Sizing Information

• Player Glove Sizing
• Player Shin Guard Sizing
• Player Shoulder Pad Sizing
• Player Pant Sizing
• Player Skate Sizing
• Player Elbow Pad Sizing
• Hockey Player Stick Sizing & Information Guide
• Goalie Leg Pad Sizing
• Goalie Catch Gloves Sizing
• Goalie Blockers Sizing
• Goalie Chest Protector Sizing
• Goalie Pants Sizing
• Goalie Mask Sizing
• Goalie Stick Sizing

Player Glove Sizing

Things to consider:

• Age
• Level of Play
• Desired Fit (Loose or Tight)

To fit a hockey glove, you must first decide what style of glove you like better. This is purely personal preference, and usually pertains to what the user has worn in the past. A tighter fitting glove reduces negative space and feels like a second skin. These may feel better on the fingers and palm however you will notice a reduced amount of mobility around the wrist. A looser or more traditional fit glove, will feel more like a box around the hand, fitting wider in all areas. 

Also keep in mind the gap between the cuff of the glove and the users elbow pad. You want to try and minimize this gap as much as possible. And if the player does prefer a glove with a shorter cuff, take a look at using an item such as slash or wrist guard to protect the are in between.

Fitting for Growth Room:

When fitting a player who is still growing, you will want to add growth room into the fit of the glove. However, as always, you cannot add too much or the gloves will fit sloppy and take away from performance. To determine if a glove is too big, have the user place their hand inside as they would if they were playing. Next take your index finger and determine how much additional room is between the top of their palm and the edge of the cuff. Typically you want no more room than the width of your index finger. Then have the player press their fingers against the palm so you can see the outlines, make sure their pinky finger is at least 3/4” of the way into the pinky slot. A quick way to test for a proper fit is to pick the stick up off the ground by the shaft, if this cannot be done easily, the glove is probably too big.

To determine if the glove is too small, have the user place their hand inside as they would if they were playing. Take your fingers and feel along the inner cuff of the glove above the palm material. Make sure that user’s palm is not spilling over the palm material and onto the cuff. Next have the player press their fingers against the palm so you can see the outlines of their fingers. You want their fingers to fit in each finger slot but they should not be pressed up against the edge or touching.

Fitting for True Size:

When fitting a glove true to size, keep in mind that this is the smallest the glove will ever fit. Over time and with prolonged use, the foams will compress and the leathers will stretch marginally. To determine the correct size, put the glove on your hand as if to use it. You will want to take a look at two things: one – make sure the your fingers are all the way in the finger slots but not pressing into the gussets on the end, a good fitting glove will leave your fingers so that they are just able to brush the tips of the gussets, and two – make sure your palm is not spilling over the end of the palm material and onto the inner cuff.

Each glove and brand will position placement of the thumb slightly differently, so trying on a few until you find a comfortable pair is a good idea. As well, many different types of palms are available, so you must decide if you wanted a regular “Nash” leather palm, a Pro palm (all leather, usually the most durable) or any other type of palm. High density foams and plastic inserts in certain areas are ideal but those features are usually found on the top level models (there are lots of tiny bones in your hands and you want to make sure that you're not going to be watching from the stands for two months in a cast). But there are other protective alternatives available as well. The protection level of the glove should match your style of play. We recommend that you get the highest level of protection that you can afford.

Compare your height weight and age to the charts provided to find your best fit. As well measure (in inches) from the tip of your middle finger up your hand and to the start of your elbow pad. This measurement will correlate directly with a recommended glove size (i.e. if you measure 14.5” you will want a 15” glove).

Player Shin Guard Sizing

Things to consider:

• Age, Height and Weight
• Level of Play
• Distance Between the Middle of the Kneecap and top of your Skate

When sizing a shin pad, you must determine first if you will wear the shin pad over top of the skate tongue, or if the skate tongue will sit in front of shin pad and “flop” forward. This will determined the length of the shin pad you will want.

Your knee should fit directly into the center of the kneecap, which is usually lined and padded to help direct it and provide comfort. Once the pad is strapped to your leg, it should be secure and snug and should NOT be able to twist rotate or slide freely. There are many strapping systems offered and you must decide what you like and dislike. On some models you will find anchor straps or thicker straps which can offer a better more secure fit. Anchor straps are made up of a stretchy knit material and usually fasten above or below the calf muscle. These straps are designed to anchor the pad in place and not allow it slide up or down. Thicker straps across the calf wrap/guard are also often used, these straps help provide full protection to your leg ensuring that the calf guard reaches across your leg.

Keep in mind that as you go up in price you will usually see more adjustments, options and higher density foams and technologies used. You must determine within your budget, which shin pad offers the most features that you want, as well as provides the most comfort.

Sizing a Shin Pad over top of your Skate Tongue:

To size a shin pad correctly when fitting over top of your skate tongue, measure the length (in inches) of your leg from the middle of your knee cap, when it is bent at a 90 degree angle, to the top of the boot of the skate. Once you have this measurement, round the number up to the next whole number (i.e. 13.2” becomes 14”). Because the shin pad is sitting over top of the skate tongue, it enables your to wear a slightly bigger pad without compromising mobility. This is usually seen as an upside because you get extra protection in areas like the tongue of your skate.

If you are sizing a player and want to include growth room, we do recommend this method as well, because it allows for a bigger pad to be worn, again without compromising motion or mobility.

Sizing a Shin Pad underneath your Skate Tongue:

To size a shin pad correctly when fitting under the top of your skate tongue, measure the length (in inches) of your leg from the middle of your knee cap, when it is bent at a 90 degree angle, to the top of the boot of the skate. Once you have this measurement, round the number down to the next whole number (i.e. 13.7” becomes 13”). Because the shin pad is shipping underneath the skate tongue, the pad will not be able to sit right against the edge of the skate and thus a slightly shorter shin pad is used. If a shin pad that is too big is tried on, you will notice that the shin pad is shifted up and the kneecap falls out of the designated spot. If this happens your shin and knee will not be properly protected and you are more susceptible to having your shin pad rotate or more as well.

Compare your height, weight and age to the charts provided to find your best fit. As well, use the measurement that was taken above to compare to the provided charts. Another good estimation is to look at your old/existing shin pads to see what size they are. If you are growing and have outgrown them, then next size up is probably for you. If you liked the way your shin pads felt, it may be smart to continue with the same size.

Player Shoulder Pad Sizing

Things to consider:

• Age, Height and Weight
• Chest Size
• Level of Play

The fitting of Shoulder Pads is relatively easy and there is a lot of personal preference involved. A proper fitting shoulder pad should be mobile and comfortable to wear and not restrictive. Higher levels of play will require a more protective shoulder pad, keep in mind however that more protective doesn't always mean bulkier. Some of the better designs offer great mobility while still offering a high level of protection.

It is extremely important for sizing to make sure that your shoulders fit directly underneath the shoulder caps of the pad. If your shoulders do not sit correctly underneath the pads and land on either side of the cap, your clavicles, shoulders, biceps and upper arms will not be properly protected.

Most shoulder pads will come with built in adjustments. Some will be more adjustable that others and include adjustments in areas such as the shoulder caps, chest width or length of straps. The most common are of adjustment is on the bicep pads. Most will allow you to raise and lower this pad so you do not interfere with the elbow pads. This is a great adjustment when sizing kids as well, as you may lower the bicep guard as they grow taller.

When measuring for chest size, measure the circumference of the chest just below the arm pits. All shoulder pads will have a matching size or range of sizing within the charts to help direct you.

When viewing sizing online, most shoulder pads will be offered in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. Sizing charts are provided below and on each product to double check where you line up and as well list all the sizes available. These charts are for reference only and personal preference is a factor as well when looking for the best fit.

Player Pant Sizing

Things to consider: 

• Age, Height and Weight
• Waist Size
• Level of Play

When sizing for player pants, preference will largely determine how loose the waist of the pants fit. Your pants should fit comfortably around you, and most people like the waist to fit snug, but not too tight. A pant should fit so the belt is sitting right above your hips and around your waist.

Pants come equipped with at least one belt or fastening system to help them secure to your waist. You want to make sure that they are comfortable but not too loose so that they shift or fall down as you move or skate.

You may choose to use suspenders to help hold the pant up, however they are not required by any means. Most pants will come with suspender “buttons” to fasten to, but make sure you double check with the model you are interested in to make sure. Suspenders can be helpful when you are fitting growing to allow for growth room as it will allow you additional length, without having to keep a tight waist. Pants are also available in “Long” or “Tall” versions which offer 1” additional length without having to move up a waist size.

Fitting for Growth Room:

To fit a pant for growth room, make sure the pant fits securely around the waist, and the belt of the pant is sitting just above the hip bones. You want the pant to come down as far as possible however if it is fit too big, it will interfere with the shin pads and restrict movement. As a general rule, a pant with growth room should be in line with the bottom of the knee cap when standing straight legged and fastened at the waist. When you bend your knees and move into a ‘hockey stance’ the pant should slide up the knee and end up around the middle of the knee cap. A pant is too small once it does not reach the top of knee cap, standing straight legged.

Fitting for True Size:

To fit a pant true to size, make sure the pant fits securely around the waist, and the belt of the pant is sitting just above the hip bones. You want the pants to be long enough so they protect your thighs but not too long so that they interfere with your shin pads. We recommend a pant to fit between the middle and top of the knee cap, when you are standing straight legged. When you bend your knees and move into a ‘hockey stance’ the pant should slide up to fall in line with the top of your shin pads.

When viewing sizing online, most Pants will be offered in Small, Medium and Large and Extra-Large. Sizing charts are provided and on each product to double check where you line up and as well list all the sizes available. These charts are for reference only and personal preference is a factor as well when looking for the best fit. Protection levels will vary depending on the model you choose. As a general rule, the higher price points will offer more hip, kidney and tailbone protection without too much bulk. You can get a good quality pant at a lower price point but the fit, protection or movement of the pant may be somewhat compromised

Compare your height weight and age and waist size to the charts provided to find your best fit. If you are looking at a “Tall” version of a pant, the waist size on the chart will be accurate, however the length will represent that of the next size bigger.

Player Skate Sizing

Things You Need To Know Before Ordering:

• Age, Height and Weight
• Last Brand & Model of skate worn as well as size (length & width).
• Actual Foot Size

You will need the following items to correctly measure foot size:

• 2 pieces of Legal sized paper
• 1 pencil or pen
• A tape measure
• 2 video cassettes or books

To determine this, have the person be seated and wearing the same thickness of sock as he or she would wear when skating (we recommend a thin performance/moisture wicking sock). Measure each foot separately by placing the foot on a piece of legal sized paper (11 X 14). Now, while sitting, slide a video cassette up against the back of the heel and the other cassette up against the longest toe. Make a mark on the paper at the heel & toe. Measure the exact distance between the lines and write it down on the paper, labelling it left or right foot. To determine the width, slide the cassettes against the widest part of the forefoot and mark both sides.

Measure the distance between these marks and record the measurement on the paper.

Most skate manufacturers size their skates differently than shoe sizing. Skates normally fit 1-1/12 sizes smaller than your shoe size. Please remember that every foot has a unique shape and that these are guidelines only.

For on ice performance, the skate is the single most important piece of equipment you wear. It's important that you have someone help you with the measuring.

If you are unclear of how to measure, call us - we can help you over the phone: 1-800-567-7790

A proper fit for skates…

Start with trying your new skates on with moisture wicking performance sock. A proper fitting sock will reduce slippage and help to provide an optimal fit.

Lace the skate up and spend a few minutes walking around to get your heel placed to the rear of the skate.

Stand with your feet placed at shoulders width apart with your legs locked straight.

Your toes should be barely touching the toe cap. Once you bend your knees slightly, you should find that your toes will have enough room to clear the end of the toe cap.

It's important that you make sure that your heel doesn't slip up and down once you are walking around in the skate before taking it out on the ice. Heel slippage is the number one cause of blistering.

To fit the player or goalie who is still growing, have the toes barely touching the end of the toecap. The width of a ballpoint pen should be able to slip in behind the heel comfortably. This gives the foot room to grow but not so that the heel will slip and cause on improper fit.

A poor fitting skate can create bad habits and breakdown prematurely while holding back skate performance. Another problem that can occur are blisters or heel spurs.

A good way to break in your new skates is to spend some time in them up at home. You could also use a hair dryer to warm them, but be careful not to overheat any one area. Let them completely cool before walking in them.

The more time that you can spend with your new skates laced up will help reduce the break in period and your feet will feel better when you hit the ice for the first skate with them.

Remember to wear rubber skate guards to avoid damage to floors.

All skates purchased from thehockeyshop.com come with a free sharpening. Be sure to specify what hollow you would like your skates sharpened at.

Maintenance for your skates…

Make sure you dry your skates out after each use. This will prolong the life of the skates and help keep the odor factor down.

To prolong the life of your rivets and help prevent excessive rusting, pull out the foot bed each time you dry your skates.

Check your blades frequently as nicked edges can occur from walking on dirty flooring either on the bench or in the locker room. Exposed concrete or screws that get stepped on in the rink will also do damage to edges. It's time for a sharpening if you feel like you're slipping during push off.

Having properly sharpened skates is extremely important. The depth of hollow that is best for you is a personal preference.

Keep in mind that sharper does not mean quicker. Less hollow = More glide .

Player Elbow Pad Sizing

Things to consider: 

• Age, Height and Weight
• Level of Play
• Length of Area of Desired Protection

When fitting or trying on elbow pads, there are a few things to look at to make sure you have a proper fit. To start, make sure your elbow is placed in the center of cup or designated area and fasten the elbow pad using the straps. You will want to make sure that elbow pad is snug and secure and will not slip off the elbow joint. As well, move your arms around with each pad on, range of motion is key, and you will feel mobility differences in each product. If the elbow pad is too big it will shift and slide around on your arm. If it is too small your elbow will feel like it is sitting above the pad.

See More

Hockey Player Stick Sizing & Information Guide

Pro-Formance Advantage® Stick Fitting Protocol 
One Piece composite sticks are now the number one selling category for many Source For Sports® stores. Having said that, many players and their parents consider them a commodity item, requiring little technical knowledge in choosing the right stick unlike fitting a pair of skates. As well, sticks are a popular online sale for many e-retailers with lowest price being the deciding factor on what stick to buy and where to buy it regardless of whether the stick is right for the player or not.

The fact is that it takes a great deal of knowledge to help a player choose the right stick for his or her game and the Pro-Formance Advantage Stick Fitting Protocol is designed to give Source For Sports® staff a distinctive when it comes to selling one piece composite sticks. The Pro-Formance Advantage® system delivers a consistent method of fitting sticks from store to store across Canada.

We Know Our Stuff® means properly fitting customers in the right product for their game to help them play at a higher level and most importantly play as safely as possible.

 

Things to consider: 

• Materials and Construction of a Stick
• Stick Options (Curves, Blade Depth, Blade Angle, Toe Shape, Stick Flex, Flex Points, Stick Lie and Grip)
• Stick Sizing (Cutting Sticks and the effects cutting has on Flex)

Materials and Construction

• Materials 
  The main materials used in the construction of one-piece sticks are graphite, Kevlar and fiberglass. 
  In lower end or price point sticks this composite mixture is mostly fiberglass with a small amount of graphite. This mixture makes the stick much heavier but usually a little bit more durable. 
  In high-end sticks there is a greater percentage of graphite and Kevlar added for durability. The amount of graphite makes this stick very light and increases its performance 
  Many companies will create their blades differently depending on what they feel players are looking for. The image shows a cross section of the blade on a composite stick.

   

• Stick Construction 
  Compression molding is a process of taking multiple layers of thin composite and putting them onto a steel mandrill mold and compressing them into the shape of the stick. This process creates a very consistent shape and feel to the stick. 
  Bladder moulding consists of moulding the composite materials over an inflated bladder while inside a mould. This process has more inconsistencies in the shapes it creates. 
  True spear technology is a process of fusing layers of composite of the blade onto the spear end of a shaft. This provides great energy transfer as there is no joint or weak spot that is created. 
  Shaft and blade fusion is the process of taking a shaft and blade, putting them together and then finishing the stick off with layers of composite.

   

Stick Options

• Curves - Heel/Mid/Toe curves - Where the curve of the blade is most prominent 
  Heel: Puck travels along entire blade when passing and shooting for better accuracy and harder wrist shots 
  Mid: Most common curve, best of both worlds for puck control and shooting 
  Toe: Flat blade face, curves sharply at the toe. Great for quick snap shots and toe drags, more difficult to control for shooting and passing accuracy
• Blade Depth 
  How deep the curve is
• Blade Angle 
  Closed face vs. open face 
  Open face easier for loft on puck (get puck up quickly) 
  Closed face better for controlling and protecting the puck
• Toe Shape 
  Square toe: More blade area 
  Round toe: Better puck control
• Stick Flex - Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Youth. 
  Senior Flexes: 75, 85, 95, 100, 110 - Shaft Dimensions: 3cm x 2 cm 
  Intermediate Flexes: 75, 70, 65, 60, 55 - Shaft Dimensions: 2.7cm x 1.7cm 
  Junior Flexes: 40, 45, 50 - Shaft Dimensions: 2.7cm x 1.7cm 
  Youth Flexes: 40, 30, 20 - Shaft Dimensions: 2.5cm x 1.5cm 
  Players want to be able to fully flex the stick. If a stick is too soft, the resulting shot will be inaccurate and weak. If a stick is too stiff, there will be no power behind the shot.
• Flex points - Mid-flex sticks/Low-flex sticks 
  A mid-flex stick will have a stiffer taper so that it flexes more in the middle of the shaft 
  A mid-flex has a longer loading time for a more powerful shot, perfect for slap shots 
  A low-flex stick will have a stiffer middle of the shaft and softer taper so that it flexes at the bottom of the shaft close to the blade 
  A low-flex stick will have a much quicker release perfect for quick snap shots and writs shots.
• Stick Lie - Lie describes the angle of the blade in relation to the shaft 
  A 5 lie is a 135 degree angle and each lie increase is an angle decrease of 2 degrees (the higher the lie the greater the angle) 
  Players body positioning impacts on the lie in that the straighter up the player stands, the more toe of the blade will be on the ice 
  The deeper the player bends down the more heel of the blade will be on the ice 
  If you start out with the right lie and add length to the stick it will put the blade more on the heel and if you cut the stick down it will put the blade more on the toe 
  A lower lie is more recommended for a player that skates really bent over or uses a longer stick. A higher lie is recommended for a player that skates more upright and prefers a shorter stick. 
  If you’re noticing too much wear on the heel or the toe of your stick then it might be a good idea to get a different lie. Go to a lower lie if you’re experiencing a lot of heel wear and go to a higher lie if that wear is appearing closer to the toe.
• Grip 
  Traditional clear finish on a stick will allow for easy movement of the players hand up and down the shaft of the stick. 
  The grip option is a “sticky” feeling down the shaft that will give the player better control of the stick while shooting. When leaning into a slap shot, the grip option will not allow the stick to twist in the players hand when the stick makes contact with the puck for a more accurate shot. 
  Some manufacturers are offering what is called a raised tactile grip. This option is just raised ridges on the shaft that offer a little more control over the stick without limiting the players hand movement along the shaft. 
  Grip on a stick is a personal preference option that each player will have a different opinion on. It’s important to give the customer all of the information you can so he or she can take it all into consideration and make the correct decision.

Sizing

• Cutting Sticks and Effects on Flex 
  The flex on a stick is assuming it is at full length. As soon as you cut down a stick it becomes stiffer. Some companies, like Bauer, will actually mark down on the back of the shaft what the flex would be if you cut it at that point. They do this knowing that most of the sticks they sell will be cut down and it is a way of educating the customer on how cutting down their stick will affect the flex. It’s important to make sure that once the stick is at the correct length they are still able to flex it properly to get the right performance. While a 75 flex stick might feel perfect in the shooting room at full length, it quickly becomes a lot stiffer if you have to take a significant portion off of it. 
  If you have a stick that does not have different flex markings down the back of the shaft the general rule of thumb is for every inch that is cut off the stick becomes 3% stiffer. The number itself (100, 85, 50 etc.) comes from the amount of force it takes to flex the stick 1inch. For example if you had a 100 flex stick it would take 100 lbs of force to flex it one inch.
• Cutting Sticks 
  After making sure the stick is paid for try to determine the correct length for the customer. There will be many who have found a comfortable height that they like their sticks to be at but there will also be some who have no idea. 
  While the customer is standing on their flat feet mark the stick at the height of their nose or if they prefer standing on their tip toes mark the stick near their chin. Get the customer to hold the stick in that position to see how they like it and make sure they keep in mind that they will be wearing skates when using the stick. 
  Once the length has been decided make sure to clamp the stick in straight for cutting. It helps to clamp the stick at the actual point where you want to cut it and use the clamp as a guide.

Putting it all together 
Fitting a customer for a stick is not a perfect science. There are no set of measurements or sizing that can be done to find the perfect stick for every player. That being said you can ask many questions that, with the combination of product knowledge, can be combined to find the right stick. 
Although you’d like for it to not matter, price will be a factor in the decision. If a customer comes in looking to spend $60 on a stick it’s unlikely you’d be able to convince them to spend $300. You may however be able to convince the player to spend an extra $40 or $50 if you explain to them the benefits of spending a little extra money which makes product knowledge so important. Part of that knowledge includes knowing the type of warranty that comes with the stick and how that company handles their warranties. Does the company employ consumer direct or do they allow in-store? Are they very strict or are they sometimes lenient if you’re a couple days over? These are good things to know. 
No stick is going to take a player who can’t skate or shoot and turn them into a superstar but that’s not the purpose of getting the correct fit on a stick. The idea is to maximize the potential of each individual player by find the right stick for them. If a player is a pure shooter who is tall, strong and doesn’t worry too much about passing accuracy then maybe try and guide them into a stick that’s a little stiffer, maybe has a higher flex point and an aggressive curve on it. If it’s a shorter player who passes a lot and leans more towards wrist shots when he does finally full the trigger then perhaps a low kick point stick with a light flex and a straighter curve is a better option. All of that being said the final decision has to be made by the player.

Goalie Leg Pad Sizing

When sizing for Leg Pads, there are a few things to consider: mid-ankle to mid-knee (outer ankle bone to middle of knee cap); mid-knee to mid-thigh; skate size; level of play (level of play helps determine which level of pad you should be purchasing); and potential growth.

The fitting of Leg Pads is relatively easy, however, there are some variables. Potential growth and preference are the two main variables to consider. Also, elite goalies, or even goalies that are frequently on the ice, should consider a higher quality pad.

Measuring mid-ankle to mid-knee will show you what size pad you would be in, in accordance to a sizing chart, without the plus sizing. Measuring mid-knee to mid-thigh will give you a rough idea of what plus size measurement you could use. However, the initial size of the pad is more important than the overall size of the pad.

It is very important in Leg Pad sizing to make sure the center of your knee places roughly 1.5 inches below the middle of the knee stack. It is crucial that it is NOT the top of your knee (where your knee cap meets your thigh) that is 1.5” below the middle of the knee stack, because you will not land on the knee stack while in the butterfly. 1.5” will provide a sufficient amount of growing room, while still allowing the user to have proper control of their pads.

If you are sizing up for an Intermediate, Junior or Youth size pad, the knee stack will be smaller than a senior. In this case, the center of your knee should be roughly 1 inch below the center of the knee stack. It is crucial that it is NOT the top of your knee (where your knee cap meets your thigh) that is 1” below the middle of the knee stack, because you will not land on the knee stack while in the butterfly. 1” will provide a sufficient amount of growing room, while still allowing the user to have proper control of their pads.

If you are near the end of growing, or finished growing completely, you want to land directly in the middle of the knee stack. This is considered a perfect fit. Being in the center of the knee stack gives you best control of the pad while playing, as well as evenly distributing your weight throughout the pad while in the butterfly to give a proper seal on the ice.

When viewing sizing online, most leg pads will be offered in sizes we have in stock. Sizing charts are provided below and on each product to double check where you line up and as well list all the sizes available. These charts are for reference only and personal preference is a factor as well when looking for the best fit.

Goalie Catch Gloves Sizing

More times than not, trappers are often overlooked compared to other pieces of gear where fit is concerned. Perhaps this is a result of the limited sizes available compared to other pieces of equipment: youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The first step to finding the correct trapper is to approximate your size by following the estimated age range and “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement:

• Youth (age 5 – 8): 4.5” – 5.75” / 119 – 143 mm
• Junior (age 8 – 11): 6.35” – 5.75” / 144 – 160 mm
• Intermediate (age 11 – 13): 6.35” – 7” / 161 – 178 mm
• Senior (age 14 and up): 7” – 8.5”* / 179 – 216 mm

*8” – 8.5” would constitute an XL palm on a senior trapper 
Once a size has been estimated it is important to ensure that the palm lines up properly within the catching glove so that it can be closed without excessive force. Obviously new gloves will be difficult to close initially, but through either using it repeatedly or baking it with our in-house convection skate ovens they will soften up and allow the goaltender to easily close. We do not recommend using any conventional in-home ovens, as the results have been very unpredictable in the past.

After you’ve checked the palm, the second thing to look for is that the wrist strap goes directly across your wrist bone and has little to no interference with the chest/arm. The catch glove should be able to twist and maneuver in a multitude of save selections in addition to being able to grip the stick when puck handling, all the while keeping the hand in the correct position within the trapper.

For growing goaltenders, it is still best to stick within these guidelines rather than moving up to the next size to accommodate growth. Large gloves are going to inhibit the goalie’s control and inhibit development. It should be noted that as a result of the limited size selection, goalies wouldn’t jump sizes as quickly as other pieces of gear.

Goalie Blockers Sizing

More times than not, blockers are often overlooked compared to other pieces of gear where fit is concerned. Perhaps this is a result of the limited sizes available compared to other pieces of equipment: youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The first step to finding the correct blocker is to approximate your size by following the estimated age range and “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement:

• Youth (age 5 – 8): 4.5” – 5.75” / 119 – 143 mm
• Junior (age 8 – 11): 6.35” – 5.75” / 144 – 160 mm
• Intermediate (age 11 – 13): 6.35” – 7” / 161 – 178 mm
• Senior (age 14 and up): 7” – 8.5”* / 179 – 216 mm

*8” – 8.5” would constitute an XL palm on a senior blocker 
Once a size has been approximated it is important to ensure that the fingers tips lie close to the seam at the fingertips or within 0.5” if the goaltender is growing. This is important to ensure that the goalie can maintain control of the stick while making saves in addition to being able to maneuver the blocker when playing the puck.

Another thing to look for is that the wrist strap goes directly across the wrist bone and has little to no interference with the chest/arm. The wearer should be able to swivel their wrist to accommodate a range of save selections without any restrictions from the chest protector.

Goalie Chest Protector Sizing

Sizing a chest protector is important to ensure the goaltenders range of motion (ROM) is uninhibited while still offering complete coverage from impact. The first step is to approximate the size using the sizing charts listed on any individual chest protector’s product page on our website; usually this is accomplished by matching an arm span or height to a given size.

After a size has been approximated, the goaltender is going to want to make sure of the following criteria to ensure an ideal fit.

1. The arms end just before the wrist bone—this is important to ensure wrist straps on blockers/trappers have little interference. For growing goalies, just over the wrist bone is a good rule of thumb; this still provides ample room for the gloves while usually lasting the owner 1.5 - 2 years. Some models come with adjustable arm lengths, which is ideal for goaltenders that have longer/shorter arm proportions or are growing.
2. The elbows fit securely in the pocket of the plastic protector and don’t shift too far away from them.
3. The belly portion extends to the waistline if worn outside the pant and allows the goaltender to crouch comfortably. If the goalie is growing or he/she likes to tuck the chest protector into the pants this length can usually be extended by ~2” – 4”.
4. The shoulder caps sit square on the wearer and wrap around the body rather than protruding upwards and interfering with the goalie’s ability to turn their head. In addition, there is a small gap between the collar and neck of the wearer; here we want to allow the head to look downwards while at the same time making sure there’s complete coverage while the goalie’s head is lowered in the ready position.

After you’ve confirmed that the chest/arm meets these criteria for the most part, it is always a good idea to see how well it integrates with your goal pants, mask and gloves. The goaltender should be able to get in and out of the crouch without excess mask/pant interference; gloves shouldn’t be pushed from the arm and a full ROM should be achieved for all save selections in addition to puck handling.

New units are usually stiff, but with time movement and overall comfort will improve. The best way to speed up the break-in process is steam, it is recommended to stay away from direct washing/excess water to prevent premature foam break down.

Goalie Pants Sizing

Goalie pants offer substantially more protection than their player counterparts: the hips are reinforced with high-density foam instead of a thin layer of nylon/elastic, the thighs of a goal pant are usually squared off for coverage purposes and made with thick plastic and foam while the waist is also beefed up to protect vital organs. Lastly, the way the two pants move is even different: player pants are designed to move back and forth while goal pants are more effective for lateral movements.

Properly sized goal pants are the difference between having your chest protector ride up and seamless integration for unrestricted movement. After all, they do connect the biggest pieces of gear a goaltender wears—their chest/arm and leg pads.

The first step is to approximate the size using the sizing charts listed on any individual goal pant’s product page on our website. Usually this is accomplished by matching a waist to a given size. Sometimes companies (ex. Vaughn) will list an oversized waist; you can match your size by adding 8” – 10” to your measured size to effectively use the chart. Matching up waist sizes exactly isn’t always necessary. It is very common for goalies to wear pants that are wider to increase net coverage, mobility and comfort.

Unlike player pants, the goalie version isn’t necessarily always worn directly on the waist. It is very common for goaltenders to wear their pants high on the waist (oversized) with suspenders, or so low and loose (undersized) that the leg pads are the only things holding them in place. After deciding which one feels more comfortable for your playing style, it is important that the pant is sized such that they terminate above the kneecap—leaving ample room for the knee wing of the leg pad to rest on the inside edge of the knee.

Another thing to consider is if the goalie wears his/her chest protector tucked into the pant or outside. If you’re the former, a pant with an internal belt, non-tapered waist and bigger size is going to accommodate the extra bulk from the chest/arm. On the other hand, if you’re wearing the chest protector on the outside, a tapered waist is going to reduce interference and improve feel.

Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that the pant works well with additional knee protection and the leg pads as well. We recommend trying everything on at once to make sure there is limited interference and that there is enough space in the thigh cradle (inside the pant’s leg) for knee protection to reside without overly restricting movement.

Goalie Mask Sizing

When purchasing a new mask it is crucial to ensure that it fits properly. Even entry-level masks with a proper fit will do a better job at protecting the head compared to a superior model that is ill fitted. Unlike other pieces of gear, we usually wouldn’t size for growth as a) it sacrifices protection and b) the mask will expand over time creating more room for a growing head.

The first step is to approximate the size using the sizing charts listed on any individual mask’s product page on our website; usually this is accomplished by matching a head circumference and/or hat size to a given mask size. When measuring your head’s circumference, it is important to measure at approximately 1” above the eyebrows while keeping the tape measure parallel (at the “hat line”) around the entire head. In addition, when using hat sizes should be those of fitted hats that aren’t overly tight or loose.

Once a size has been established there are four parameters the goaltender should be looking for:

1. The top edge of the window (opening inside the cage) is about 1” above the eyebrows and the sweatband inside the mask sits directly on the skin (ie. there is no gap between the mask and forehead).
2. The backplate hugs the back of the goaltender’s head and its edges don’t extend past the edges of the mask’s shell. Here, we want to reduce the possibility for gaps at the back of the goaltender’s head as well as ensuring the head is secure inside the mask. It should be noted, that if all other parameters are met as far as fitting is concerned, the backplate extending a little too far isn’t of major concern.
3. The chin cup is tightened such that it is worn securely against the chin and prevents the mask from shifting up and down while on the head.
4. The temples and/or cheeks are snug against the foam of the mask such that there are little to no visible gaps on each side of the head and prevents the mask from shifting laterally while on the head.

Once these have been accounted for an indicator of good fit is if the mask shifts on the head. Try grabbing the cage and shaking the mask back and forth – if the mask forces your head to move (rather than the mask moving on your head) you’ve got a great fit!

Lastly, be sure to check your fit every few months or so as compressed foams, dented cages and stretched harnesses will make the mask loose over time.

Goalie Stick Sizing

Unlike other pieces of gear, sticks are sized mostly to the goaltender’s preference and playing style rather than their height. The most important measurement, when purchasing a new goal stick, is the paddle height (the wide portion of the stick), which is usually taken from the heel of the stick to the shaft/paddle interface.

The reason for the paddle height’s significance is because it sets up the goaltender’s depth in the ready stance and (if properly sized) positions the blocker in an optimal position.

To start, put on at least your goal skates and if you’re looking to be more accurate strap on your pads and blocker as well. Once that is done get into your natural stance (the one you’d be in during a majority of gameplay) and look for the following:

1. The entire blade of the stick is flush with the ground while being 1’ – 2’ in front of the goaltender’s feet.
2. While satisfying the above, the inside edge of the blocker hand (while holding just above the paddle) sits on the outside edge of the goal pad. This ensures that there is no double coverage with the goal pad (stick is too small) and keeps the seven-hole sealed (stick is too large).

The reason stick sizing can be so subjective compared to other pieces of equipment is the ambiguity of “natural stance,” especially with young goaltenders. It is rather common for children to use taller sticks in comparison to their height, as their stance depth isn’t usually as aggressive as a seasoned goalie.

The shaft length, on the other hand, is usually best left at its stock length as it serves to counteract the weight of the blade and (ideally) place the center of gravity at the top of the paddle. The one exception to this rule is for advanced puck handlers—cutting the shaft will allow more power transfer when shooting as a result of being able to keep the blade flush to the ice while near the goaltender’s feet.

Note: Be careful with Bauer goal sticks: they measure about 2” shorter than all other brands due to a different paddle height measurement.