Goalie Pants

There are many different types of goalie pants. They come in different types, shapes and colors to address the needs of the various types of sports. The only thing they have in common is the extra protection they provide for goalies. Whether you are wearing lacrosse goalie pants, inline skate goalie pants, field hockey goalie pants or ice hockey pants, you should have all the protection you require.

Ice hockey pants are called “breezers." They provide knee-to-waist protective gear through strategic padding. The NHL, however, forbids any internal or external or “cheater” padding in either the waist or pant leg. Square pads are also illegal. The only legitimate padding allowed is for the protection of the player. A goalie cannot wear any type of reinforcement if it helps the play.

Traditionally, ice hockey goalkeeper pants are all in one-piece with a lace-up fly and a strap belt. More often than not, the extra weight of goalie pants requires the use of suspenders. Lacrosse goalie pants, however, while heavier than the other team players, are less heavily padded than the pants of ice hockey goalies. Furthermore, in sports such as field hockey, lacrosse and indoor or outdoor roller hockey, the pants are lighter to suit the weather. The material needs to breathe. While hockey pants may be made of nylon, lacrosse goalie pants are comprised of a lycra-spandex mixture.

In all instances, goalie pants must be padded. They all, however, have to be flexible. Lacrosse, field and ice hockey goalies are the last line of defence. They face shots fired on the net through the entire game long. Goalies have to be well padded, from head to foot, but still must have the flexibility and mobility necessary to play and excel in their position. The design of the goalie pants must reflect this. They need to be able to absorb and disperse the impacts of balls and pucks. Pant padding must be positioned to protect hips, waist, lower back (particularly the kidney area), tailbone and thigh and groin area. Pants need to loose enough to tuck in a belly pad and position properly supporters for a jock or a jill.

There is a wide and wild assortment of colors for goalie pants. Many of the offerings are copies of the local, regional, national or international teams. Red goalie pants, for example, are worn by the New York Rangers. You can also customize hockey pants.

A number of companies manufacture goalie hockey camps. CCM, for instance, sells goalie pants as does Itech, Mylec and Bauer as well as Vaughan, RBK and Tackla. CCM manufactures 192 tacks for ice hockey and STX and Galt sell lacrosse goalie pants. When you buy, make your decision an informed one. Study the equipment reviews, ask around and try on more than one type. Be sure you are protected, flexible and comfortable.