David Rittich Goalie Pads and Gear

David Rittich will spend the 2021-2022 season with the Nashville Predators. He’s shown below wearing a set of custom digitally printed goalie pads, manufactured by CCM. Specifically, the pads are E Flex 5.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Photos By Don Carlson (@doncarlson4524)

Goals Against Average: How To Calculate GAA And What It Is

The graphic shows a sample Goals Against Average calculated with our Goals Against Average (GAA) Calculator

GAA, or Goals Against Average is one of the 3 most important statistics used to measure how well a goalie is performing. The calculation used to determine GAA is the number of goals allowed multiplied by 60 and dividing this by the number of minutes played ((Goals Allowed x 60)/Minutes Played). GAA is a 3 […]

Save Percentage: What Is It And How Is It Calculated?

Photo shows a sample save percentage calculated using our save percentage calculator.

Save percentage is one of the two most important statistics a goalie is graded on. The calculation used to determine Save Percentage is to take a total number of saves a goalie made and divide it by the total number of shots a goalie faced (Save Percentage = Saves/(Goals Allowed + Saves). The resulting number […]

Bauer Konekt Goalie Skates Review + Everything We Know

Bauer goalie’s next iteration of the goalie skate, following the 2021 release of the Bauer PRO goalie skate, will be the Bauer Konekt. We’ve started to see several professional goalies wearing the Bauer Konekt goalie skates and Whats the difference in the Bauer Pro goalie skates vs the Bauer Konekt goalie skates? The main difference […]

CCM Axis 2 Goalie Gear Review + Everything We Know

We’ve been getting a ton of questions recently about when the CCM Axis 2 Goalie Gear line will release. The CCM Axis 2 goalie gear line is the latest (as of 2022) line of gear from goalie gear manufacturer, CCM. It follows the 2021 release of the CCM E Flex 5 line. Out of the […]

Warrior G6 Goalie Pad Review: Everything We Know

The Warrior G6 Goalie Pad lineup will be the latest goalie equipment iteration from the company we can probably safely call “legendary” in the goalie gear manufacturing space, Warrior. The Warrior G6 goalie pads come a little over a year after the release of the Warrior G5 lineup, a set of pads that didn’t receive […]

What Are The Levels of Youth Hockey in USA and Canada?

Unlike Junior Hockey, where there are multiple different leagues and varying levels of play, Youth Hockey in North America is relatively straightforward. Youth Hockey, generally referred to as association hockey, is organized by age. In Canada, Youth Hockey is referred to as Minor Hockey. While USA Hockey changed how they identify levels of youth hockey […]

Sense Arena Review

Matt Villalta of the Los Angeles Kings using Sense Arena for Virtual Reality Goalie Training

Sense Arena, one of the worlds first virtual reality training systems for goalies, has taken the goaltending world by storm. In the sport of goaltending, there have been few improvements in technology and style of play that have the potential to change the way goalies play the game forever. Virtual Reality Goalie Training is one […]

The Goalie Pads Worn by Seattle Kraken Netminders

Like most other goalies, the very first thing I thought of when I saw the jerseys for the Seattle Kraken was, “those will make for some nice looking goalie pads”. If you’re a goalie, you just.. get it. Goalies love their gear and fans of the position love to heckle NHL goalies for not doing […]

A List of Goalie Gear Modifications

Ever wonder about all the possible goalie gear modifications a goalie can do? There are thousands of ways goalies modify their gear and in this guide, we’re going to cover some of the coolest goalie equipment modifications we’ve ever seen. This guide will be updated continually, so while it may appear small to start, we’ll […]

Hockey Goalie Terminology

Hockey goalies have some of the most advanced vocabularies of any athlete on the planet. Don’t believe me? You’ve never met a goalie. What’s that goalie saying? Are they speaking English? To a goalie, lingo, slang, whatever you call it, is as important as your Save Percentage or your GSAA. We’re going to keep this […]

The Lundy Loop

The “Lundy Loop”is a modification to a pair of goalie skates, made famous by former professional goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Many people incorrectly assume that the Lundy Loop was “invented” to relieve pressure on a goalies hips when going into and out of the butterfly. Actually, Lundqvist had his skates modified in this fashion so that […]

Charlie Lindgren Pads

The pads worn by St Louis Blues goalie Charlie Lindgren

A History of the Gear Worn by Charlie Lindgren Each year, we update our goalie gear guides. Here’s a history of the pads Charlie Lindgren has worn throughout his career.  2021-2022 NHL Season Lindgren’s St. Louis Blues Pads Lindgren’s Helmet for the 2021-2022 NHL Season 2020-2021 NHL Season Lindgren Makes Switch to Bauer Gear Lindgren […]

True Lefevre L20.2 Goalie Pads

The True L20.2 goalie pad line is the latest iteration in goalie gear from the equipment manufacturer, True. True is also known as True Temper Sports. One of the first visuals of the True L20.2 line was shared by our friend, the Goalie Gear Nerd over on Instagram. It shows Zach Fucale’s pads, the L20.2 […]

The Best Goalie Bags Money Can Buy

So you’re interested in buying a new goalie bag? Of all the goalie equipment a person can buy, picking out a new bag is probably the least exciting. In this article, we’re going to be talking about adult goalie bags, as well as youth goalie bags. Growing up, I, like many others (I’m sure) remember […]

Evaluating The Best Youth Goalie Knee Guards

If you’re here looking at getting your son or daughter a set of youth knee guards, I applaud you. Not only should beginner goalies learn to wear knee guards, there are many advantages of starting them off at a young age. By far the biggest benefit, however, of youth goalies in knee guards, is that […]

On Ice Testing: Warrior X3 Knee Guards Review

For those familiar with the position, Warrior makes far and away the best knee guard product for goalies. The latest iteration of their knee guards is the Warrior X3 Series. The Warrior X3 Knee Guard Series includes three different models of the knee guard.  Warrior X3 Pro + (Most Protective & Expensive Model, NHL Level) […]

Finding the Best Goalie Knee Guards

Despite all of the modern advancements in goalie gear, equipment manufacturers have not yet figured out a way to effectively protect the goalies knees while in the butterfly position. If goalies didn’t use the butterfly, knee guards actually wouldn’t be required. However, since modern goalies make nearly 100% of their saves in the butterfly position […]

Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Goalie Stick Review

It’s with great excitement that we announce the latest innovation in goalie sticks from one of the top manufacturers in the space, Bauer. Bauer is calling this next iteration of the Vapor line, “Hyperlite”. We were first introduced to the Bauer Hyperlite goalie pad line earlier this year, when Bauer teased the line on Instagram. […]

How To Size Goalie Gear

Determining what size goalie gear you'll need

Buying goalie gear on the internet is no longer a thing of the past. Nor is going into a store, measuring yourself to find the right size goalie gear, only to go home and buy it on the internet. Due to the price of new goalie equipment, it’s critical that you understand which sizes you […]

Goalie Stick Sizing Guide

Before you go out and buy a new goalie stick, you’ve got to find the right size goalie stick. The most common ranges for goalie stick sizes are in the 22″ to 25″ range. How are goalie sticks sized? Goalie sticks are sized off a number that ranges from 14″ to 36″ and anywhere in […]

Bauer PRO Goalie Skates Review + Everything We Know

It’s official, Bauer will make just one line of goalie skates. They’re taking the Ultrasonic and Vapor lines and cramming them into one, to make a new skate they’ll call the Bauer PRO. We were one of the first to get our hands on a pair of Bauer PRO Goalie Skates and have been testing […]

How To Break In A Goalie Chest Protector

So you’re looking at buying a new chest protector? Or maybe you’ve already purchased one. Regardless, a concern for many goalies is breaking in a chest protector. Regardless of whether or not you’ve already purchased your chest protector, don’t worry about breaking it in. There are three steps to breaking in a goalie chest protector.  […]

True Catalyst 9X Goalie Stick Review

The True Catalyst 9X Goalie Stick Review is here. True announced this goalie stick earlier this year, noting the fact that it’s going to come in at 20 grams lighter than the previous True 9X stick. Already, top NHL goalies like Jordan Binnington, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, and others have started to use the True […]

Brian’s OPTIK Goalie Gear Review: The Breakdown and Everything We Know

This was a screenshot of a photo of the latest OPTIK goalie gear from Brian's Custom Sports

Brian’s OPTIK Goalie Gear Review: Everything We Know Staff Update: as of the last update of this article, on July 2nd 2021, Brian’s has since announced the release of their Brian’s GNETikV goalie pads. The original Brian’s OPTIK gear was released and followed by a second iteration of the pad, the Brian’s OPTIK2. Late in […]

Brian’s GNETikV Goalie Pads Review + Everything We Know

It’s official, Brian’s GnetikV Goalie Pads (Brian’s Gnetik 5 Goalie Pads) will be the next drop from the legendary gear manufacturer also known as Goalie’s Only. The Brian’s GNETik line has featured GNETik, GNETik 2, GNETik 3, GNETik 4 and now, GNETik 5, or GNETikV. We’ll continually update this page with updates from Brian’s on […]

NHL Goalie Stats

Welcome to the home of Goalie Coaches up to date NHL Goalie Stats. We’re working on setting up stats for as far back as we’re able, and will link those tables up below once we’ve finished compiling the data. NHL Goalie Stats 2020 – 2021 NHL Goalie Stats Here are stats from every goalie who […]

How To Pick The Best Youth Goalie Chest Protector

Chest protectors fall into two categories. Those that are built for higher level goalies, and those that are not. This article is a part of our youth goalie equipment series. If you landed here by accident, and you’re looking for the best chest protectors for goalies in higher levels of play, check out the link. […]

CCM E Flex 5 Chest Protector Review

With the recent launch of the CCM E Flex 5 lineup of goalie gear, we finally get a new chest protector from CCM goalie. Today, we’re doing a deep dive CCM E Flex 5 Chest Protector Review. This is one of the most mobile, high performance, professional level chest protectors available to goalies today. In […]

CCM Extreme Flex 4 vs CCM Axis Pro: Goalie Stick Comparison

When it comes to producing high-quality hockey gear that is specially designed to fit the needs of elite level players, few brands are capable of matching the progress that CCM has made over the last decade. The Canada Cycle & Motor Company was founded more than a century ago, but the company’s engineers and design […]

CCM Extreme Flex 4 Goalie Stick Review

Finding a stick that is an ideal combination of responsiveness and lightweight feel matched with the rigidity of wooden material isn’t always easy. Thankfully, some of the top brands in the hockey industry are now working to produce sticks that very closely mimic the feel and balance of a wooden stick while being made completely […]

Warrior Ritual V1 Pro Goalie Stick Review

Warrior released its Ritual V1 Series sticks in 2019 and the lineup quickly garnered attention from a wide range of hockey players and enthusiasts from all skill levels. The brand is known for producing some of the highest quality hockey products in the industry and the Warrior Ritual V1 Pro Goalie Stick easily clocks in […]

CCM Axis Pro Goalie Stick Review

CCM has been working for years to perfect their design of a premium-level goalie stick that provides users with optimal balance while also achieving the same type of performance the brand’s products are known for. The company’s Axis Pro Goalie Stick is part of the brand’s new lineup of solid, high-performance gear that makes up […]

Bauer Supreme UltraSonic Goalie Stick Review

Bauer has been at or near the top of the hockey industry for many years thanks to their hard work and dedication to making products that players have come to rely on. The Bauer Supreme UltraSonic Goalie Stick is another example of the brand’s pursuit of crafting sticks and other gear and equipment items that […]

True AX9 Goalie Stick Review

The True AX9 Goalie Stick is easily one of the most popular products on the market for 2021. This stick is crafted according to the True Hockey brand’s high standards and is made to be a tool that goalies can rely on when it comes to strength, durability, and balance. The True A Series sticks […]

Warrior M1 Pro+ Goalie Stick Review

There’s no denying that Warrior is among the top brands when it comes to premium-quality goalie sticks. The Warrior M1 Pro + Goalie Stick is one of the newest products from the company and offers a number of unique characteristics that make this one of the top choices for goalies of all skill levels to […]

Bauer Supreme 3S Goalie Skates Review

The Bauer Supreme 3S Goalie Skates are designed specially for players who love the game, but might not be ready to invest a sizable amount of money into their equipment just yet. That certainly doesn’t mean the Supreme 3S Goalie Skates are poor quality. These skates are an impressive combination of high-performance materials and supreme […]

CCM JetSpeed FT2 Goalie Skates Review

CCM is among the best of the best brands when it comes to producing high-end, quality-made hockey skates that are designed for optimal performance. Such is the case with the CCM JetSpeed FT2 Goalie Skate which is praised for being some of the best-made goalie skates from CCM in many years. The CCM JetSpeed FT2 […]

Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Goalie Skates Review

The latest designs from Bauer are focused on giving players a serious edge over the competition by making skates that are lighter and offer even better support than previous models up until now. The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Goalie Skates are truly a one-of-a-kind product as they are crafted in a way that allows goalies […]

Bauer UltraSonic Goalie Skates Review

It’s no secret that goalies rely heavily on the ability to utilize their natural, cat-like reflexes and split-second decision-making skills to serve as the last line of defense against their opponent on the ice. As the opposing team approaches in a structured formation, setting up for a series of passes that ultimately lead to a […]

Help! How Do I Fix Ripped Goalie Pads?

With the technology behind goalie pads edging closer and closer to actual thin air lightweight-ness (looking at you, Bauer HyperLite, Bauer UltraSonic). In this guide, we’re going to be addressing a real concern amongst goalie pad owners. Fixing them when they rip. With the cost of goalie gear approaching the $2,000 mark, the thought of […]

Bauer HyperLite Goalie Pads Review + Everything We Know

Bauer goalie continues to push the envelope of what is possible between the pipes. New for 2021, we’re introduced to the Bauer Vapor HyperLite Goalie Pads. Not only are these some of the best performing goalie pads on the market, they’re built for goalies of every playing style. In previous years, Bauer has tended to […]

Thatcher Demko Switches from Brian’s to CCM

What pads does Thatcher Demko wear?  For years, if you answered Brian’s, you would’ve been correct. Until now. Thatcher Demko officially wears CCM E Flex 5 pads. CCM announced the switch on Twitter. Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, formerly a Brian’s goalie, has joined the CCM pro team. Demko will wear the brand new CCM […]

CCM Axis Goalie Gear Review: Everything We Know

Like just about every other large equipment manufacturer on the market, CCM carries multiple lines of goalie equipment. The CCM Axis lineup of gear is a complement to the CCM E Flex Line. It was released in 2020, and is worn by current Nashville Predators goalie Jusse Saros. There are a handful of other high […]

CCM AS3 Pro Goalie Skates Review

I know what you’re thinking. Another goalie skate? I just bought a new pair of goalie skates! We’re doing a CCM AS3 Pro Goalie Skates review today, this skate is no slouch.  It’s no secret that CCM has emerged as a dominant player in the goalie skate market in recent years. Sure, CCM has always […]

CCM Axis Pro Goalie Pants Review

Looking for a pros CCM Axis Pro Goalie Pants Review? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re not familiar with Goalie Coaches, we’re the worlds single most trusted brand in goaltending. Each year, we train more professional goalies than any other goaltending brand on the planet. Now, this isn’t to say that we’re better […]

CCM E Flex 5 Goalie Pads Review + Everything We Know

CCM is ahead of the curve. The new CCM E Flex 5 goalie pads were recently announced by CCM and they look amazing. This line features the knee break section we’ve become accustomed to seeing with the E Flex line from CCM of years past, but with an added twist on the graphic. They’re now […]

Best Backyard Ice Rink Kits

Thinking of building a backyard ice rink? After building these things from scratch for the past 30 something years, I’m convinced buying a kit is the way to go. Now, with the way 2020 went, if lumber prices stay where they’re at, building one yourself won’t actually be any cheaper (as compared to something like […]

Dave Rogalski Hired as New Jersey Devils Goalie Coach

Dave Rogalski, former St. Louis Blues Goalie Development Coach, has been hired by the New Jersey Devils as the teams goalie coach at the NHL level. Known by the athletes he trains as “Roggy” (affectionately pronounced — “Rouge-E”), Dave has long been one of the best kept secrets in not just Minnesota goalie circles, but […]

The Best Custom Goalie Pad Designs of All Time

custom goalie pads and goalie pad design ideas

I remember growing up, I would spend hours thinking of different goalie pads design ideas. Before anybody ever dreamed of designing custom goalie pads over the internet, I was trading cards with my friends for whoever had the best looking gear that year. I spent hours drawing out my dream set of goalie gear day […]

Theragun Wave Roller Review

Myofascial release is one of the main forms of muscle recovery used by elite athletes all over the world. More often than not, foam rollers are used for this practice. We’ve written about the best foam rollers in previous articles, but for the sake of individual coverage, we wanted to highlight each foam roller more […]

The Best Skate Sharpening Edge Checker

A crucial part of sharpening skates is making sure you’re getting the right edge. We’ve used a handful of edge checkers throughout the years and are quite convinced we know a thing or two about the best edge checker for sharpening skates. Before we get further, if you’re in the market for a top quality […]

Best Skate Sharpeners 2023

Without a doubt, one of the most important things a hockey player (yes, even a hockey goalie) is concerned with is the quality of their skates edges. You need to have a skate sharpener that does exactly what it’s supposed to do every single time you use it. But with that being said, what is […]

Best Goalie Neck Guards + Throat Protectors

As a hockey goalie, protecting your neck and throat is one of the most important things you’ll do. Yet, it’s one of the most common areas that we see goalies skip on both. At the professional level, goalies are doing everything they can to protect themselves from shots upwards of 100 miles per hour. Wearing […]