Street Hockey Goalie Gear Essentials

Looking to make the transition from ice hockey to street hockey and wondering what’s included in street hockey goalie gear essentials? Well, unlike ice hockey, street hockey doesn’t quite have the same level of contact, and therefore requires goalie gear equipment that is less bulky and more flexible and lightweight. Pucks simply don’t move as well on pavement or asphalt, so it’s up to the old tennis ball or hard rubber ball. It might seem light, but even a tennis ball can hurt. While a slap shot to the groin can make your eyes roll back into your head, street hockey goalie equipment is pretty solid in terms of protection. For a sport played year round by hockey fans worldwide, it has come to develop its own type of goalie equipment unique to its style of play. So, what’s needed you ask?

1. The Street Hockey Net. If you’re going to backstop your street hockey team to its first championship, it starts with understanding the dimensions and angles of the net you’ll be trying to keep that ball from getting into. Pro nets, for those organized leagues, start at about 6 feet high by 4 feet wide and are priced in the $70.00 range. For the weekend warrior or casual player, the 4.5 feet high by 3.5 feet wide net is most popular. It’s typically priced in the $50.00 range.
2. Goalie Blocker Pads & Leg Pads. When it comes to making that kick or blocker save, street hockey goalies need that flexible, lightweight equipment that’s not too bulky or heavy. Typical leg pads come in sizes between 30” to 32” inches wide, with prices ranging from $65.00 for junior pads, all the way up to $190.00 for senior pads. Blocker pads are typically 13” to 15” wide, offer plenty of maneuverability, are easy to take on and off and very lightweight. Prices range from $35.00 on the low end, to $70.00 on the high end. However, most opt for the goalie equipment sets that provide the gambit from pads, helmets, gloves, blockers and chest protectors.
3. Goalie Chest Protectors & Gloves. If you do take a shot to the chest, make sure to have good chest and arm protectors. These are made from lightweight material and are nowhere near as bulky as ice hockey chest protectors. In addition, prices range from $35.00 to $80.00. The chest protectors are light enough that air circulation isn’t a problem. When it comes to the goalie glove, you could always just use your baseball glove. After all, they are pretty much one and the same. However, if you really want the special made street hockey glove, be willing to spend up to $50.00.
4. Street Hockey Goalie Masks. If you’re looking to make a name for yourself and want to add some flair to your game, there are a number of flashy goalie masks to choose from. Included in these choices are team USA masks, and NHL franchise masks like the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadians and other original six teams like Toronto, Detroit, Chicago and New York. Be willing to spend up to $60.00 on a good mask. If you want to look good, then it’s definitely worth it.
5. Goalie Sticks. When it comes to clearing the puck quickly, it comes down to a solid goalie hockey stick. There are several variations to choose from, including all plastic, wooden and combination of aluminum or wood frame with a plastic blade. Plastic is the preferred choice as it’s flexible, and tends not to break when stepped on. Pricing for these sticks are likely the cheapest portion of the equipment and are only around $20.00.

When it comes to playing street hockey, it’s all about the equipment. Of course, you could always just substitute the hockey mask with a baseball’s catcher’s mask and hockey gloves with baseball gloves. It really depends upon your budget and your imagination. Most are surprised to hear just how expensive the equipment can be. However, even if you get torched and burnt time and again, this is probably one of those sports where it’s better to look good and lose, than look bad and win.