Hockey Goalie Gloves and Blockers
Getting the right hockey equipment is crucial to both playing well on the ice and staying protected during the game. Adult goalkeepers typically need only replace their goalie gloves when they wear out while children may frequently outgrow their hockey gear and need replacement equipment as they grow. All players may find the need for hockey goalie gloves and blockers as they play more and improve their skills.
What size goalie gloves should you choose?The fingers in goalkeeper gloves should not extend more than 1/2 inch beyond the tip of your fingers. When ordering online, the recommended way to determine proper glove size is to measure your hand from the heel of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Use your measurement to order the right size according to these guidelines:
- Youth: 4 3/4 to 5 5/8 inches
- Junior: 5 5/8 - 6 1/4 inches
- Intermediate: 6 1/4 to 7 inches
- Senior: 7 inches and above
In order to get the proper glove, you must know which hand you catch the puck with. If you're right-handed like most people, you will hold your hockey stick in and wear your blocker on your right hand. As a result, your goalie glove will be worn on your left hand. This is the way most players set up their gear, and as such, is referred to as the regular. However, if you are left-handed, you will hold your stick in and wear your blocker on your left hand. In this case, you will wear your goalie glove on your right hand. This setup is referred to as the full right.
How do you break in a replacement glove?While blockers work well from day one, goalie gloves are easier to use after a breaking in period make them easier to close and manipulate. Your hockey gear will experience this breaking in with use, but you can speed the process to get game ready in a hurry. To do so, bake the glove in a convection oven at 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Allow the glove to cool enough that you can touch it and then put it on. Open and close the glove repeatedly, flexing it until you have achieved the desired shape and feel. It helps to spray the inside of the glove with a little water. Always use a convection or skate oven to break in a replacement glove. Never attempt to do so in a conventional oven.