CCM Phenom Goalie Gear: Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review
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Time to read 7 min
CCM has delivered a new, purpose-built junior line of goalie gear designed to make learning the position easier than ever. The all-new CCM Phenom gear is the latest addition to the junior lineup—and it brings a lot to be excited about.
In the past, CCM’s junior gear largely mirrored their senior and intermediate lines, just in smaller sizing. With Phenom, CCM has reimagined what junior gear can be—specifically tailoring this line to the unique challenges young goalies face when it comes to comfort, fit, and usability.
About the CCM Phenom Junior Goalie Gear
Inspired by the challenges young goalies face when first stepping into the crease, CCM developed the Phenom line as a true junior-specific gear setup—not just a scaled-down version of pro models. From the flexible pad core and tailored strapping to the lightweight materials and game-ready glove closure, every element of Phenom was designed with learning and development in mind. The result is gear that helps new goalies move better, feel more confident, and stay focused on having fun while building their skills.
CCM Phenom vs CCM YFlex
This isn’t CCM’s first time designing gear for young goaltenders. Nearly a decade ago, they introduced the YFlex series—gear built with the same goal of supporting developing goalies.
CCM Phenom
The CCM Phenom leg pads are available in junior sizes 24”, 26”, 28”, and 30” (all with +1” thigh rise), creating overlap with both youth and intermediate gear. Replacing the E6.5 junior line, the Phenom pads were built to combine the quality and performance of CCM’s pro gear with the comfort and flexibility young goalies need.
CCM YFlex
The CCM YFlex 3 gear is available in sizes 20”, 22”, 24” and 26” to fit the youngest of goaltenders. In its 3rd iteration, CCM YFlex gear has been successful in serving young goalies who are just starting out in the position. Specifically made for beginner goalies, CCM uses a youth-tailored strapping system to fit small legs, a soft core for better comfort and mobility, and a unique external skin that is lightweight.
CCM Phenom Graphic
CCM Phenom features a custom graphic layout that combines cut-and-sew Jenpro with printed designs, giving the gear a unique identity. Instead of copying the EFlex 7 graphic, CCM gave Phenom its own bold aesthetic; a decision that makes it easy for young goalies to get excited about the gear they wear. Most importantly, by using the same materials as the pro gear, goalies and their parents (and hockey associations) can be confident in the quality of this gear.
CCM Phenom Leg Pads
Litecore Core with Single Break
The Phenom pads use Litecore construction to deliver a lightweight yet durable profile that holds its shape over time. A single internal and external break gives the pads a flexible feel, offering mobility similar to the EFlex series. Finally, the curved thigh rise also provides enhanced five-hole coverage.
DFlex Flat Face
The pads feature a flat-faced DFlex design to help direct rebounds with control. A break in the pad face supports overall flex and creates angulation for improved rebound redirection and without knee rolls, rebounds come off more predictably.
DRS Knee Stack
The CCM Phenom pads come equipped with CCM’s DRS technology to deliver an open knee cradle that promotes easy rotation and accommodates any size of knee pad. The knee wing is removable and adjustable to accommodate goalies preferences and the knee stack features CCM’s Hexa Grip to provide better traction and control when in the butterfly.
Shallow Soft Boot Channel
The CCM Phenom leg pad features a shallow boot to deliver a responsive fit between the skate and the pads. The soft boot construction enhances mobility while supporting an improved seal along the post. The leg pad also comes equipped with a removable boot strap so goalies can determine their strapping preference.
Leg Channel
The Phenom junior leg pads have a tight-fit leg channel design with CCM’s comfort wrap to deliver better comfort and seal while in the butterfly. The calf wrap features CCM’s Comfort Mesh to provide a breathable leg channel while a larger calf pillow absorb space in the leg channel to create a better connection with the goalies’ leg.
ADPTFIT Strapping
The CCM Phenom leg pad is equipped with ADPTFIT strapping, which is a scaled-down version of CCM’s QMSS3 that comes with their EFlex 7 and E7.9 gear. The strapping is designed to create a better fit with small legs while promoting easy pad rotation and recovery.
New Offset Hybrid Skate Lace System
CCM’s new toe ties offer a unique combination: traditional skate lace for a secure post seal, Velcro closure for easy adjustments, and an elastic band for added flexibility. These make it easier than ever to connect the pads without sacrificing the benefits of lace or bungees.
CCM Phenom Catcher
590 Break Angle
While CCM doesn’t officially list a break angle, the CCM Phenom glove most closely resembles a 590 break —a popular and intuitive option for young goalies, promoting a natural closure from fingertips to base of the thumb.
Pocket and T
The Phenom glove features a single T design with an added inch of depth to create a deep pocket for catching pucks. The deeper pocket helps to trap pucks and reduce the likelihood of the puck popping out. The glove also comes stock with skate lace, which offers some extra give to cushion the puck impact when catching, once again reducing the likelihood of pop outs.
Litecore Construction
Just like the pads, the Phenom catcher uses Litecore construction for a lightweight, well-balanced feel. Its design helps funnel pucks into the pocket while minimizing pop outs (dropping the puck).
Game Ready Fit
Often times, small goalie gear is hard for young goalies to break-in and use, hindering their experience and performance. One of the best aspects of this glove is that is it specifically engineered with young, small hands in mind, making it easier for goalies to use right away.
Palm Material
The Phenom trapper uses Hexa Palm for added comfort and grip. This material is similar to what is used on the CCM Pro gear and provides a textured feel for enhanced control when making glove saves.
Strapping
The Phenom catcher is equipped with CCM’s CrossFrom strapping to provide a better fit and better control when making glove saves. CCM has eliminated the wrist strap and instead, anchors the glove to the back of the hand with a Velcro adjustment and a pull strap.
Backhand
The Phenom gear uses CCM’s Flexmotion backhand to mitigate any restriction and provide better flexibility, leading to an easier glove closure.
Cuff
The open cuff should eliminate any interference with chest protectors and provide a free range of motion.
CCM Phenom Blocker
Litecore Blocker Board
The CCM Phenom blocker is built using Litecore technology to keep the blocker lightweight, balanced, and protective. The blocker board features a pre-curved profile to help direct pucks out with ease.
Sidewall
The blocker features a stiff sidewall and uses a straight edge design for enhanced mobility, coverage, and protection.
Centered Palm Position
The Phenom blocker uses a centered palm position for a balanced feel, helping goalies feel more control when making saves.
Flexmotion Cuff
The Phenom blocker is equipped with a Flexmotion Cuff for optimal mobility and protection. The blocker features an elastic tether instead of Velcro on one side to offer more flexibility and uses a neoprene finish at the wrist opening to provide additional comfort.
HEXA Palm
The Phenom blocker comes with CCM’s Hexa palm, a soft textured feel for optimal comfort. The palm also features the added durability of a Pro Nash base to enhance. The fingers feature an elastic material which helps provide a snug fit for better comfort. Similar to the Axis XF, the blocker also features added vent channels along the side of the palm for increased breathability.
Finger Protection
The Phenom uses HD foams to create an ergonomic wrap to protect fingers from shots and pucks that ride of the stick. It’s worth noting that the finger protection does not offer any adjustments.
Final Thoughts on the CCM Phenom Goalie Gear
The CCM Phenom line marks a major step forward in junior goalie gear design. Rather than simply downsizing pro-level gear, CCM took a ground-up approach—engineering every piece specifically for the needs of developing goalies. From improved fit and comfort to reduced weight, thoughtful strapping, and pro-level materials, the Phenom line gives young goalies the right foundation to grow their skills and confidence.
It’s clear that CCM has listened to feedback from parents, coaches, and young goalies themselves. The result is gear that doesn’t just look sharp, but actually helps goalies move better, seal the ice more effectively, and enjoy their time in the crease.
Whether you're a goalie parent, coach, or minor hockey association, this gear checks all the boxes—and then some.
