| Ice hockey is a dangerous game. The surface | | | | considerable amount of padded protection to |
| of the ice is hard, the ice is full of | | | | make it safer for them to get in the way of |
| players putting their full force into moving | | | | the puck that is heading goal wards. The |
| around the ice and the pucks can reach up to | | | | goaltender is allowed equipment that is |
| 100 mph when hit well and all of this is | | | | different from other players on the team. The |
| before a brawl kicks off. It is no wonder | | | | equipment generally has more protection for |
| that there is a vast range of high quality | | | | impacts from the front and the clothing |
| ice hockey equipment that has been developed | | | | generally has little protection for a |
| to secure the safety of ice hockey players. | | | | goalie's back. This is typically because the |
| | | | goalie is less likely to be impacted from |
| There are items of equipment available to | | | | that direction. The main benefit for the |
| help protect every inch of an ice hockey | | | | goaltender is that he or she is able to use a |
| player and still enable the player to move | | | | larger stick than other players. The stick |
| freely around the ice hockey rink. There is | | | | has a wider blade and can be a great help for |
| also a wide range of ice hockey equipment | | | | preventing the puck from entering the goal. |
| that is designed to help improve the quality | | | | |
| of the performance of the competitor. Typical | | | | The equipment used by regular players is |
| performance enhancing equipment includes | | | | designed to help the player cope with the |
| items such as skates and hockey sticks whilst | | | | needs of the game and maximise the |
| safety gear includes helmets, shoulder pads, | | | | performance. The main item of kit being the |
| elbow pads, mouth guards, protective gloves, | | | | shirt that is worn over the protective |
| shin pads, chest protector and a neck guard. | | | | clothing and helps the team players recognise |
| | | | team mates and opposition with ease. These |
| The type of equipment that the players | | | | shirts are usually very thin and are |
| utilise is often dependent on the position | | | | supplementary to clothing that is worn |
| that they play for the team. The kit that the | | | | underneath. Arguably the most important piece |
| goal tender wears differs greatly from the | | | | of kit for the players is the helmet which is |
| outfield players. | | | | designed to keep the head safe and also often |
| | | | includes a face cage or visor to keep the |
| The main area of difference between outfield | | | | face safe but also allow for maximum |
| players and goal tenders is in the style of | | | | visibility so that the wearer's site is not |
| skates that the goaltender wears. The skates | | | | impeded. |
| that the goal tender wears are generally a | | | | |
| lower, flatter style of skates. This style of | | | | The hockey stick that regular players use is |
| skate lends better to lateral movement and | | | | often thinner than that of the goaltender and |
| can help the goaltender remain steady on the | | | | it usually has a curvature that is designed |
| ice. The role of the goaltender is obviously | | | | to help cup the puck and subsequently flick |
| very different to the role of a normal player | | | | it effectively. There are a number of sticks |
| and the goaltender does not need to achieve | | | | that are made out of composite materials but |
| speed and quick turns. | | | | wooden sticks remain very popular in the |
| | | | professional game. |
| The goaltender will often also wear a | | | | |