Goalie Leg Pads

Goalie leg pads, one of the most essential pieces of protective equipment for a goalie, are worn on the goaltender’s legs. These pillow-like pads at the front of the legs wrap around the top of the skates and go past the knees. The intent is to stop shots and protect the legs from injuries. In ice hockey, it is crucial they cover and protect the legs but remain flexible for movement. Goalie leg padding must cover the knees to a few inches above the skates but not interfere with plating.

The first leg pads were cricket pads. Goalies wore them in 1893. It took George “Whitney” Merritt to popularize them. He wore a pair during a Stanley Cup game. Emil “Pop” Kenesky, a Hamilton harness maker, designed modified pants in the 1920s. The protective shell was leather, the stuffing deer or horse- hair. Although they soaked up prodigious amounts of water during a game, the new pads became the style worn by all goalies for the next 50 years.

Putting on goaltender pads requires a little bit of skill. Modern goalie pads consist primarily of leather or synthetic leather and foam. The leather keeps them moisture free and lightweight allowing goalies to enhance control of their rebounds. Leather is required to keep the pads dry. A material such as nylon wood simply soaks up the moisture. Other materials would create a shake-and-bake goalie. The foam serves the purpose of providing a cushion and acts as a coolant. Extra padding in the knee and thigh areas increases protection.

Keep in mind, not everything goes. The NHL regulates the length and width of leg pads. Legal leg pads are no longer than twelve inches in width and stop about three inches above the knee. Be sure when you purchase a pair of leg pads, they fit the correct criteria as well as your style of game.

Goalies vary in style, some preferring stand up, others the butterfly style. Match your style to a manufacturer. Battram ,Bauer, Brian’s, Brown, CCM, Don Simmons, DR, Eagle, Falcon, Flarrow, Flite, Gould, Heaton, Itech , Jackson, Jossa, McKenney, Litespeed, Miller, Mitchell, Miklin, Mission, Montreal, Mylec, Olie, Reebok, Rey, Sher-Wood, Smith, Tour and TPS-Louisville Vaughn Viper, Yekcoh make a line of goalie leg pads. Mylec goalie leg pads are durable, lightweight and completely flexible. Sher-Wood Rebellion Pro Goalie pads are good for standup and butterfly styles. The
Goalie leg pads have to fit properly to be effective and to protect you. They should also be comfortable Wearing your skates, try on different models. This is the only way to find out if they fit. You should also make sure your leg pads are for the type of hockey you play. Ice hockey requires ice hockey pads not inline or street hockey pads. Field hockey also calls for specialized goalie pads. Caution - if wearing inappropriate equipment it will swiftly degrade. You could also severely injure yourself.

Goalie pads are for protection and, in this particular instance, price relates very closely to quality and durability. The Vaughan VP G7070 Velocity costs around $1, 200. Expensive, but a higher quality leg pad lasts longer and has fewer repairs. There is even some increased resale value in high quality used goalie pads.