Stay Protected and Improve Your Game by Choosing a Good Goalie Mask

Achieving excellence on the ice and improving your game cannot be obtained without the suitable hockey sticks for sure, however, there are other things that can help you stay on top of the game too. And one important piece of gear of this kind is the mask.

What Is a Goalie Mask Called?

Also known as a goaltender mask, this mask is worn by goaltenders in order to protect their faces and heads from injuries. It can be worn in a variety of sports, but mainly in hockey, which is why it’s also known as a hockey mask. As you can assume, these masks are designed to protect your face and head from balls, sticks and falls.

Who Wore the First Goalie Mask?

The first hockey mask ever made was from fibreglass and was worn by Jacques Plante in 1959. The mask was nothing like the ones you can see today in stores. It was a single piece of contoured fibreglass worn on the face. Nowadays, these protective accessories look completely different, featuring more advanced composite materials like Kevlar, carbon fibre and fibreglass.

Styles

There are a few different shell shapes from which you can choose, and considering all of them is crucial for helping you find a good goalie mask fit. The many styles of goalie masks differ in cage design and appearance, so considering all options will help you make the right choice.

Cage Styles

Cat Eye

The cat eye cage style is known for its spaced-out horizontal bars, which are the reason for the cat eye appearance. These cages are a popular choice because they offer increased visibility, however, keep in mind that they offer less protection.

Straight Bar

Unlike the cat-eye, this cage style is known for its closely spaced, vertical bars, which offer greater protection than the cat eye. The only difference is that they offer poorer visibility, however, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t a safe option. According to players and experts, this design is a pretty safe option.

Shell Types

Fibreglass or Composite

The modern types of masks for this sport are still made from fibreglass as one of the best materials so far, however, there are also those made from composite materials like Kevlar and carbon fibre. All of these materials are known for offering great protection and impact resistance.

Integrated Cage

Today’s masks for hockey consist of a helmet and cage made as one piece for increased safety, durability, protection and performance.

How Should It Fit?

Just like any other masks, these ones also need to fit snugly without any free space between the foam and the head. The mask’s top opening should sit between 1.10 – 1.20 cm above the eyebrows, and the sweat band should be positioned across the forehead. 

The ears should feel comfortable and sit even in between the helmet’s earhole vents. The backplate should sit right at the back with almost no visible parts of the back of the head. This is essential for ensuring good coverage. And lastly, the chin cup should rest lightly against the chin, while the upper lip should be a bit visible.

Generally speaking, the size of these helmet masks depends on your head size, and the easiest way to find out what size you are is to take a measuring tape to measure your head. Start by placing the tape around the head at the brow line (the place where a hat is supposed to sit), wrap it around the head and end at the exact same place. 

Once you have the measurements, check with the manufacturer’s brand and pick the size that corresponds to the measurements. Keep in mind that each brand has its own specific sizing chart, so checking with each of them is essential in order to find the right goalie mask size for you.

How to Care for It?

The first and most important thing you can do to keep your mask clean is to wash it after each game and training session. Ideally, you should wipe both the interior and exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Allowing it to air dry is mandatory for having it clean and dry afterwards. 

Given the fact that your mask features a sweatband, gently remove it and toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. That way, you can easily clean it and get rid of any chances of bacterial growth and bad odour. This, on the other hand, will reduce the chances of developing any skin rash and some other discomfort.

In case you notice any signs of cracks or dents on the shell or cage, this is a serious sign that you’ll need to change it immediately because your protection and safety will be compromised. This might sound strange to you, but the truth is that these helmets also have an expiration date since the materials themselves have their own expiration date.