Today’s Goalie Equipment is Way To Big

I was thinking about the Penguins Goalie issues and how this predicament was going to have a huge impact on their second half of the season.  Then a couple of pictures came my way, comparing Today’s Goalie with those Goalies from the Past.  And my jaw hit the floor.

As a player, who scored many goals in my day, the size of Today’s Goalie Equipment, just bugs me to know end.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I am not suggesting that we go back to the time where goalies did not wear a mask.  Nor, am I suggesting that the goalie equipment be unsafe.

I am a big supporter of Safety First.

However, I am saying that the Game of Hockey is becoming a little stale at times.  There just aren’t that many end to end scoring chances, that are bringing me out of my seat anymore.

That said, what I am suggesting, is there could be a couple of “tweaks”, say in Today’s Goalie Equipment, that might lend itself to providing a little more entertainment..  Let me explain.

The Mask

Like I said above, I really don’t see any need for a change in this equipment.  I like the overall look and feel of the goalie mask.  I like the streamlined look as well.  I’m also not hearing any goalies complain, when they take one off the ‘ol melon.

And for those who want neck and throat protection, there are neck guards or the plastic throat protector.  I really think it does its intended job.

Chest Pads

Here is where I start to get a little cranky.  So, back in the day, I know that goalie chest pads, were no more than a glorified baseball chest pad, with padded arms.  I agree, this was unsatisfactory. Period.

However, today’s Chest Pads are built like the Great Wall of China.  First of all, there is way to much padding on Top of the Shoulders.  The shooter sees no room, then looks for other options.

Second, the Arm Pads are to Square.  I really think this is a fail.  I understand, the padding helps to block shots and control rebounds.  This is also precisely the problem, the padding is blocking the shots and creating no rebounds.

I really feel that the padding is fine, just make the arms rounded, so rebounds can occur.  Rebounds lead to scrambles in front of the net, which leads to scoring chances or maybe you might even squeak one through the arms, on occasion.

I am ok with the Chest Pad Density in the front.  I really think it does its intended job.

Blocker

I really don’t see any need for a change in this equipment.  I like the look and I really think it does its intended job.

Catcher / Glove Hand

Here is where I get a little cranky again.  I like the glove in general.  I like the padding.  I just feel that adding the cheater section around the wrist area is weak.  Now, I get it, the old gloves were baseball gloves with leather add-on’s and offered very little protection.

Again, I want more shots that could go in, or at least cause a rebound, scramble or scoring chance.  So, let’s get rid of the cheater padding.

Goalie Pants

Here is where you can add all the protection you want, as far as I am concerned.  I like them as is, however if you need more Quad Protection, then add away.

Goalie Pads

Here is my biggest bone of contention.  First of all I get it, every goalie is taught to drop on the shot into the butterfly position, in order to cover the lower part of the net.  So, I’m ok with the width of the Pads.  I am also ok with the amount of protection they provide the goalie.

I am however, real cranky when I see the goalie drop down into their butterfly and cover the entire lower portion of the net, from post to post.

The approved length of today’s goalie pads, is 100% ridiculous.  How can anyone ever think of scoring low on a goalie in Today’s Hockey?  When the goalie butterflies, the five-hole is gone, like non existent.  Also, any shot low glove or low blocker is useless, based on the length of today’s goalie pads, that stretch from post to post.

So now, as a result, you see players shoot high all the time.  This causes way to many missed shots that rim around the boards, then fly out of the offensive zone.  This also promotes way more shots toward the goalies head, from players trying to snipe the area where the elbow bends.

You want to talk Safety Issues?  With today’s player able to generate a 100 Mile Per Hour shot, you would think, Goalies would want LESS shots going towards their heads, not more.

Toe Assemblies on Goalie Pads

I’ll give you this one.  Safety First.  Back in the day it was unacceptable.  Today there is no hope of a puck sliding underneath them.

I’m ok with it.  You know what mom always said; “sometimes you gotta give to get”.

Goalie Sticks

Well, in general, I am fine with today’s Goalie Sticks.

However, if you want to add more spice to the game, take away the curve on the Goalie Stick.  This will cause the goalie to have a harder time playing the puck up the ice or towards their Defensemen.  This will cause more turnovers, which will allow for more potential scoring plays or scrambles to occur.

Another option for more offense, is to force the goalies, to stay in their crease.  Maybe that should be a discussion for another time…lol.

Pittsburgh Penguins as of Feb 03.2023

24-16-9 = 57 pts

5th  in the Metropolitan Division

8th in the Eastern conference

12th Tied in the NHL (overall)

Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 Wild Card Playoff Spot, Eastern Conference.

Here is hoping the Penguins clear up their Issues Between the Pipes sooner rather than later.  Because from what I have seen so far this season, the Penguin Goalies actually need Bigger Equipment, if the Penguins hope to make the Playoffs and beyond.  Yikes.

My View from the Cheap Seats

Section: TV   Row:  PVR     Seat: Couch

I have played hockey since I was 3 years old.  I have scored many a goal, in my time.  And what I miss the most, is skating towards a goalie and seeing shooting options.

My “Tweaks”, come from a love of the game and a love to snipe goals.

Today, I see no hope for shooting low on a goalie, what-so-ever.  So, Today’s Goalie is forcing me to go top shelf.  Now I’m also one who loves the ‘ol Bar-Down-shot-goal feeling.

However, if you are working against a defender or your shot is off by just an inch or so, you ping the Goalie in the ‘ol Melon.

Trust me, that is never a good feeling, especially playing in an Old Timers game.  Yes I know my goalie buddy says; “that’s why he spends $1000. on a Goalie Mask”.

That may be true, however I still don’t feel very good about it or I simply don’t take that shot.  Now, it’s not as fun, right?

I play the game for fun and to score goals, not to potentially give the Goalie a concussion.

Cause, Ya know, it’s all about…Safety First.

Quote of the Day:

“Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident”

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