The All Sports Blog

No matter what level of hockey you or your child is playing at, it's always important to wear goalie gear that is the right size. From the leg pads to the goalie mask, you want to make sure that everything is going to protect the person wearing it. Injuries are common in the goal when equipment is outdated or doesn't fit correctly. The hockey goalie mask and helmet are vital components, protecting the head and face from injuries due to fast flying pucks. The right goalie mask and helmet will prevent a traumatic brain injury, while a substandard one puts the player at risk. If you or your child is a new goalie, it's time to learn about fitting the gear properly

Focus On Fit Not Style

Your teenager might want to pick a hockey goalie mask and helmet because of how it looks, not how it fits. A poorly fitting helmet puts your teenager at serious risk for a head injury, and it's well worth arguing for a helmet and mask that fit over one that is a favorite color. To know what size helmet would work best, it's going to take trying on helmets. While you can measure the circumference of the head above the brow, different manufacturers may make sizes slightly different.

Know How the Helmet Should Fit

The hockey helmet should fit snugly on the head and will sit about half an inch above the eyebrows. The head shouldn't be squeezed into the helmet, but it shouldn't slide around either. Most helmets now contain adjustment clips, making it easier to fit the helmet correctly and provide a little room for growth.

Choose the Goalie Mask

Combination masks, wire cages, or face shield masks are available when choosing a hockey goalie mask. It's important to know the regulations of the league where the mask will be worn, as this often determines the type of goalie mask you purchase. A wire cage shield will protect the entire face, and the chin fits into the chin cup. A mask that is too big can cause the nose or mouth to hit the mask when you get hit with the puck.

Additional gear such as a chest protector, gloves, and leg pads all need to be comfortable and allow for free movement in order to play goal. When the equipment does not fit correctly, it makes the goalie's job much harder.

To find the right hockey goalie mask for you or your child, contact a company like Promasque.