Hockey Goalie Leg Pads

Goalies generally play one of two styles in today’s game: butterfly or hybrid.

Butterfly goaltenders rely primarily on positioning and blocking to make saves. This means that they tend to move around less in the crease while attempting to block shots and deflect rebounds away from the net. Hybrid goalies, on the other hand, rely more on their reactions to stop the puck. Unlike butterfly goalies, hybrid netminders want to catch and trap pucks, keeping rebounds as close as possible.

With these two styles in mind, goalie gear manufacturers have come up with different lines to suit different goaltenders. Butterfly style leg pads tend to be more rigid to increase rebound distance, while featuring either one or zero breaks below the knee. Some popular butterfly models include the CCM Axis, CCM Premier, and Bauer Supreme lines. Hybrid leg pads, on the other hand, are softer in order to keep rebounds close, while featuring multiple breaks around the knee. The Vaughn Velocity and CCM Extreme Flex lines are among the top options for hybrid goaltenders.

When it comes to sizing goalie leg pads the most important factor is the knee, which should fit securely in what is referred to as the “knee cradle.” Fit is especially important for goalies because pads that are too big or too small can lead to injury.

Although goalie leg pad sizing can vary by brand, there is a universal formula you can use to find your approximate size. This formula requires three measurements: the distance from your kneecap to ankle with your leg slightly bent (in inches), the distance from your kneecap to your mid-thigh (in inches), and your skate size. Add these numbers up and you will get your ballpark size for goalie leg pads.

Example measurement: Skate size: 9 Ankle to knee: 17” Knee to thigh: 7” Your approximate pad size is 33”+1

Common Junior Leg Pad Sizes

• 29” Leg Pads
• 30” Leg Pads

Common Intermediate Leg Pad Sizes

• 31” Leg Pads
• 32” Leg Pads

Common Senior Leg Pad Sizes

• 33” Leg Pads
• 34” Leg Pads
• 35” Leg Pads

Goalie leg pad sizing often varies by brand, but there is one commonly used formula you can use to find your ballpark size. Take your hockey skate size, ankle to knee measurement (inches), and knee to mid-thigh measurement (inches), then add them up and you should have a good idea of where to start looking. Remember to consult the seller before purchasing in order to get a better idea of the fit, sizing, etc.

Example measurement Skate size: 9 Ankle to knee: 17" Knee to thigh: 7" Your approximate pad size is 33"+1

Goalies do not typically have to wear hockey socks. Hockey goalies typically wear track pants instead of hockey socks, because track pants are less likely to bunch up under their pads. The pants enable the goalies to move around easily and drain sweat away from their bodies while they play.

The lifespan of goalie leg pads is dependent on the frequency with which they are used, as well as the level of play. A good pair of goalie leg pads can last for three years or longer if they are used only occasionally, but if someone uses them several times a week then they won't last quite as long. The finish may become scratched over time since they are constantly taking hits, but their overall structure can last for a long time.

Goalie leg pads come in different sizes. The most common sizing system is “+1”, which adds an inch to the top of the pad and helps goalies with their butterfly position and five-hole coverage. Some professional pads have a “+2” system, which is more common with high-level, experienced goalies.

NHL rules now dictate that leg pads can be no wider than 11 inches.