The words no hockey parent wants to hear: "I want to be a full-time goalie!" However, aspiring goalies should be encouraged, as individuals willing to face the pressure of shootouts and intentionally get hit with pucks are a rare breed. For those with a child eager to embrace the net, understanding the right gear for a mite-level goalie (typically around 7 years old) is crucial. This article provides a detailed review of Mylec hockey goalie pads and other essential equipment, focusing on affordability, protection, and developmental suitability.
Leg Pads
At the mite level, the primary focus is on teaching puck tracking, maintaining a square body and stick blade to the puck, and understanding basic angles. The butterfly technique isn't typically introduced until the squirt level, especially since most mites don't have goalie skates and should rotate through all positions as per the American Development Model (ADM). With this in mind:
- Roller Hockey Pads or Vintage Pads: These are viable options at this level, as the ability to slide isn't essential until butterfly pushes are taught. Pads without a large slide surface on the inside of the legs are suitable.
- Real Leg Pads: Consider exploring used options on platforms like eBay, where you can often find youth gear with minimal wear. Measure your child accurately and consult size charts from retailers like HockeyGiant or GoalieMonkey.
- Mylec Pads: Even Mylec pads are a reasonable option for mites.
By the time your child reaches their first year of squirts, they will likely need a new size of leg pads. For more advanced squirts, consider Warrior Rituals (2012), CCM Flex, or other options within your budget. However, avoid Bauer pads with myflex break inserts at the junior or youth levels, as they tend to break down quickly around the insert hole.
Chest Protector
Opt for a Bauer classic youth size chest protector. This provides adequate protection without restricting movement. It's relatively inexpensive and readily available new or used on eBay or Amazon. Compare prices across different online stores to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Pants
Look for used or new goalie pants in youth sizes on eBay. The goal is to find pants that offer protection without hindering movement or getting caught in the pads.
Read also: Features of Custom Hockey Gloves
Knee/Thigh Guards
Initially, the knee/thigh guards attached to the pads will suffice. As your child progresses to the squirt level and starts using the butterfly technique, you'll need to upgrade to junior-sized guards.
Glove
The glove is a critical piece of equipment. It's essential to choose a glove that your child can easily close. Gloves like the Reebok 8K to 18K models are known for being relatively broken in from the start. A 7-year-old may struggle to break in a stiff glove, so ease of use is paramount. If they can open and close it, you're golden. They're fingers aren't that strong or grip for that matter so make it as easy as possible to break that claw in.
Blocker
Ensure the blocker fits well, protects the fingers from skates and shots, and allows the goalie to grip the stick comfortably. Weight is also a crucial factor, as the blocker adds to the overall load.
How To Fit Goalie Equipment: Blocker
Stick
Choose a light stick, but avoid composite options. Composite sticks can transmit excessive vibration, causing the goalie to drop the stick upon impact. Ensure the stick is the correct size. Many mites and squirts use sticks with paddles that are too large (24"-26"). Proper sizing is crucial and may require a visit to a specialty shop to determine the correct lie and paddle length. Foam core or fiberglass sticks are preferable for their lightweight properties, which help prevent lazy stick habits and tangling in the net. Don't cut a goalie stick. Can't use it to poke check if you got the Conan sword for the mite either.
Helmet
Select an Itech or any other helmet approved for ice hockey that fits properly. While a street hockey mask might suffice given the puck mass and velocity at the mite level, referees typically require an ice hockey-approved helmet. A bib or dangle is optional. I didn't put my son in a bib (used a dangle) till 2nd year squirts. Mostly since he'd play up to Pee Wee when possible.
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Jock
The Reebok jock is recommended for its price and comfort. Avoid overly bulky options like Warrior or Bauer Supreme models. The jock should provide adequate protection from direct shots at lower speeds (e.g., 40 mph) while allowing full freedom of movement. Yes even at this age, I have em wear a goalie jock.
Goalie Skates
The decision to invest in goalie skates at the mite level is complex. Specializing in the goalie position at such a young age requires dedication and may not be suitable for all children. Goalie skates are a commitment, and only dedicated goalies need them. If you're letting em specialize at mite age, and they're able to butterfly and are already confident with all squirt age skating, stick and puck abilities as a mite, and if you have money to burn, sure.
If your team has multiple complete goalie sets for rotation during practices and games, this can alleviate the financial burden on parents. If not, consider the above recommendations to make informed decisions about gear purchases.
Table: Recommended Goalie Gear for Mites
| Gear | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Pads | Roller hockey, vintage, or used real pads | Focus on basic protection, sliding not essential |
| Chest Protector | Bauer Classic Youth | Affordable, provides essential protection |
| Pants | Used or new goalie pants (youth size) | Prioritize protection and mobility |
| Glove | Reebok 8K-18K | Easy to close, broken-in feel |
| Blocker | Fits well, protects fingers, allows stick grip | Consider weight |
| Stick | Lightweight, foam core or fiberglass | Proper sizing crucial, avoid composite |
| Helmet | Ice hockey approved, proper fit | Itech or similar brands |
| Jock | Reebok | Comfortable, provides adequate protection |
| Skates | Consider if specializing; otherwise, team rotation | Goalie skates are a commitment |
Being a goalie parent comes with significant financial responsibilities, and those shootouts can be nerve-wracking. However, there's a silver lining: you'll often receive discounts on sticks, gloves, and blockers, and these items are typically readily available.
Read also: Inside Aaron Ness's Career