (football-type), which can be purchased at most sport shops. The inside and outside of the thigh can be strengthened by sewing in foam from any upholstery shop. In all goal equipment,
especially the arm pads and hockey pants, the goalkeeper may sew in added padding where needed. Be creative to assist in you protection.

A third area of concern is the inside of the leg pads, ranging from just above the knee to the ankles. Inadequate protection will inhibit the goalkeeper’s ability to make saves. Many goal-pad manufacturers, are including from limited to complete inside leg and knee protection. Every goalkeeper should have some type of inside leg and knee protection. Should a pair of pads lack this protection, it may either be purchased or “constructed” at home. Knee pads are now available in all sizes.

Surrounding the ankle, most goal skates provide the necessary protection. There are many young goalkeepers without goal skates, and that is fine, but some form of ankle guard should be worn.

A goalkeeper must have full use of the goal stick. At almost all levels, there is no problem. However, I have noticed that many mite- and squirt-level goalkeepers are provided with stick gloves with the “mitten-type” hands rather than the normal palm. These mitten-types restrict the use of the stick and are inadequate. Some goalies, in an attempt to be “fashionable” use gloves that are too big. That can cause problems also. Stick control is almost lost! Bigger gloves, or bigger pads are not better. The must fit properly.

Finally, no goalkeeper should play without a throat protector. There are a number of different styles, serving different functions. One style which hangs from the mask is primarily to protect the throat from the impact of pucks, while another, a “collar-type,” shields the arteries and veins from lacerations. Ideally, both should be utilized.

Goalkeeping equipment which effects equipment confidence has a direct relationship on a goalkeeper’s moves and performance. It is important that the goalkeeper has the best protective equipment, and that it fits properly. It is the responsibility of the coaches, parents, and goalkeepers to be aware of the options available to them to better protect the most important player on the ice . . . THE GOALKEEPER.

Be Prepared For Anything

We’ve all heard of Murphy’s Law...”What ever can go wrong, will go wrong.” Well, that theory holds true with goaltenders, too. Regarding equipment, goalies must be prepared for anything.

1. Spare Stick - Regardless of the level which you play, goalies should always have at least one additional stick, taped and ready to be used. The pros have 2-3 extra!

2. Equipment Problems - It always happens, a toe buckle breaks, a toe strap is torn, goal mask screws disappear, or a full pad strap gets cut. Goalies should have an “emergency kit” in their hockey bag. A travel toiletry kit is a wonderful container. Then, make sure the kit is well stocked with extra toe buckles, toe straps, and a couple of full straps. Include in the kit screws for both the toe straps and for your helmet/mask, screwdrivers (regular and phillips), extra skate laces, an extra chin cup, chin straps for your helmet/mask, scissors, and short cut laces for your throat protector. Always have a “stone” for your skates just
in case you lose an edge, and include those plastic clips that are used to keep the elastic straps on your arm pads together. Try to plan for everything!

3. Skate Sharpening - Unless it is impossible, always try to skate on newly sharpened skates one practice before a game. The worst case is that a newly sharpened pair of skates were done poorly, and come game time, your performance suffers. Not
too many amateur goalies have the luxury of receiving a skate sharpening between periods.

4. Needle and strong thread - Occasionally, your arm pads tear at the seam, or the stitching on the side of your goalie pad may unravel. Always have a large “carpet” needle with
strong nylon thread or fishing line to repair equipment quickly between period or “on the road”. Pieces of velcro can always come in handy.

5. Contact Lenses - Never go to the rink without a back-up pair of lenses. Without your “eyes”…you cannot play. Overall, consider what can tear or break, and try to have a back
up.