Goalie Gloves

There are two types of goal keepers gloves: the catcher and the blocker. The blocker holds the stick; the catcher catches the puck. Each goalie has his or her technique. Among the youth, hockey goalie catcher gloves are held with the palm facing towards the shooter. Older players tend to use the “shake hands” position. Neither glove is a recent invention, although it took time for them to develop.

Goalie gloves were the first piece of protective ice hockey goalie equipment invented. Originally used for warmth, extra padding made them a little more durable. The first major adaptation for goalkeeper gloves occurred in 1915. The goalie’s hands gained some leatherwork between the thumb and the index finger. Protection accelerated between 1925 and the 1930s as a rudimentary blocker emerged. Tough harness leather provided basic protection of the hands. In the 1960s, manufacturers upgraded the Blocker. New materials meant a revision. The leather or pseudo-leather shell remained but the insides now consisted of a hard sheet of lexan (a form of plexiglass) cushioned by styrene.

The other type of goalie glove, the catcher, appeared during the 1940s. Emile “the Cat” Francis of the Chicago Black Hawks appeared at a hockey game with a first baseman’s glove sewed to the inside of his mitt. The opposing team protested in vain. Francis played the game. A new style of glove became part of the goalie’s equipment. Today, the Catcher or Trapper has evolved into a highly specialized tool. The pocket, extended, now specifically catches the puck. Changes include the addition of a string mesh in the pocket and increased wrist and palm protection. All-in-all, hockey goalie gloves are now a specialized product. The old versions, the originals are now rare goalkeeper gloves.

There are rules in the NHL governing both gloves. The padding of the blocker and the perimeter of the catching glove are restricted. This is but one reason to take care when buying goalkeepers gloves. Others include fit, comfort and flexibility. Do your research. Be thorough. Read reviews of the types that interest you. Does Tour or Mylec offer protective and apt youth hockey goalie gloves? Is it true RBK goalie glove and blocker and pads is comfortable and light? Do Itech and Vaughn really manufacture the best goal keeper gloves?

Goal keepers gloves are an important part of your equipment. It does not matter whether you play Lacrosse or street hockey, lacrosse goalie gloves are important to the safety and skill of a goalie. Warrior, Shock Doctor and Gait produce goalie lacrosse gloves. In ice hockey, there are multiple manufacturers. Reebok goalie glove colors may not be to your liking, but others, such as RBK and Vaughn allow you to customize. Black and yellow goalie gloves, red and purple, your team’s colors – anything is possible. Whatever you do, do not choose on color or decal alone and be sure you buy them for their fit, their comfort and their protection.