EQUIPMENT
The GBOK is geared towards the beginner goaltender, mainly youngsters. As a result, the information on this site is directed towards that group. As children grow taller, heavier, stronger, their own style develops. With that experience they can make their own choices on how to play the position and how they like their equipment. Until then, here are some points to consider when fitting a youngster/beginner for goalie equipment.
GOAL PADS
Goal pads have changed a lot over the past few years. Seems that the trend is to wear longer pads to cover more net. I'm all for covering more net. But at what expense?
I have seen kids outfitted with pads that are so long the kid can only move down. The pads go up to their waist. They look like they are wearing barn doors on their legs. Basically the goalie becomes a shot blocker and not a save maker. Also, the child never learns to skate properly, or develop the balance and agility required to move and make saves under control.
We've seen lots of goalies in the NHL over the last couple of years, in their oversized gear, take the league by storm their first year only to be turned into sieves the next. Why, well one reason could be due to the fact that they rely heavily on their equipment and not their athletic ability or mental awareness to play the position. They cut down the angle, collapse to their knees and take the shot off the chest or kick out fat rebounds. Coaches and shooters will recognize this and in no time, the book is out and everyone in the league knows the goalies tendencies.
Practicing the basic skills previously outlined will develop the goalies athletic ability, strength and mental focus. This in turn will allow the goalie to develop a solid style that utilizes all different skills and techniques. A goalie with a strong repertoire of saves at his disposal, will keep the opposition shooters guessing on how to score.
In short, when choosing your child's goal pads keep this in mind as a rule of thumb. There's no way a youngster should be wearing a set of pads that measures half their height. So if you have a 4'8" (56") goalie, the pads should be less then 28".
Also see "The Pad Size Myth" under the Articles and News tab.
I have seen kids outfitted with pads that are so long the kid can only move down. The pads go up to their waist. They look like they are wearing barn doors on their legs. Basically the goalie becomes a shot blocker and not a save maker. Also, the child never learns to skate properly, or develop the balance and agility required to move and make saves under control.
We've seen lots of goalies in the NHL over the last couple of years, in their oversized gear, take the league by storm their first year only to be turned into sieves the next. Why, well one reason could be due to the fact that they rely heavily on their equipment and not their athletic ability or mental awareness to play the position. They cut down the angle, collapse to their knees and take the shot off the chest or kick out fat rebounds. Coaches and shooters will recognize this and in no time, the book is out and everyone in the league knows the goalies tendencies.
Practicing the basic skills previously outlined will develop the goalies athletic ability, strength and mental focus. This in turn will allow the goalie to develop a solid style that utilizes all different skills and techniques. A goalie with a strong repertoire of saves at his disposal, will keep the opposition shooters guessing on how to score.
In short, when choosing your child's goal pads keep this in mind as a rule of thumb. There's no way a youngster should be wearing a set of pads that measures half their height. So if you have a 4'8" (56") goalie, the pads should be less then 28".
Also see "The Pad Size Myth" under the Articles and News tab.