Pro Stock Goalie Blockers

For most hockey players, searching for gloves to protect their hands is a fairly simple process: Track down the style and fit of gloves you like and you're done. For goalies, however, the process is much more complicated — how do you find the right mix of comfort, precision and protection?

THE BIG DIFFERENCE

Goalies face a unique challenge with stick handling. Not only are goalie sticks much larger than player sticks, but the use of a goalie glove means only one hand is ever really on the shaft. As a result, it's critical for goalie blockers to offer the ideal fit and function — the wrong choice isn't just uncomfortable, but can mean a lower save percentage. While protection and functionality should be the top priorities when selecting a new blocker, it’s also important to find a blocker that is comfortable in your hand and won’t inhibit your stick skills.

BLOCKER BASICS

Goalie blockers come in two types: Regular and Full Right. While it may seem counter-intuitive to some, Full Right is worn by left-handed players, while Regular blockers are for right-handed goalies. When choosing a blocker size, you're looking for no more than ¼ of an inch from the top of your fingers to the top of the finger stalls, since any more means you'll lose stick control. On the wrist end, look for something that extends one or two inches over your arm for increased protection.

You've also got a choice when it comes to curve and blocker board position. At the top of most blockers there's a curved portion meant to deflect pucks upward or away from the net, rather than letting them roll over. Some goalies like bigger curves and some prefer smaller angles, but if you're looking for NHL-quality equipment the differences are fairly small given new blocker size regulations.

Blocker board position, meanwhile, can be centered or extended over the hand by 1 ½ to 2 inches. Centered gives a balanced feel and is the most common; extended lets you reach farther to block incoming shots, but can make playing “paddle down” hockey a more difficult task since you’ll have less control.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOCKEY GOALIE BLOCKER

Goalie blockers range in price and quality from $100 for a basic-level, retail-store model to well over $400 for a senior-level, custom-made model. Another option for goalies is pro stock equipment, which is made to the exact specifications of NHL pros but can often be purchased at a lower cost than similar retail products.

You get a few key benefits by going pro stock:

• Real NHL equipment:
  Used by professional goaltenders in practice or as part of unused team stock. Pro Stock Hockey works directly with NHL teams, so you know your pro stock goalie blocker is the real deal.
• Crafted to individual goaltender standards:
  Meaning you get a custom-made piece. NHL goalies demand perfection in all aspects of the game, including their equipment. The extra level of customization in our pro stock goalie blockers may be just the thing to give you an edge over the competition on the ice.
• Variety of brands and styles based on netminder preference:
  Pro Stock Hockey’s inventory of goalie blockers is always changing, but we carry goalie equipment from all the top NHL manufacturers, including Bauer, Reebok, Vaughn and Warrior.
• Built for performance rather than mass manufactured:
  Retailers have high quality options in goalie blockers, but nothing can match the performance of our authentic, pro stock NHL gear. Pro stock ice hockey blockers are manufactured to the highest possible standards, because they were intended to be used in the most demanding playing conditions in the world.

Blockers are an essential part of a goalie's defensive arsenal. It’s important to consider size, curve, position and overall quality before purchasing. Need help? Our customer service team is standing by to help you with your selection, just give us a call!

STAY CONNECTED WITH PRO STOCK HOCKEY FOR SPECIAL DEALS ON GOALIE BLOCKERS

We’ll help you save money on goalie blockers and other gear through the special promotions we offer. To hear about them first, connect with us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. We use Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as our newsletter, to announce new promotional offers and the latest arrivals to our inventory. Staying connected will help you spend less on ice hockey blockers and allow you to spend more on celebrating after your next big victory!