What to Look For When Buying Goalie Equipment: A Full Guide

Whether you're a beginner hockey player stepping onto the ice for the first time or a seasoned goaltender preparing for your next season, choosing the right goalie equipment is essential for performance, protection, and comfort. Goalie gear is specialized, complex, and often expensive, so making informed decisions can save you time, money, and even injuries.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every piece of goalie equipment—from head to toe—along with sizing tips, brand comparisons, material differences, and expert recommendations to help you build the best setup for your game.

Understanding Goalie Equipment Basics

Goalie gear differs significantly from player equipment due to the unique demands of the position. While players focus on speed and agility, goalies require maximum protection and mobility in specific areas. The key goals when selecting equipment are:

• Protection: First and foremost, goalie gear must shield you from high-speed pucks and collisions.

• Mobility: Equipment should allow you to move quickly in and out of your stance.

• Durability: The gear must hold up to repeated impacts and regular use.

• Fit: Poorly fitted gear can lead to injury, discomfort, and poor performance.

• Style of Play: Aggressive vs. positional goalies have different preferences in fit and feel.

Full List of Goalie Equipment (with Detailed Buying Guide)

1. Goalie Mask (Helmet)

Purpose: A goalie mask protects your head, face, and jaw from shots and impacts.

What to Look For:

• Fit: Should be snug but comfortable; minimal movement when shaking your head.

• Shell Material: Fiberglass for beginners, carbon fiber or Kevlar for pros.

• Cage Design: Stainless steel is durable. Certified cages meet safety standards (CSA, HECC).

• Padding: High-density foam is essential. Some masks have adjustable liners for better fit.

• Chin Cup: Adjustable and securely holds your chin.

• Neck Guard Compatibility: Ensure your neck guard fits comfortably with the mask.

Recommended Brands: Bauer, CCM.

Pro Tip: Never buy a cheap goalie mask. An elite mask protects against concussions and facial injuries.

2. Goalie Chest & Arm Protector

Purpose: Goalie chest & arm protectors shield your chest, ribs, arms, and shoulders.

What to Look For:

• Coverage: Ensure full coverage without gaps under the arms or at the collar.

• Mobility: Elbow floaters should allow full arm movement. Look for adjustable strapping.

• Fit: Should fit snugly over your torso without being restrictive.

• Padding Density: High-density foams, layered padding, and reinforced sternum plates.

• Torso Length: Too long, and it interferes with your pants; too short, and you leave gaps.

Recommended Brands: CCM, Bauer, Warrior.

Pro Tip: Intermediate and senior-level chest protectors are more protective and durable than junior or entry-level gear.

3. Goalie Catcher

Purpose: Goalie gloves are to catch and control the puck.

What to Look For:

• Break Angle: Common angles are 60°, 75°, and 90°. Choose based on how your hand naturally closes.

• Pocket Size: A deeper pocket gives better puck control; wider pockets help cover more area.

• Closure Feel: Some goalies prefer stiffer gloves; others want a game-ready feel.

• Protection: Reinforced palm area and backhand padding.

• Strapping: Adjustable strapping keeps glove secure on your hand.

Recommended Brands: Bauer (Supreme/Hyperlite), CCM (Axis/Eflex), Warrior.

Pro Tip: Break in your glove before games—either by steaming or manual break-in methods.

4. Goalie Blocker

Purpose: Goalie blockers deflect pucks using the back of the hand and aids in stick handling.

What to Look For:

• Board Shape: Curved boards direct rebounds better; flat boards offer better control.

• Palm Position: Centered or offset; depends on hand positioning preference.

• Palm Material: Reinforced, breathable materials that resist wear and sweat buildup.

• Sidewall Protection: Covers the index finger and thumb area—crucial for safety.

• Wrist Mobility: Flexibility for stickhandling and poke checks.

Recommended Brands: Bauer, CCM, Warrior.

5. Goalie Pads

Purpose: Goalie pads are the primary tool for blocking shots and executing butterfly saves.

What to Look For:

• Sizing: Measure from ankle to knee (floor to center of knee cap), then thigh rise. Follow manufacturer sizing guides.

• Strapping System: Traditional leather vs. modern elastic/Velcro. Elastic offers quick adjustments and less bulk.

• Toe Tie System: Lace-up, bungee cord, or magnetic quick-release. Bungees are most popular for mobility.

• Stiffness Profile: Soft for hybrid goalies (more movement), stiff for butterfly goalies (more blocking).

• Knee Stack and Landing Area: Should align with your knee for proper drops and slides.

Recommended Brands: Bauer (Mach/Hyperlite), CCM (Axis/EFlex), Warrior.

Pro Tip: Try pads on with your skates and pants to test butterfly drops and recovery movements.

6. Goalie Pants

Purpose: Goalie pants protect hips, thighs, groin, and spine.

What to Look For:

• Size and Fit: Should be loose enough to allow movement but tight enough not to shift.

• Padding Distribution: Extra padding in the hips, tailbone, and inner thighs.

• Thigh Protection: Overlap with the top of your leg pads without interference.

• Adjustability: Internal belts, suspender loops, and adjustable waist tabs.

Recommended Brands: CCM, Bauer, Warrior.

Pro Tip: Many elite goalies size up for better coverage and mobility.

7. Goalie Skates

Purpose: Goalie skates provide stability, mobility, and protection during lateral movement.

What to Look For:

• Fit Type: Goal skates are wider and lower-cut than player skates for increased mobility.

• Blade Holder: Most modern skates have quick-release holders for easy blade replacement.

• Cowling vs. No Cowling: Modern skates are cowling-less for lighter weight and better feel.

• Ankle Support: Essential for butterfly goalies who drop frequently.

• Steel Height: Taller blades offer better attack angle and edge retention.

Recommended Brands: Bauer (Konekt/Pro), CCM (AS-V Pro), True.

8. Goalie Stick

Purpose: Goalie Sticks direct pucks, assist in passing, and provide five-hole coverage.

What to Look For:

• Material: Wood (budget, heavy), composite (lightweight, better balance), foam-core (middle ground).

• Paddle Length: Measure from the heel to the shoulder when in stance. Too long or short affects balance.

• Curve Type: Mid or heel curve preferred for goalies who play the puck often.

• Grip: Choose a stick with a textured shaft or apply grip tape.

Pro Tip: Always carry a backup stick.

9. Goalie Neck Guard (Throat Protector)

Purpose: Neck guards shield the neck and collarbone from errant pucks or sticks.

Types:

• Danglers: Plastic shields that hang from your helmet.

• Clavicle Guards: Padded bibs that sit on your chest.

• Combination Guards: Integrated into chest protectors or worn separately.

Pro Tip: Always wear one—even if not mandatory in your league.

10. Goalie Jock / Jill (Pelvic Protector)

Purpose: Jocks protect your groin and lower abdomen.

What to Look For:

• Double-Cup Design: For male goalies, many goalie-specific jocks have dual cup protection.

• Padding: Thick foam surrounding the cup for impact absorption.

• Fit: Snug but comfortable. Should not move during movement.

11. Base Layers and Accessories

• Knee Guards: Protects knees during butterfly drops.

• Base Layer and Undergarments: Baselayers wick sweat and prevent chafing.

• Toe Hooks or Toe Ties: Connect pads to skates.

• Suspenders: Keeps pants secure.

Sizing Tips (For All Equipment)

• Try Before You Buy: Always test gear in a butterfly position if possible.

• Consult Manufacturer Charts: Sizes vary between brands.

• Account for Growth (Younger Goalies): Leave some room to grow, but not too much—protection is key.

• Don’t Layer Gear Too Much: Bulky setups reduce mobility and can leave gaps.

Gear for Different Experience Levels

Brand Comparison Quick Overview

Maintenance & Care Tips

• Dry Gear After Each Use: Prevents bacteria, odor, and degradation.

• Check for Wear: Replace worn toe ties, cracked cages, and torn palms.

• Clean Regularly: Use disinfectant sprays or washable liners.

• Sharpen Skates: Every 5–8 ice sessions or as needed.

Protect Your Crease The Right Way

Buying goalie equipment is a significant investment, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of playing the position. Prioritize safety, fit, and mobility above all. Don’t hesitate to ask other goalies, coaches, or pro shop staff for input—everyone started somewhere.

Whether you’re just learning your angles or playing in a competitive league, the right gear is your foundation for success in the crease.