Details That Define the Game: Equipment

Watching hockey, especially if you're new to the sport, can entail keeping your eye on the puck the whole time and it makes sense because where the puck goes, the play goes. However, if you only dial in on that one aspect, you’ll miss out.

Here are some of the things you’ll start to notice when you take your eye off the puck. This is especially true when you take a deeper look at the equipment that allows the players to go out and battle every game.

Goalie pads

Goaltenders spend the whole game on the ice but the least screen time because they’re the only player that are limited to one side of the ice, so when they’re not making flashy saves and big-game heroics, it’s easy to let the small things go unnoticed about their game. 

Pad stiffness: those who have never played the sport might not know that goaltenders can change the stiffness of their pads to benefit their style of play. 

This is something to look out for as a player because if a goalie has stiffer pads, rebounds could bounce back at an opposing player with enough speed to allow another shot but gives them less time to react to a rebound. If a goalie has squishier pads, much like Cam Johnson, they have a better chance of grabbing the puck within arm's reach, but it can cause a scramble in the crease. 

The most common way of doing this for a goalie is to break them in themselves, and every guy does it differently. Some tie them up and let them sit and some will bake them if they have access to a big enough oven. Baking is the process in which you use the heat from a specialized oven to soften the material and mold your equipment to your liking. This is mostly seen with skates, as every rink has a pro shop with an oven for this reason, but it can also be done with goalie gear. 

Like goalie pads, skates are just as significant to the game of hockey with just as many details that go unnoticed that make a huge difference in the way someone plays. 

Skates

Skates have much more of an impact on a player's game than what you’ll see from just simply watching. For goalies, you have two choices: a one-piece skate and a two-piece skate. 

You can choose to get a skate where everything is one piece, so the blade holder is fully attached to the boot, or a two-piece, which is more like a traditional skate. The main difference in performance is that the one-piece allows you to get a little more energy into your pushes, and it has a more neutral pitch, which means you're a little more level than leaning forward. With the two-piece, you get a slight decrease in push energy, but you have a forward pitch, letting you lean forward a little more. Leaning forward allows a goalie to stay aggressive at the top of the crease, ultimately getting into a stance promoting quicker reactions.

What does this do for their playing style? 

It comes down to preference because each player skates differently, but some players benefit from the extra drive and efficiency from a stronger push. On the other hand, some like the forward pitch to help them stay explosive in their stride.

But it doesn't stop there; players and goalies have different blades for different reasons. 

Defensemen and forwards have a slightly curved blade to maintain momentum while skating. Goaltenders, on the other hand, have a flat blade to get a better grip on the ice and a stronger edge.

Edges

What are a player's edges and why is it important? 

An edge is one of the two sides of your skate blade that allows for not just overall movement and acceleration, but also stopping and turning. The inside edge is the side closest to your big toe and is used to push off the ice for acceleration. The outside edge is the side closest to your pinky toe and is used to grip the ice to make a turn and plant your foot when stopping. 

A player's edges are what allow them to make quick turns and sharp movements; digging into their edges fosters power in skating. Having good edges is also the first step to acceleration and explosiveness. 

Understanding edges is a fundamental step to understanding hockey in its entirety. When you hear someone say “they have really good edges,” about a hockey player, it means they have good control. 

Here’s an example of Josh Ho-Sang having good edges.

Watch how Ho-Sang maintains momentum and maneuvers with the puck out of a tight spot, leaning into his turns. His edge choice is key here by utilizing his outside edge to cut away from defenders and find open space for a goal under pressure. 

Sticks

When choosing the right stick to complement a player’s shot and style, flex is one of the most important factors. Flex refers to the amount of pressure in pounds it takes to bend the stick one inch. 

A lower flex requires less force and is better for quick and snappy releases for players who rely on speed and accuracy rather than mere power. On the other hand, a higher flex is geared towards power because it takes more strength to load the stick. In return, it gives players a beter sense of stability and control when transferring energy to the puck. 

Coupled with flex is the length of the stick, which is mostly based on height but can also be altered to better suit their position. For example, shorter sticks are geared towards centermen so that they win draws and defensemen will use a longer stick to break up plays better. 

Players who prefer a quicker, snappier release will most likely go with a lower flex, while stronger players can generate more power by using a higher flex.

For example, defenseman Jordan Sambrook uses a 95 flex to complement his heavy shot and physical style of play on the blue line.

Like skates, goalies and players differ in this realm. When it comes to goalie sticks, it's the paddle size that matters most. 

To determine the right paddle size, goalies drop into their butterfly and place their hands in their natural stance. If the blade of the stick sits around center mass from left to right, then they’ve found the correct fit. 

Having the correct paddle length allows for tight coverage down low, otherwise, it can throw off a goalies’ positioning and something as crucial as rebound control. 

From stick sizing and skate blades to edges and pad stiffness, every piece of equipment shapes how a player moves, accelerates and reacts under pressure. It's the smaller details that make up the fast-paced and complex game we see today, which is why taking your eye off the puck is crucial. 

Written by Camille Frick