Official sponsor of MTN Goaltending

IMPORTANT:  Goalie equipment should not be bought to grow into.

Things to look for when buying new or used equipment:  Jock Full time goalies need a goalie jock. Provides pelvic protection and stronger cups. They are sized according to waist sizes. They are fairly expensive  ($50 - $120) but worth every penny! Make sure that everything fits and stays inside.  Goalie Pants Goalie pants protect the hips, pelvis, groin and added protection to the thighs. The pants should not hinder movement or protection. Buying the right pants depends on size of the leg  pads. Should reach to no lower than 3 inches above the knees. Approximate cost $150 - $450  Chest and Arm Armour Should protect the front of the body. Watch for gaps in protection around ribs, neck, belly and arms. Body armour must come down to the top of goalie jock and to the top of the wrists. Goalie must be protected and be able to move fluidly. Goalie must be able to see over the shoulders. Approximate cost $150 - $700 Goalie Skates Specialized goalie skates are made to help with goaltender specific movement. The protective covering should not have cracks. Size like a regular skate. The blades are wider and flatter than regular skates. If purchasing used goalie skates make sure that there is at least ¾” of blade left. Too little blade will create slippage and frustration. If the plastic is causing slippage it is time for new skate. $100 - $750.00 Leg Pads Must be tried on while wearing goalie jock, goalie pants and goalie skates for proper fitting. Buy used for the younger goalies. They need to be protected but look is not important. Look for missing or torn straps, tears, cuts and  any wear along the seams and body of the pad. The thigh rise should be 3-5 inches above the knee. With skates on and the straps properly done up the knee should be in the middle of the knee channel. Sizing pads requires knowing: A) skate size-simply the size of your skate (that is why goalies always were their skates when buying pads) B) Ankle to knee measurement (measure from the inside ankle bone to the middle of the knee cap, along the shin bone, while in the basic stance or sitting C) Thigh rise measurement- measure from the middle of the knee cap to the desired height that the goalie would like the pads to reach (up the thigh). Pads should not hinder the movement of the goalie. Approximate cost $250 - $2000 Trapper The trapper must be trained with the proper break. Different trappers will be made to close one way.  The trapper should be easy to open and close. Make sure that the trapper can open and close completely. Do not buy a trapper that is too big.  The goalie will not be able to close the glove or move it fast enough if it is too big. Check for wear along the edges of all bindings. Make sure the thumb and pinky loops are tied properly in place. Make sure that the thumb, fingers, palm and inside wrist are well protected. Check for broken plastic. Approximate cost $50-$300 Blocker The glove must fit the hand.  If fingers are too long you will not be able to hold it still and holding the stick properly will be problematic. Check to see if the protective board inside is intact. Look for holes in the palm of the glove and along the bottom seams of the blocker. Make sure that the thumb, fingers and inner side of the wrist is well protected. Approximate cost $50 - $300 Goalie Mask or Cage Combo There should be no pinching or pressure. The goaltender's chin should sit in chin cup. Make sure all padding is soft and pliable. If buying used look for cracks, chips, stress fractures and other defects in the plastic shell. Check for sweat bands Atom and novice goaltenders do not need a pro style/level helmet. Paint jobs are optional not a necessity. Approximate cost $100 - $2000 Neck Guards Neck guards are required for all players in minor hockey, including the goaltender. There are neck guards that are made specifically for goaltenders that have padding protecting the top of the sternum (bib style). Find a neck guard that is protective and allows for easy, comfortable movement. Approximate cost $20 - $75 Danglers/Cow bells The protective plastic or lexan that is attached to the helmet. The danglers must protect the throat without getting caught behind the bottom of the chin. The dangler should not get caught on the cage of the mask. The goaltender should be able to see the puck through the dangler. The dangler can be an important piece of equipment for a goaltender of any age. Approximate cost $45 - $85 Sticks DO NOT cut the shafts, this will make the stick heavier/out of balance. There are different lies (angle of the blade compared to the paddle) and paddle lengths (length from the mid-heel to the top of the paddle) to consider.  Lie 13: more upright,  Lie 14: standard, if the stick does not state a lie it is usually a 14,  Lie 15: least upright Paddle Length: 21 " - junior/beginner size, 24"- intermediate/short adult goalie, 25"- Senior , low stance, 26" - tall goalie, 27"- tall goalie A paddle too tall opens up the space between the blocker and body and may compromise the goaltenders balanced stance by forcing the goaltender into a more upright position. A paddle too short will leave the ice exposed and may again compromise the goaltender's balanced stance by forcing the goaltender to lean to far forward . Make sure the goaltender's knob of the stick is not to big. Approximate cost $30 - $225   HINT:  Beginning goalies do not need the newest brand of equipment but they do need to be protected and able to move. For information about testing Brian's goaltending equipment at an MTN camp contact  travis@mtngoaltending.com