NHL Test Prototype Goalie Gear

[Money99]

http://22hockey.com/nhl-tests-protot...e-gear-sizing/

Quote:

NEW YORK, NY – The NHL’s competition committee has formed a group to examine the size and configuration of goalie equipment this summer, and it appears that the first prototypes are already being tested. 22hockey was contacted by an anonymous employee at an NHL testing facility with the first known picture of the new goalie equipment prototypes. The picture was taken with a cellular phone, in order to avoid alerting NHL security at the facility. From what our experts can gather from the digital photograph, it appears that the prototype sizing has been substantially reduced from current legal sizing. The goalie’s leg pads appear to be no larger than 30” in length by 9” in width. The current max legal sizing is 38” in length by 11” in width. The goalie’s gloves are tougher to gauge, but our experts have estimated them to be about 25% smaller than current regulation sizing. It remains unknown if the NHL plans to reduce the size of the chest protector or the pants. Speculation among experts suggests that the NHL plans to test a 30% reduction in those pieces of equipment before making a decision. There is belief among top NHL officials and committee members that a large reduction in the size of goalie equipment would increase scoring. Testing of these changes to equipment was authorized after unanimous consent in a February meeting of all 30 NHL general managers.

Awesome news!
There's no reason why the pads today needed to be 11" in width. Shin guards provide more protection today than what goalies wore 20 years ago.
And I love how small the blocker appears as well.

If they can get the chest gear down 30% the NHL will be in business. I'm just tired of watching pads make more saves than goalies.

I hope Giggy has a good set of luggage. ECHL here you come!! hahaha!

[pk500]

Man, that looks fantastic. Pads look even smaller than what goalies wore in the 70s and early 80s.

Let's hope this becomes reality.

Take care,
PK

[bad_philanthropy]

We have to keep in mind that this is probably one of many prototypes the NHL is testing. I think for most of us hockey fans on the boards here there is a consensus that the equipment size for goalies is absurd and needs to change. If the equipment changed to the size in the photograph, not only would we see and end to the butterfly style of goaltending but the goaltending position in hockey would be revolutionized to the point where only superior athletes could play it.

[pk500]

I've learned this entire thing is a hoax after receiving a head's up at another board where I posted this. Just look at the other stories at that site. It's "The Onion" of hockey -- a complete spoof.

Bummer.

Take care,
PK