Smaller chest protectors are being tested by NHL goalies
5 years ago
Back at the Annual General Managers meeting in May, it was discussed that the NHL is planning on implementing smaller chest protectors for goaltenders by the start of the 2018-19 season. After an update from Kevin Woodley and Greg Balloch from InGoalMagazine, it appears we’re really close to having the equipment change happen.
I definitely encourage you to read Kevin and Greg’s article here, as there is a lot of valuable information in it. To summarize, the NHL is beginning to issue prototypes of the smaller chest protectors to goaltenders around the league, and are seeking feedback from them.
I’m not here to argue about the NHL trying to ruin the lives of goaltenders on the ice, because I’ve already done it over and over again. Some of my prior criticisms was how slowly the NHL is taking to roll out these new equipment rules, because they’ve been talking about it for years. Whether or not the NHL can continue with this momentum to get the new chest protectors out for the beginning of the season, they are certainly taking a step in the right direction.
The rollout
Right now equipment manufacturers are beginning to send out the new chest protectors to goaltenders who are beginning to skate again in the first few weeks of August. Brian’s and Bauer were the first ones to deliver the new equipment, and CCM models were being shipped out last week after final approval from Kay Whitmore, the NHL vice president of hockey operations and goaltender equipment. Vaughn was expected to ship the first of its three models to Whitmore soon as well. The goal is to have the goaltenders test out the product and give their feedback, which should allow the NHL and equipment manufacturers to sort out all the kinks by October.
The changes
So what’s different about these new chest protectors? The NHL is implementing a tighter, body-fitting process to each new chest protector. Every chest protector is going to be different, and built customized to the goaltender’s body. The idea is to cut down on padding going above the shoulders, beside the arms, and around the body. The exact measurements, as said by Kevin Woodley and Greg Balloch are as follows:
The shoulder floaters can’t be any wider than 5.5 inches at any point now, a significant reduction from the old 7-inch maximum. The maximum width of the elbow floater is now 6 inches compared to 7 inches in the old rules. Of course, that also meant reducing the width of the bicep and forearm pads in order to fit under that elbow box. The bicep pad is now 5.5 inches wide at the top and tapers down to 4.5 inches at the bottom, where it tucks inside the elbow floater. The forearm pad protection starts at 4.5 inches wide as it comes out below the elbow, and tapers down to 4 inches at the wrist.
Here’s a photo Garret Sparks posted showing the difference between his new chest protector and last years chest protector.
If you’re wondering about the padding and shoulder floaters not being as thick, you have nothing to worry about. The 1-inch maximum thickness on the new chest protectors is the same as the 2017-18 rulebook. The idea is to have the chest protector fit more naturally with the fit replicating the goaltenders shoulder and arm angles. Now every goalie in the NHL won’t have the exact same boxy chest.
The process to build these new chest protectors involve every model and size being digitally scanned by using a size-appropriate mannequin. Body measurements will be taken from every goaltender in the league, and the chest protectors will be built accordingly. Once it is checked and approved first hand by Kay Whitmore, then the chest protector is good to go.
If you’re a little bit smaller, you can be more compact, but if you’re taller and lanky, you could create more holes since everything is a little more fitted now. I think it’s fair either way, honestly. Everything now is just fitted to your specs and your body.
-Ken Appleby, Manitoba Moose
The trial & error
Ken Appleby, New Jersey Devils prospect and goaltender for the Manitoba Moose was one of the very first to receive the new gear. Believe it or not, during one of his very first skates with the smaller chest protector, he took an NHL-caliber shot up high in the neck. The shot stunned Appleby and he was forced to leave the drill to take some time on the bench. Appleby ended up being okay, and gave some valuable feedback to the league regarding the protection.
He wasn’t angry about getting hurt. Ken Appleby is completely on board with the smaller equipment, and just explained how some of the chest floaters were too loose, causing them to slide out of protection when he makes a save movement. It’s all part of the testing process. Appleby went on to say some very positive things about the new equipment, which I’m sure the league will love to hear.
I actually like it. It’s weird because it’s really light. It’s a lot lighter than the old ones. I think it’s going to bring some honesty to the position, I think it will be good. There are some guys who used to get away with wearing a big chest protector, but now they are going to have to adjust. You’ll have to be more athletic, more of a goalie.
What do you guys think of the equipment changes? Personally, this has gone on for so long that I’m tired of complaining about it and am embracing the change. I’m looking forward to more feedback from NHL goalies on the new gear, and to see how they play out in the upcoming season.
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