New Gear

Goaltenders are a lot like children in many ways.

When things don't go the way we want them to, we sometimes throw tantrums. I distinctly remember several years ago allowing a bad goal in one of the few games I have actually played in front of people. In a fit of rage, I smashed my stick off the far goal post, breaking it clean in half. Oops.

When it comes time for new gear, it is like Christmas. Such was the case today.

As much as I like the CCM Blockades, it was time to put them on the shelf (my catching glove is not far behind). With a very generous income tax cheque in hand, I marched to the hockey shop up the street and came home with these:
One pair of white and blue RBK 8Ks. Beautiful. They will take some getting used to, but I like them already. They will be going on their maiden voyage Wednesday, unfortunately for me the last skate of the season. I lucked out huge, discount price, colours I like (the old Justin Pogge scheme) and the right size.

I think the equipment is part of the allure of the goaltender position. I have to admit that the equipment was part of the reason I was drawn to goaltending. It's unique, it can be flashy and colourful and is yet another way the goaltender is separate from their teammates. The strange fascination goes beyond that for me, I can tell you what kind of pads or gloves almost every NHL goaltender is using. It's a sickness, I know, but I have it in the worst way.

Don't ask me to explain, I don't know how to. Nor can I explain why I feel the need to wear my new pads as I'm typing this. Oh wait, I know, I'm "breaking them in". Nevertheless, typing with these things on is not easy.

-matt