Hockey Gloves

Hockey gloves are part of the hockey player’s battery. They protect the player’s hands against wear and tear and external damage. The goalie wears specialized gloves: a blacker and a catcher. There are ice hockey gloves, street hockey gloves and roller skate hockey gloves.

The history of hockey gloves is unclear as to who exactly determined gloves as part of the game. The reason, however, seems to be a practical one. Hands became cold and numb during a long game outside in the frigid weather. As a result, hockey gloves were the earliest piece of equipment used. The use of gauntlet type gloves did not significantly increase protection but added warmth.

By 1900, however, all players had begun to add padding to gloves for increased warmth and protection. The pads combined animal hair and felt with rattan reeds at the wrist. The goalie, however, did not receive any extra safeguards. Goalie gloves were no different than those of other players. In 1904, the gloves looked awkward, the fingers resembling fat, tubular sausages.

The history of the hockey glove is not one of major leaps and bounds. The problem of a proper goalie glove remained until 1915. Someone added extra padding. As a concession, leatherwork spidered-out between the thumb and the index finger.

Between 1925 and 1930, goalies undertook protective measures to preserve their stick hand. Harness leather formed a stiff outer cage. This particular goalie glove altered with time. It gained a name: “the Blocker.”

In 1931, the equipment took another step forward. Babe Siebert, left wing defense for the Montreal Maroons, broke his thumb. The team scrambled, frantic to find a way to keep him in the game. Bill O’Brien, trainer of both the Montreal Maroons and the Montreal Canadiens, came up with a solution. He took a shoehorn, stuck it in the glove’s thumb, inventing the reinforced thumb. This became the fashion and the prototype for the reinforced fiberglass thumb.

The next major step in hockey glove history occurred in 1948. Emile Francis, goalie with the Chicago Blackhawks, stepped into the net one night in a game against the Detroit Red Wings. The fans and players stared. Francis was wearing a first baseman’s mitt sewn to his goalie glove. Although the opposing team objected, they could do nothing. Not only did the game continue, but Francis also started a new fad. Goalies began to copy him and, over the years, the goalie pocket extended. This glove is the “Catcher.”

Over the years, there have been several changes in manufacturing and design. Foam, air and gel systems all influenced the development of a hockey glove. Construction material is now lighter and tougher. There are pre-formed curves and short-cuffed gloves. There is also an extra rib on the underside of the glove. This rib runs from the little finger to the back of the wrist.

Companies continue to develop lighter and stronger equipment. There is a wide choice. Moreover, different gloves fit and serve different sports. A youth hockey goalie catcher glove is not constructed the same as a roller or inline hockey glove. Although similar in shape and look, the street hockey glove is lighter and better ventilated.

Hockey gloves are now available from any number of companies. Michael Peca wear Bauer gloves Supreme One90 while Joe Thornton sports CCM Vector gloves and Eric Lindros Bauer Vapor XXX. Kolvachuk wears Mia hockey gloves. Mia gloves are extremely light and you can customize hockey gloves online.

There are Easton hockey gloves and Graf hockey gloves. Warrior Hockey manufactures several types of Warrior hockey gloves including Warrior Silver MacDaddy, MacDaddy, Dolomite and Royale. . Muskoka Worldwide produces several high- end hockey gloves, including Muskoka hockey gloves ZR 97. Eagle Hockey developed the cuff extension in 1999. Eagle hockey gloves have also embraced the nontraditional in colors.

Colored gloves first emerged in the early 1970s. Today, gloves glow in a rainbow of different colors. There are even pink hockey gloves. You can also customize hockey gloves. Remember, however, protection, not color or style, must govern your hockey glove purchase.