What are the top-selling hockey goalie blockers. How do CCM Extreme Flex models compare. What features should you look for in a professional-grade goalie blocker. Discover the best adult ice hockey goalie blockers for optimal performance on the ice.
Understanding the Importance of Hockey Goalie Blockers
Hockey goalie blockers are essential pieces of equipment that provide protection and enhance performance for ice hockey goalkeepers. These specialized gloves are designed to block shots, control rebounds, and assist in puck handling. Let’s explore the key aspects of goalie blockers and why they’re crucial for any serious netminder.
The Role of Goalie Blockers in Ice Hockey
Goalie blockers serve multiple functions on the ice. They protect the goalkeeper’s hand and arm from high-velocity pucks, deflect shots away from the net, and aid in stick control. A well-designed blocker can make the difference between a save and a goal, making it a critical component of a goalie’s arsenal.
Key Components of a Hockey Goalie Blocker
- Blocking board: The large, flat surface used to deflect shots
- Palm: The area where the goalie grips their stick
- Cuff: Protects the wrist and allows for flexibility
- Thumb protector: Shields the thumb from impacts
- Finger protection: Safeguards fingers from pucks and sticks
Top-Selling Hockey Goalie Blockers: CCM Extreme Flex Series
The CCM Extreme Flex series consistently ranks among the best-selling goalie blockers in the market. These blockers are known for their innovative design, superior protection, and enhanced performance features. Let’s examine the top models in this series.
CCM Extreme Flex 4 Goalie Blocker
The CCM Extreme Flex 4 is a top-tier goalie blocker designed for intermediate-level goalies. It offers increased blocking coverage and low-profile impact protection, making it an excellent choice for serious players.
Key features of the CCM Extreme Flex 4 Blocker include:
- Redesigned inside thumb protector for increased blocking coverage
- D3O® Technology for low-profile impact protection
- Segmented, adjustable cuff for excellent range of motion
Is the CCM Extreme Flex 4 suitable for professional play? While designed for intermediate-level goalies, its high-quality construction and advanced features make it suitable for use in professional settings, especially for goalies transitioning to higher levels of play.
CCM Extreme Flex III Goalie Blocker
The CCM Extreme Flex III is a professionally designed, top-tier goalie blocker built for intermediate and advanced-level goalies. It focuses on increased shock absorption and greater comfort, making it ideal for goalies who face high-velocity shots regularly.
Notable features of the CCM Extreme Flex III Blocker include:
- D3O® Technology for increased shock absorption
- Shallow finger protector for greater comfort
- Bindingless front face for more blocking surface
How does the CCM Extreme Flex III compare to its predecessor? The Extreme Flex III builds upon the success of previous models with improved shock absorption technology and a larger blocking surface, offering goalies enhanced protection and performance.
CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Goalie Blocker
The CCM Extreme Flex II 860 is a value-priced goalie blocker designed for intermediate-level goalies. It offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for players looking to upgrade their equipment without breaking the bank.
Key aspects of the CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Blocker include:
- Professional-inspired design at a value price point
- Suitable for intermediate-level play
- Offers a good balance of protection and flexibility
Comparing Goalie Blocker Models: Features and Performance
When selecting a goalie blocker, it’s essential to consider various factors that contribute to its overall performance. Let’s compare the key features of the CCM Extreme Flex models to help you make an informed decision.
| Model | Price Range | Level of Play | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex 4 | $$$$ | Intermediate | Increased blocking coverage, D3O® Technology, Adjustable cuff |
| CCM Extreme Flex III | $$$$ | Intermediate to Advanced | Enhanced shock absorption, Shallow finger protector, Bindingless front face |
| CCM Extreme Flex II 860 | $$ | Intermediate | Value-priced, Professional-inspired design, Balanced protection and flexibility |
Which CCM Extreme Flex model offers the best value for money? The answer depends on your skill level and budget. The Extreme Flex II 860 provides excellent value for intermediate players on a budget, while the Extreme Flex 4 and III offer advanced features for those willing to invest more in their equipment.
The Technology Behind Modern Goalie Blockers
Modern goalie blockers incorporate cutting-edge technologies to enhance protection, comfort, and performance. Understanding these technologies can help goalies make informed decisions when selecting their equipment.
D3O® Technology: Advanced Impact Protection
D3O® Technology is a key feature in high-end goalie blockers like the CCM Extreme Flex 4 and III. This innovative material offers superior impact protection while maintaining a low profile, allowing for better mobility and comfort.
How does D3O® Technology work in goalie blockers? The material remains soft and flexible under normal conditions but instantly hardens upon impact, dispersing the force of a shot across a wider area. This reduces the risk of injury and improves the goalie’s ability to control rebounds.
SpeedSkin: Enhancing Durability and Performance
SpeedSkin is a synthetic material used in the backhand and cuff of some goalie blockers, such as the CCM Extreme Flex 4. This material offers several benefits:
- Improved durability compared to traditional materials
- Lightweight construction for enhanced mobility
- Water-resistant properties to maintain performance in wet conditions
Nash Palm: Optimal Stick Control
Many high-quality goalie blockers, including the CCM Extreme Flex models, feature Nash palms. Nash is a type of leather known for its durability and excellent grip properties. It provides goalies with superior stick control, even in humid or wet conditions.
Choosing the Right Goalie Blocker for Your Playing Style
Selecting the perfect goalie blocker involves considering your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your choice:
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Goalie Blocker
- Skill level: Choose a blocker that matches your current abilities and allows room for growth
- Playing style: Consider whether you prefer a stiffer or more flexible blocker
- League regulations: Ensure the blocker meets the size and design requirements of your league
- Budget: Balance cost with features and quality to find the best value for your needs
- Brand preference: Stick with a brand you trust or explore new options based on reviews and recommendations
How can you determine the right size for your goalie blocker? Proper sizing is crucial for optimal performance. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts based on hand measurements. It’s recommended to try on different sizes if possible or consult with a knowledgeable equipment specialist.
Maintenance and Care for Your Hockey Goalie Blocker
Proper maintenance of your goalie blocker can extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Follow these tips to keep your blocker in top condition:
Cleaning and Drying
- Wipe down the blocker with a damp cloth after each use to remove sweat and dirt
- Allow the blocker to air dry completely before storing
- Avoid using direct heat sources, as they can damage materials and adhesives
Storage
Store your goalie blocker in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a gear bag or equipment rack to protect it from damage when not in use.
Regular Inspection
Periodically check your blocker for signs of wear, such as loose stitching or damaged padding. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain optimal protection.
How often should you replace your goalie blocker? The lifespan of a goalie blocker depends on factors such as frequency of use, quality of materials, and level of play. On average, a well-maintained blocker can last 2-3 seasons for regular players. However, professional or highly competitive goalies may need to replace their blockers more frequently.
The Future of Hockey Goalie Blockers: Innovations and Trends
The world of hockey equipment is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of technology and design. Here are some emerging trends and innovations in goalie blockers:
Advanced Materials
Researchers are developing new synthetic materials that offer improved protection, durability, and performance. These materials aim to reduce weight while enhancing impact resistance and flexibility.
Customization Options
Many manufacturers now offer customization services, allowing goalies to tailor their blockers to their specific needs and preferences. This includes options for colors, graphics, and even structural modifications.
Smart Technology Integration
The integration of sensors and smart technology into goalie equipment is an emerging trend. Future blockers may incorporate features such as impact tracking, performance analytics, and real-time feedback to help goalies improve their game.
What can we expect from the next generation of goalie blockers? As technology advances, we may see blockers with enhanced energy-dispersion properties, improved ergonomics for better range of motion, and even self-repairing materials to extend equipment lifespan.
Conclusion: Selecting the Ideal Hockey Goalie Blocker
Choosing the right hockey goalie blocker is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your performance on the ice. By considering factors such as your skill level, playing style, and budget, you can find a blocker that meets your needs and helps you reach your full potential as a goaltender.
The CCM Extreme Flex series offers a range of options for goalies at various skill levels, from the value-priced Extreme Flex II 860 to the advanced Extreme Flex 4. These blockers incorporate cutting-edge technologies like D3O® impact protection and SpeedSkin materials to provide superior performance and protection.
Remember to properly maintain your goalie blocker to ensure its longevity and consistent performance. Stay informed about emerging trends and innovations in goalie equipment to make the most of new technologies as they become available.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first serious blocker or a seasoned pro seeking an equipment upgrade, the world of hockey goalie blockers offers a wealth of options to suit your needs. By understanding the key features, technologies, and considerations discussed in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and elevate your game on the ice.
Hockey Goalie Gloves & Blockers for sale
Check out the top selling goalie gloves & blockers curated by our team of experts and informed by actual sales data. You can learn more about our product rankings here.
#1
CCM Extreme Flex 4 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $146 – $275
21 available
#1 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About CCM Extreme Flex 4 Goalie Glove
The exceptionally engineered CCM Extreme Flex 4 is a top-tier goalie glove designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking flexibility and exceptional comfort.
With a game ready flex for flexibility, layered foam for exceptional comfort, and a stiff palm for top-of-the-line protection, the CCM Extreme Flex 4 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex 4 | $$$$ | Intermediate | Flexibility and exceptional comfort |
CCM Extreme Flex 4 Glove – Key Features
- A game ready flex for flexibility.
- Layered foam for exceptional comfort.
- A stiff palm for top-of-the-line protection.
CCM Extreme Flex 4 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex 4 | SpeedSkin | Nash | Double Straight Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: SpeedSkin
- Inner Palm: Nash
- Pocket: Double Straight Tee
About CCM Extreme Flex 4 Goalie Blockers
The exceptionally engineered CCM Extreme Flex 4 is a top-tier goalie blocker designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking increased blocking coverage and low-profile impact protection.
With a redesigned inside thumb protector for increased blocking coverage, D3O® Technology for low-profile impact protection, and a segmented, adjustable cuff for excellent range of motion, the CCM Extreme Flex 4 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex 4 | $$$$ | Intermediate | Increased blocking coverage and low-profile impact protection |
CCM Extreme Flex 4 Blocker – Key Features
- A redesigned inside thumb protector for increased blocking coverage.
- D3O® Technology for low-profile impact protection.
- A segmented, adjustable cuff for excellent range of motion.
#2
CCM Extreme Flex III Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $93 – $197
18 available
#2 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About CCM Extreme Flex III Goalie Glove
The CCM Extreme Flex III is a professionally designed, value-level goalie glove built for intermediate and advanced-level goalies in search of great comfort and adjustability.
With layered foam for great comfort, a wrist strap for adjustability, and segmented molded protection for excellent mobility, the CCM Extreme Flex III provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III | $$$$ | Intermediate and advanced | Great comfort and adjustability |
CCM Extreme Flex III Glove – Key Features
- Layered foam for great comfort.
- A wrist strap for adjustability.
- Segmented molded protection for excellent mobility.
CCM Extreme Flex III Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III | Flexmotion Design | Layered Felt/ D30 | Double Straight Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: Flexmotion Design
- Inner Palm: Layered Felt/ D30
- Pocket: Double Straight Tee
About CCM Extreme Flex III Goalie Blockers
The CCM Extreme Flex III is a professionally designed, top-tier goalie blocker built for intermediate and advanced-level goalies in search of increased shock absorption and greater comfort.
With D3O® Technology for increased shock absorption, a shallow finger protector for greater comfort, and a bindingless front face for more blocking surface, the CCM Extreme Flex III provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III | $$$$ | Intermediate and advanced | Increased shock absorption and greater comfort |
CCM Extreme Flex III Blocker – Key Features
- D3O® Technology for increased shock absorption.
- A shallow finger protector for greater comfort.
- A bindingless front face for more blocking surface.
#3
CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $50 – $90
6 available
#3 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Goalie Glove
The professionally inspired CCM Extreme Flex II 860 is a value-priced glove designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking flexibility and exceptional feel.
With a 600 break angle, middle hand closure for flexibility, game ready flex for exceptional feel, and a layered foam for comfort, the CCM Extreme Flex II 860 has everything you need to take your game to the next level.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex II 860 | $$ | Intermediate | Flexibility and exceptional feel |
CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Glove – Key Features
- A 600 break angle, middle hand closure for flexibility.
- Game ready flex for exceptional feel.
- A layered foam for comfort.
CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex II 860 | SpeedSkin | Nash | Double Straight Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: SpeedSkin
- Inner Palm: Nash
- Pocket: Double Straight Tee
About CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Goalie Blockers
The professionally inspired CCM Extreme Flex II 860 is a value-priced goalie blocker designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking side hand protection and exceptional durability.
With HD foam for side hand protection, a Gray Nash palm for exceptional durability, and microfiber external construction for lightweight protection, the CCM Extreme Flex II 860 has everything you need to take your game to the next level.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex II 860 | $$ | Intermediate | Side hand protection and exceptional durability |
CCM Extreme Flex II 860 Blocker – Key Features
- HD foam for side hand protection.
- A Gray Nash palm for exceptional durability.
- Microfiber external construction for lightweight protection.
#4
Vaughn Velocity V6 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $60 – $116
20 available
#4 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About Vaughn Velocity V6 Goalie Glove
The high-tech Vaughn Velocity V6 is a value-priced glove designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking added comfort and moisture-wicking breathability.
With added padding in wrist strap for added comfort, a hex mesh inner liner for moisture-wicking breathability, and a positive grip inner for protection, the Vaughn Velocity V6 provides game winning performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V6 | $$$ | Intermediate | Added comfort and moisture-wicking breathability |
Vaughn Velocity V6 Glove – Key Features
- Added padding in wrist strap for added comfort.
- A hex mesh inner liner for moisture-wicking breathability.
- A positive grip inner for protection.
Vaughn Velocity V6 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V6 | One-Piece | Jen-Pro | Deep Double T |
- Backhand And Cuff: One-Piece
- Inner Palm: Jen-Pro
- Pocket: Deep Double T
About Vaughn Velocity V6 Goalie Blockers
The high-tech Vaughn Velocity V6 is a value-priced goalie blocker designed for intermediate-level goalies seeking protection and maximum comfort.
With a carbon-fiber reinforced front for protection, air cushioned back hand padding for maximum comfort, and a large side shield for shot deflection, the Vaughn Velocity V6 provides game winning performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V6 | $$$ | Intermediate | Protection and maximum comfort |
Vaughn Velocity V6 Blocker – Key Features
- A carbon-fiber reinforced front for protection.
- Air cushioned back hand padding for maximum comfort.
- A large side shield for shot deflection.
#5
Vaughn Ventus Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $53 – $107
8 available
#5 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About Vaughn Ventus Goalie Glove
The specially designed Vaughn Ventus is a value-priced glove built for intermediate and advanced-level goalies in search of durability and moisture-wicking breathability.
With a carbon reinforced t-top for durability, a hex mesh inner liner for moisture-wicking breathability, and a finger tip deflecting rail for protection, the Vaughn Ventus provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Ventus | $$$ | Intermediate and advanced | Durability and moisture-wicking breathability |
Vaughn Ventus Glove – Key Features
- A carbon reinforced t-top for durability.
- A hex mesh inner liner for moisture-wicking breathability.
- A finger tip deflecting rail for protection.
Vaughn Ventus Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Ventus | 2-Piece | Jen-Pro | T-Web Top with Carbon fIber Reinforcement |
- Backhand And Cuff: 2-Piece
- Inner Palm: Jen-Pro
- Pocket: T-Web Top with Carbon fIber Reinforcement
#6
Bauer 2X Pro Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $150 – $250
42 available
#6 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About Bauer 2X Pro Goalie Glove
The exceptionally engineered Bauer 2X Pro is a top-tier goalie glove specially designed for advanced-level goalies that require puck control and moisture-wicking breathability.
With a CURV Cuff for puck control, ThermoMax liner for moisture-wicking breathability, and a full hand closure 60 degree break for puck control, the Bauer 2X Pro brings exceptional performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer 2X Pro | $$$$ | Advanced | Puck control and moisture-wicking breathability |
Bauer 2X Pro Glove – Key Features
- A CURV Cuff for puck control.
- ThermoMax liner for moisture-wicking breathability.
- A full hand closure 60 degree break for puck control.
Bauer 2X Pro Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer 2X Pro | CURV Composite with Free-Flex Backhand | Game-ready Pro Palm | Single T |
- Backhand And Cuff: CURV Composite with Free-Flex Backhand
- Inner Palm: Game-ready Pro Palm
- Pocket: Single T
About Bauer 2X Pro Goalie Blockers
The exceptionally engineered Bauer 2X Pro is a top-tier goalie blocker specially designed for advanced-level goalies that require lightweight durability and exceptional breathability.
With a thin tapered CURV® composite board for lightweight durability, a Thermocore liner for exceptional breathability, and a Quattro Ivory Pro palm for comfort, the Bauer 2X Pro brings exceptional performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer 2X Pro | $$$$ | Advanced | Lightweight durability and exceptional breathability |
Bauer 2X Pro Blocker – Key Features
- A thin tapered CURV® composite board for lightweight durability.
- A Thermocore liner for exceptional breathability.
- A Quattro Ivory Pro palm for comfort.
#7
Vaughn Velocity V7 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $75 – $157
18 available
#7 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About Vaughn Velocity V7 Goalie Glove
The Vaughn Velocity V7 is an incredibly well made, top-tier goalie glove engineered for advanced-level goalies who want great comfort and durability.
With added padding in wrist strap for great comfort, a carbon reinforced t-top for durability, and a finger tip deflecting rail for added protection, the Vaughn Velocity V7 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V7 | $$$$ | Advanced | Great comfort and durability |
Vaughn Velocity V7 Glove – Key Features
- Added padding in wrist strap for great comfort.
- A carbon reinforced t-top for durability.
- A finger tip deflecting rail for added protection.
Vaughn Velocity V7 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V7 | One-Piece | Jen-Pro | Double Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: One-Piece
- Inner Palm: Jen-Pro
- Pocket: Double Tee
About Vaughn Velocity V7 Goalie Blockers
The Vaughn Velocity V7 is an incredibly well made, top-tier goalie blocker engineered for advanced-level goalies who want lightweight stiffness and protection.
With ultra-high density internal foam core for lightweight stiffness, a reinforced front blocking surface for protection, and a floating articulated cuff design for superior wrist movement, the Vaughn Velocity V7 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V7 | $$$$ | Advanced | Lightweight stiffness and protection |
Vaughn Velocity V7 Blocker – Key Features
- Ultra-high density internal foam core for lightweight stiffness.
- A reinforced front blocking surface for protection.
- A floating articulated cuff design for superior wrist movement.
#8
CCM Premier II Pro Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $125 – $218
33 available
#8 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About CCM Premier II Pro Goalie Glove
The best selling CCM Premier II Pro is a top-tier goalie glove made for advanced-level goalies who need flexibility and exceptional protection.
With a 600 break angle with middle hand closure for flexibility, a stiff palm for exceptional protection, and segmented molded protection for superb mobility, the CCM Premier II Pro has everything you need to take your game to the next level.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Premier II Pro | $$$$ | Advanced | Flexibility and exceptional protection |
CCM Premier II Pro Glove – Key Features
- A 600 break angle with middle hand closure for flexibility.
- A stiff palm for exceptional protection.
- Segmented molded protection for superb mobility.
CCM Premier II Pro Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Premier II Pro | Molded HD Foam Finger Padding | Layered Felt/ D30 | Double Straight Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: Molded HD Foam Finger Padding
- Inner Palm: Layered Felt/ D30
- Pocket: Double Straight Tee
About CCM Premier II Pro Goalie Blockers
The best selling CCM Premier II Pro is a top-tier goalie blocker made for advanced-level goalies who need increased shock absorption and increased blocking coverage.
With D3O® Technology for increased shock absorption, a redesigned inside thumb protector for increased blocking coverage, and an anatomical cuff for easy adjustment, more mobility, the CCM Premier II Pro has everything you need to take your game to the next level.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Premier II Pro | $$$$ | Advanced | Increased shock absorption and increased blocking coverage |
CCM Premier II Pro Blocker – Key Features
- D3O® Technology for increased shock absorption.
- A redesigned inside thumb protector for increased blocking coverage.
- An anatomical cuff for easy adjustment, more mobility.
#8
Vaughn Velocity V4 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $45 – $107
8 available
#8 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About Vaughn Velocity V4 Goalie Glove
The Vaughn Velocity V4 is a new and improved, value-priced glove crafted for intermediate-level goalies who need great comfort and durability.
With added padding in the wrist strap for great comfort, a carbon reinforced t-top for durability, and a finger tip deflecting rail for protection, the Vaughn Velocity V4 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V4 | $$ | Intermediate | Great comfort and durability |
Vaughn Velocity V4 Glove – Key Features
- Added padding in the wrist strap for great comfort.
- A carbon reinforced t-top for durability.
- A finger tip deflecting rail for protection.
Vaughn Velocity V4 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V4 | Two-Piece | Leather | Double T, Nylon Lacing |
- Backhand And Cuff: Two-Piece
- Inner Palm: Leather
- Pocket: Double T, Nylon Lacing
About Vaughn Velocity V4 Goalie Blockers
The Vaughn Velocity V4 is a new and improved, value-priced goalie blocker crafted for intermediate-level goalies who need improved puck deflection and a quick, precise beak-in.
With a flared molded front cuff for improved puck deflection, full flex seams in the palm for a quick, precise beak-in, and a heat moldable construction for a customized fit, the Vaughn Velocity V4 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaughn Velocity V4 | $$ | Intermediate | Improved puck deflection and a quick, precise beak-in |
Vaughn Velocity V4 Blocker – Key Features
- A flared molded front cuff for improved puck deflection.
- Full flex seams in the palm for a quick, precise beak-in.
- A heat moldable construction for a customized fit.
#9
CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 Goalie Gloves & Blockers
From: $59 – $110
3 available
#9 in Goalie Gloves & Blockers
About CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 Goalie Glove
The exceptional CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 is a value-priced glove engineered for intermediate and advanced-level goalies who want added comfort and adjustability.
With layered foam for added comfort, a wrist strap for adjustability, and segmented molded protection for superb mobility, the CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 | $$$ | Intermediate and advanced | Added comfort and adjustability |
CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 Glove – Key Features
- Layered foam for added comfort.
- A wrist strap for adjustability.
- Segmented molded protection for superb mobility.
CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 Glove – Specs
| Model | Backhand And Cuff | Inner Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 | Flexmotion Design | Layered Felt/ D30 | Double Straight Tee |
- Backhand And Cuff: Flexmotion Design
- Inner Palm: Layered Felt/ D30
- Pocket: Double Straight Tee
About CCM Extreme Flex III E3.
9 Goalie Blockers
The exceptional CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 is a value-priced goalie blocker engineered for intermediate and advanced-level goalies who want rebound control and increased durability.
With an adjustable cuff for rebound control, a bigger, bindingless blocking surface for increased durability, and a molded thumb for enhanced protection, the CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 provides top-of-the-line performance.
| Model | Price | Level of Play | Built For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 | $$$ | Intermediate and advanced | Rebound control and increased durability |
CCM Extreme Flex III E3.9 Blocker – Key Features
- An adjustable cuff for rebound control.
- A bigger, bindingless blocking surface for increased durability.
- A molded thumb for enhanced protection.
Goalies are allowed to use one of each a blocking glove and catching glove, meeting league-approved sizing specifications.
Goalies wear a special get up consisting of a helmet, throat protector, neck guard, chest protector, special padded goalie pants (which are like padded shorts), a glove, blocker, jock or jill, pads on their legs, skates and use a thick goalie stick designed to protect the “5 Hole”.
The blocker is worn on the hand that holds the stick, so a right-handed goaltender wears the blocker on the right hand, and a left-handed goaltender wears it on the left hand.
Yes, you can bake a goalie glove. When baking a goalie glove, it is best to bake it in an accurately controlled bake oven. This will ensure the glove is adequately dried and won’t shrink upon drying. The bake should decrease the moisture content inside the glove, making it last longer.
The stick is held in the right hand, not left. This means that the curve on a full right goalie stick will be shaped like a player’s right-handed stick, rather than like a player’s left-handed one.
Properly sized gloves and blockers can prevent you from jamming (or breaking) your fingers, or from getting unnecessary bruises.
Goalies also need gloves and blockers that won’t inhibit their dexterity. Depending on your playing style, you may be a goalie who dishes out passes often (or even takes shots on net from time to time!) Like most of the sport’s equipment, hockey goalie blocker sizing and hockey goalie glove sizing comes in four main sizes: senior, intermediate, junior, and youth. Be sure to consult a sizing chart for the brand you wish to purchase. Most companies will have very similar sizes, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some general sizing guides are as follows: youth goalie blockers typically measure between 5-6 inches; junior blockers tend to run 6-6.5 inches; intermediate blockers measure 6.25-7 inches; and senior blockers can be anywhere between 7-8.5 inches in length. Whatever size glove and blocker you buy, be sure they allow you plenty of room to wiggle your fingers.
Some of the most popular hockey goalie glove and blocker brands include CCM, Bauer, and Vaughn.
One of the top gloves currently on the market is the CCM Extreme Flex III glove, and blocker.
In addition, the Supreme 2S goalie pad line from Bauer is another top seller — we see a lot of 2S gloves and blockers come through SidelineSwap.
Finally, Vaughn — a goalie exclusive company — has the Velocity V8 Pro glove and blocker set out right now. The Velocity line is Vaughn’s most popular equipment line, so be sure to check out earlier iterations of these pads such as the V7 and V6.
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- Description
MX-5 Goalie Blocker – Senior
The MX-5 Blocker is designed for mid to upper tier goalies.
It meets all ice hockey industry standards and can be used for Ice Hockey, Inline/Roller Hockey and/or Dek Hockey.
- Deep board top bend for puck deflection
- Back hand cushion pad for comfort and protection
- Finger protectors
- Side finger protector protection
- Large index side finger protection
- Very comfortable palm design and fit
- Floating cuff design increase wrist movement
- Side index floating pad to cover of stick paddle
- Full Pro size with 8” x 15” blocking surface
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Philadelphia Flyers goalkeepers: commemorative masks
Since Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante became the first NHL goaltender to permanently wear a face mask in 1959, the use of masks has gone from a curiosity to a necessity.
The masks themselves have evolved from strict rules to a utilitarian piece of equipment for the colorful expression of the goaltender’s personality. Team colors or logos were added first. Later there were thoughtful designs, thematic motifs and a full palette of colors. Sometimes at the goalkeeper’s own request, but often at the suggestion of professional mask designers.
When the Flyers entered the NHL in 1967, there were still a few unmasked goaltenders – the last unmasked goaltender was Andy Brown of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Every goaltender in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise has worn some type of mask. By the end of the 2019-20 season, 60 goaltenders had played at least one game for the Flyers. This number does not include goaltenders who were on the bench but did not appear in any regular season games.
This material is not intended to be an exhaustive history of all goalie masks in Flyers history, or a list of only the most visually appealing.
Rather, it is a chronological highlighting of their evolution, protective function and symbolic meaning, as well as their appearance. Goalkeepers whose masks are not mentioned in this article include: Phil Mayer, Brian Boucher, Roman Cechmanek, Jeff Hackett, Sergei Bobrovsky and Ilya Bryzgalov.
Bernie Parrent
Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Bernie Parent is best known for the mask he wore during his second tenure with Philadelphia (from 1973-74 to 1978-79): a white mask with the Airmen logos on the forehead, left and right temples. The back of the mask had a protective shell (smaller than today) between the straps to protect the goalkeeper from all sorts of impacts.
It was in this now iconic mask style that Bernie Parrent won two consecutive Vezina Trophies, Conn Smythe Trophies and the Stanley Cup in 1973-74 and 1974-75. Less well known are the more primitive and less protective masks that the goalkeeper wore during his first tenure with the Pilots (since 1967-68 until the middle of the 1970-71 season).
During his first season, Bernie wore a simplified fiberglass mask that fitted snugly over the goaltender’s face with straps attached to the sides and top of the head, with no back protection.
Doug Favell
The other half of Philadelphia’s original goaltending duo has worn a wide variety of masks and mask designs throughout their careers. In the early years of playing with the Flyers, Doug Favell, like Parrent, used relatively primitive fiberglass masks. However, on Halloween 19At 71, the hilarious Favell carved a niche in NHL history when he unveiled a full orange spray-painted mask. Reflecting both the colors of the “Pilots” and Halloween itself. Favell’s orange look was the first painted mask in league history.
During Favell’s last years with the Philadelphia Flames (from 1967-68 to 1972-73), the goaltender wore a white mask with five large triangular orange panels alternating with neutral white. Meanwhile, his teammate Bobby Taylor had essentially the same design on his mask as Favell, except the colors were alternating black and white “rays”.
Wayne Stevenson
Bernie Parrent’s understudy for most of his Flyers career, except when Parrent’s injury forced him to work for much of the 1975-76 season, Wayne Stevenson wore plain white mask. However, in 1977 he donned one of the most striking masks of his era. That mask was modeled after the Philadelphia Away kit, mostly orange, with black “Flyers logos” facing each other, fastened around the eyes with white accents to make the design even more eye-catching. Later Stevenson’s mask also had an orange-colored protective cap at the bottom, which served as the first generation’s neck protection.
Jerome Mrazek
A free-spirited type nicknamed “Moses” for his long hair, intricate mustache and beard, Mrazek made only one regular season appearance (February 7, 1976) during his tenure with the Philadelphia Flames. (mainly the goalkeeper played in the lower leagues). However, despite the brevity of his NHL playing career, Mrazek delivered a memorable performance.
His mask itself was simple and unremarkable, except for the fact that even by mid-70s standards it wasn’t very protective. What made him memorable was that even when he wore the mask, Mrazek’s beard still protruded from below.
Pete Peters
From the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, some NHL goaltenders began to wear birdcage masks: standard helmets similar to those worn by field players with the addition of faceplates. This was done primarily in order to be more comfortable and less traumatic for goalkeepers. Some “birdcages” had a plastic neck added on the bottom.
Pete Peters wore the standard mask (with swirling black and orange paint). However, during his first tenure with the team, he wore a helmet and a protective face cage. It was in a helmet and cage with a neck guard that rookie Peters helped the Flyers to a 35-game unbeaten streak and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals alongside veteran Phil Meyer. Peters was an NHL All-Star at 1979-80 and 1980-81.
Later, when Peters returned to the Flyers for the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons, he wore a full face mask—white with four Philadelphia logos (crown, right temple, left temple, chin) that was mostly similar to styles still in use in the 2000s.
Other Flyers goaltenders who wore cages in the 1980s and early 1990s: Rick St. Croix, Bob Froese, Ron Hextall, Darren Jensen, Mark “Treese” Laforest, Wendell Young, Bruce Hoffforth, and Ken Regget .
The last birdcage for the team was perhaps the most memorable, being worn by Swedish goalkeeper Tommy Söderström, opting for a Jofa helmet with a massive bubble cage that protruded slightly beyond the ear buds on his helmet, and had both black padding on the line chin and attached full neck. Between the bars of the cage it was always easy to distinguish the features of the goalkeeper.
Pelle Lindberg
Even as a member of the Hammarby hockey program in Stockholm in the middle of 19In the ’70s, years before Philadelphia signed him in 1979, the late Pelle Lindbergh’s mask paid homage to his idol Bernie Parrent.
Not only did Pelle wear the same style mask as Bernie, but he also added Flyers logo stickers in the same places as his.
At the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, Lindbergh was dismayed when tournament officials told him to cover the Flyers’ logos with white tape. He complied, but later complained half-jokingly to Team USA goaltender Jim Craig (with whom Lindbergh had befriended) that the latter was allowed to keep the shamrock sticker on his mask, while Pelle had to cover up all of his team emblems.
Lindbergh has always been proud of his Parrent-style mask, explaining in an interview that it was a continuation of his personal path in the sport. However, for a short time Lindbergh actually switched to a different helmet and cage design.
When Lindbergh suffered a severe slump in his second NHL season (1983-84), the Flyers sent him briefly to the Springfield Indians in the AHL to regain his confidence under lower pressure. During his brief stay in Springfield, Lindbergh wore a helmet and a cage with a “hornet” design on the helmet, modeled after the logo of the Swedish newspaper Expressen.
Lindbergh wore it to reverse his luck and try to create rivalry and dislike for the inmates, much like New York Islanders goaltender Billy Smith.
After four games with Springfield, a more confident Lindbergh returned to the Philadelphia roster and donned the familiar white mask again.
Ron Hextall
Flyers Hall of Fame goaltender Ron Hextall displayed at least six different mask designs during his Philadelphia playing career (1986-87 to 1991-92, 1994-95 to 1998- 99). The most memorable design during his first stay was an orange arrow pointing down from the top of his head to the bottom of his forehead. The mask was known as “The Puck Stops Here”, reminding hockey players who was in charge.
Many years later, current Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott would play wearing a helmet that featured a mask designed by Franny Drummond that was inspired by Hextall’s famous arrow motif. Elliott, who grew up a Hextall fan, wanted to pay homage to the Arrow Mask, but not a replica.
In the early 2010s, Michael Leighton also had a variation of the Hextall Arrow design among the designs he wore.
During Hextall’s second work, he showed masks with various city-inspired design elements such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the illuminated Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Perhaps the most striking version was the silvery Philadelphia skyline, which covered about 2/3 of the mask along the bottom and sides.
Garth Snow
The often short-tempered Garth Snow, both with the Flyers and with other teams, favored helmets with menacing yeti designs against intimidating backgrounds. In Philadelphia, they were sinister snowmen on either side against a black background, their claws reaching for the Airmen logo on their chin.
John Vanbiesbroek
Goaltender John Vanbiesbroek, late in his NHL career, sported a recognizable mask design inspired by his nickname (“Beezer”): an expansive “bee” motif set against a brilliant orange background.
Antero Niitimäki
Philadelphia’s head coach Ken Hitchcock nicknamed Finnish goalie Niittimäki “Frank” because his teammates called the player “Nitti” for short. The shortened version of the surname, in turn, reminded Hitchcock of the infamous Prohibition-era Chicago mobster Frank Nitti. Fictional versions of Nitti and Al Capone were villains in The Untouchables that the hockey coach was a fan of.
Soon, many Flyers fans and some teammates began calling the goaltender “Frank.” This nickname inspired his most famous mask design, which features a vintage Nitti-style gangster in a gunfight. He had several variations on this theme.
Ray Emery
The late Ray Emery was a big boxing fan and also an amateur boxer in his youth. During his first stint with Philadelphia, Emery was asked to design a mask that included boxing legends including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Frazier. The back of the helmet featured a fictional boxer who lived in Philadelphia: Rocky Balboa from the movie Rocky.
Emery later had a mask in honor of the famous Tuskegee pilots.
Robert Ash, Sean Burke and Rob Zepp
Friends and teammates Robert Ash and Sean Burke have worn helmets throughout their careers that reflect their musical tastes.
Classic rock lover Bourke, who is also an avid guitarist, has worn masks throughout his career that have honored the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix.
Meanwhile, country music influenced Robert Ash’s masks, he included images of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock in his helmets, as well as the skull of Uncle Sam on the top of his head.
Later, when Rob Zapp played for Philadelphia in 2014-15, his mask chin bore his nickname, Zepper, written in the same script preferred by the legendary Led Zeppelin fan. It wasn’t by chance.
Sepp is rightfully a big fan of the band and a guitar lover. On the back of the helmet, in addition to the German flag and the names of his children, was a sticker that read “yard sale”.
This joke stems not only from Zapp’s long career, but also from playing with buddies in a garage band dubbed the Yard Sale.
Mike McKenna
Let’s talk about goalkeepers who travel a lot, meaning they change teams often. So on January 2, 2019, the Flyers acquired veteran goaltender Mike McKenna from Vancouver. This transfer came just two days after he was traded from Ottawa to the same Canucks and a day after Vancouver waived him.
McKenna still had the Ottawa helmet on when he arrived at Philadelphia. He temporarily asked the Flyers staff to completely cover his mask with black tape before he made a new design for the remainder of his last professional season.
These “solutions” with color correction on the spot are not uncommon for goalkeepers who have just been traded or demanded from another team until they get new equipment. In addition to duct tape on the mask or a new tape on the goaltender’s stick, equipment personnel used a permanent marker to quickly change the color or lining.
gloves or blocking inserts. However, in some cases, a newly minted goalkeeper will simply keep the same until he gets an updated mask and other equipment.
In addition to McKenna, other Flyers goaltenders who temporarily wore a mask taped or painted white immediately after the Philadelphia acquisition included Michael Layton and Marty Byron. Frederic Chabot and some others.
Steve Mason
Steve Mason loved horror films in general and the zombie genre in particular. During his Philadelphia career, Mason has shown no less than four different zombie-themed masks.
One version contained zombified versions of the famous Airmen of the past (including Bernie Parrent, Bobby Clarke and Ron Hextall). In another, the goalkeeper showed his teammates as zombies, including Claude Giroud, Sean Couturier and Wayne Simmonds. In his final season in the NHL, Mason had a zombified version of his Winnipeg teammates created for Halloween.
Michael Layton, Steve Mason, Michael Neuwirth, Carter Hart
Between the 2010s and 2020, various Philadelphia Flyers goaltenders wore masks that paid homage to the famous Flyers players of the past, especially goaltenders.
Some of these masks were used regularly, while others appeared only briefly.
In addition to Mason’s aforementioned “famous zombie Flyers” mask, Michael Layton had a mask in 2010-11 that paid homage to the “Broad Street Hooligans” era, including Bobby Clark and Dave Schultz. In 2017-18, Michal Neuwirth paid tribute to Lindbergh with an image of Pelle, prominently displayed on his helmet. Last season, one of Carter Hart’s masks paid homage to Ray Emery.
Original article: https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/goalie-week-memorable-masks/c-319803932
16-year-old Tom Kiswetter explains his desire to become an NHL goaltender simply:
“All the credit goes to Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas. what he did at the gate and thought: “How cool! After all, it is thanks to him that they play in the final, it is he who is the hero of the team. Then I realized that I also want to become a goalkeeper. “0003
Tom is making good progress in making his dream come true. This season, he’s defending the gates of the Thayer Academy, a prestigious private school team in Boston that has been coached by former NHL forward Tony Amonti, himself a graduate of the academy, for 11 years.
With an impressive height of 198 cm, Kiswetter has the agility, speed and maturity of an elite “prospect”, which universities and junior league clubs are already hunting with might and main.
“Tom has two years of school left and is in the 10th grade now,” his mother Christina told NHL.com. when 12-year-old Tom completely switched from swimming to hockey, the speed of his growth and development amazed even Brian. He says that he has practically never met children who don’t even need to show some things: it’s enough to say what to do – and he himself translates these pointing to the right movements.After a year or a half, the coach sat me down with my husband and said: “I think that your son can reach the very top. He will have to work hard, but he has the potential to play in the NHL. “Which has been a dream for Tom since childhood.”
This dream would not have had the slightest chance of being realized, and most likely would never even have been born in a boy’s head, if little Tom had not pulled out a lucky lottery ticket in early childhood.
The fact is that by birth his name was Vasya, and he was born in Novokuznetsk, where at the age of two days he was abandoned by his biological parents, after which he found himself right from the maternity hospital in a local orphanage with the proud name of the Psychoneurological Children’s Home No. 1. From there he, 13 months old, was adopted in January 2006 by Christina and Eric Kiswetter. Three years earlier, they also took their first son, Ted, from the same orphanage. By birth – Pasha. He is now 19.
***
A small digression is required here for clarification. Kristina is originally from Hungary, from where she came to Moscow in 1989 to study at MGIMO at the Faculty of International Journalism. The Soviet Union was already rapidly approaching collapse, and Christina got there at the most difficult time.
“At first I had a culture shock,” she recalled. “Like all Soviet people, I stood in lines: in one store for bread, in another for milk. Georgia. We can say that I was partially ready for what awaits me there, but at first it was wild to live in it every day.
In Hungary, which, although it was a country of the communist camp, we did not encounter this. We had practically I remember saying that we were the happiest country in the Eastern bloc.”
After MGIMO in the mid-1990s, fate brought Kristina to America, where she went to receive a master’s degree at one of the universities in Cleveland. There she met fellow student Eric, but after a few years their young relationship faced a difficult test: Christina suffered cancer, after which she could no longer have her own children.
“Eric and I dreamed of becoming parents,” she recalls. : I, they say, did not know anything about this child before. And the adoptive parents were losing him. Therefore, we were ready to consider options with any other country. We studied, in particular, Cambodia. But then one of the agencies with which we contacted reported: “We have built a good relationship with one orphanage in Russia, in Novokuznetsk. And with him we really managed to arrange everything fantastically quickly.
So we became the parents of 11-month-old Ted in 2002.
Tom’s adoption process turned out to be much more difficult. By that time, politics had already intervened with might and main, as a result of which, by 2006, the number of Russian orphans adopted by Americans, which reached a historical peak in 2004 (5862 children according to the US State Department), decreased by 37%. Tom was one of the 3702.
“For Tom, we went to the worst of winters,” recalls Kristina. a pair of trousers, a fur hat – and still froze terribly. The drivers who drove us to the orphanage did not turn off the engines of their cars – they said that in such a frost we would not start them again. ”
However, the foster parents of “Pasha” and “Vasya” have the warmest memories of the shelter itself.
“The orphanage was amazing,” says Christina. “They did everything they could for the kids, and they did everything possible and impossible for us, too. They were especially touched by the fact that when we flew in for Tom, they brought with them and Ted, whom they no longer hoped to ever see.
Some employees even cried.A few years later, to see a flourishing, joyful child who crawled out of his shell and openly communicates with everyone was an invaluable gift for them.But, as it were, the orphanage did not try to surround its children with love, it still remained a shelter: you go into the bedroom and you see 25 beds, one to one.And if someone cries at night, then good luck to everyone else.Both Ted and Tom after arriving home for the first time slept for 13-14 hours, compensating for the previous months of lack of sleep. And they began to grow literally before our eyes.”
The Kiswetters could not choose among the children living in the orphanage. Before arriving in Russia, they were sent a photograph of the child on the basis of the principle “if you want – take it, if you don’t want – don’t.” They wanted to – and for both sons they flew from Boston to Novokuznetsk twice. For the first time – for an interview with the leadership of the orphanage and acquaintance with the future son.
In the second, to a court hearing four weeks later, as in the case of Ted, or three months later, as in the case of Tom.
“We processed all the documents through an American adoption agency, which had a coordinator in Moscow, as well as employees living in Novokuznetsk, Perm and other regions,” says Kristina. “We were immediately told the prices for all services, and it was great “, because it saved us from having to pay bribes on the spot. How this money was distributed within the Russian system is a completely different question. I don’t know anything about this and, most likely, I don’t want to know. But we brought gifts for the orphanage with pleasure. The kids who live there deserve the best.”
***
Tom met hockey at the age of five and fell in love with it immediately and forever. The older brother had friends who wanted to play hockey, and Kristina enrolled both sons in the program “Learn to Skate” (“Learn to skate”) for a start. They taught the basics of figure skating, but after graduation, the boys were given the opportunity to go through the screening and join the hockey team.
“Tom rushed to the goal in the first second,” Christina laughs. “For him, it was not even a question what position he wanted to play in. He once looked at the match of other boys and decided: I am the goalkeeper. And I played for quite a long time there, at the lowest level. In those years, both sons were much more serious about swimming, because of which we often had to rush from one training session to another, but swimming was an unconditional priority. Not in Tom’s head, but in mine. And here because of which”.
With these words, Christina took out a huge plastic bag, stuffed to capacity with medals. Dozens of medals.
“Ted is a one-time, and Tom is a multiple New England champion of his age in breaststroke,” she explained. “Tom even holds one New England record. hockey, insisted that Tom not leave him, despite his success in swimming. Well, now I can only thank him for that. Because I myself at first did not see any point in it. “Why do you need this hockey, when Are you so good at swimming?!”
“My first memory of hockey is a rink divided across into three sections, in each of which we played our little matches,” says Tom.
to play in goal, and one boy who also wanted to be a goalkeeper always managed to get it before me. I was very upset.”
For as long as he can remember, he always wanted to become stronger, and for this he spared no effort.
“At that age, every kid who plays hockey dreams of growing up to the NHL,” he says. “The question is who of them is willing to invest enough work into it. I have always loved to go out on the ice, whether it’s a game or training, and this feeling still has not left me. I always wanted to play as best as possible. I can’t stand conceding goals, even when “four to zero” run out at me in training. When I realized how much pleasure the whole hockey process gives me, I thought that it would be nice to achieve something in this game.”
Despite the fact that he was able to break his mother’s love of swimming and switch to hockey in full only at the age of 12, Tom caught up with his peers in skill by leaps and bounds.
“I don’t think I’m behind the other guys in technical components at all,” he says.
I think I did very well, but now I have a new challenge: to learn how to play according to my height and size. very exciting process. Brian says that I am almost the fastest learner of new skills among anyone he has ever worked with. ”
Among his best matches, Tom, imagine, names those in which his team lost devastatingly.
“When I was in the eighth grade, there was one match in which we lost 0-7, but I made more than 70 saves,” he smiles. so strong, our team was completely useless. But I remember that I didn’t worry about the score at all. One of the character traits that all my coaches noted was the ability to instantly forget about the missed puck. After the match, of course, I reflect, I think about what I could have done better. But as long as the game is on, I live in the present moment.”
In another match, already this year, Thayer Academy lost to Bellmont Hill – 0:3. This game, in which Tom made 40 saves, he considers his strongest of the season.
“Bad matches, of course, also happened,” the 16-year-old goalkeeper admitted.
Amonti’s coach himself told me: “Tom, you have to step up. We’re playing an important match!”
In the third period, in the last minute, with the score 6:6, the opponents had the opportunity to score with a backhand into an empty net, but my partner deliberately knocked the gate down in a crazy crush. The judges, of course, appointed a penalty, but I saved it, and in overtime we scored the seventh and won.”
I was curious about Kiswetter’s comments about his favorite NHL goaltenders.
“I’ve been a Bruins fan all my life, but I’m ready to watch absolutely any game on TV, and in the morning I always try to watch all the highlights,” says Tom. they are different: Vasilevsky is very fast, plays mainly on reflexes, and Helleback is more of a blocker.But for myself, I seem to have found a middle ground between them.Although I feel that with my height I am still in search of everything that I am capable of thanks to him. But at the same time I want to be as fast as Vasilevsky and make saves that seem impossible from the outside.
”
Video: TBL-DAL: Stars failed to score against Vasilevskiy
***
Mom, who didn’t know anything about hockey for a long time, already invested as much time and effort into it as Tom himself.
“Our travels alone are worth it!” she laughs. “I recently got rid of my old car, which I have driven 278,000 miles over the past five years. Almost all of this mileage is our hockey trips.”
Imagine this distance? Literally further than the moon.
“In order to redeem myself for keeping him swimming for so long, I’m now struggling to educate myself about hockey so that I can at least have a meaningful dialogue with him,” she adds with a smile.
Quite a lot of expenses for equipment, coaches, trips and private schools Kiswetters are willing to bear – fortunately they have the opportunity. Christina, in particular, owns a successful company that manufactures chairs, benches and seats for commercial organizations.
“Children’s interests have always been our priority,” says Tom and Ted’s mother.
“We live in a nice colonial house, but we could afford to live in a palace. I always laughed at my friends who live in the best houses in the nicest neighborhoods, but their kids go to mediocre public schools, and their parents don’t have time to take them to any classes.In our family, it’s always been exactly the opposite: we’ll live in a normal, moderate house, but absolutely everything, what children need to realize their potential, they will have. We are not poor people, but we prefer to spend a significant part of our income on children.”
***
Since the Kiswetters took Tom away from Novokuznetsk in January 2006, they have never returned to Russia. But not at all because none of them is drawn to visit there again.
“I would love to go to Russia with the boys,” says Kristina. “The problem is that Russian children, even those adopted by foreigners, remain citizens of this country. When we went to fetch Tom, Ted had to fly with us on a Russian passport “I can’t tell you how stressful it was for me. Every second I lived in fear that someone would come and take him from us. Or that we would have problems at the airport when crossing the border: they say, what does this Russian child “Is he with an American family? I heard that now, if we go there, at least the eldest son can be taken into the Russian army. If it weren’t for these fears, we would go there without hesitation. Because I really want to show them a country in which they were born. After all, she is almost dear to me, I lived there for almost five years. I studied Russian literature and I feel Russian culture in many ways.”
“So far, neither Ted nor Tom have expressed a desire to go there,” she adds. “But we raised them in such a spirit that they were proud of their Russian origin – and I see that they have it. several stages of realizing who he is and where he came from. Tom got through this much faster than Ted. “I’m Russian?! Wow, cool!” His teammates even came up with nicknames for him: Vlad and Moscow. Although he was never Vlad, the guys think that Vlad is such a harsh, courageous Russian name.
It seems to me that both of my sons associate Russia with strength and something formidable.”
Is it easy for such children to get rid of gloomy thoughts, how could their life have turned out if their father and mother had not taken them away from the Russian orphanage?
“This situation has a much stronger emotional impact on the eldest son than on the younger one,” Kristina believes. children have to leave the orphanage.When Ted realized how high the percentage of those who end up in complete poverty, get into drugs or just die, he was scared.But even if you do not think about the worst, in that city he could work either for “There were no alternative career options. But Tom looks at it completely differently: I, he says, would still become a goalkeeper and play for Metallurg! About who would buy him all his equipment and took him to training every day for many years, he apparently doesn’t think about it.”
“Such thoughts sometimes spin, but I don’t even understand how to comprehend it,” admitted Tom.
“I have never been to Russia since my mom and dad took me away. I have no memories of that country , and almost no ideas about life there. Of course, I very much doubt that I could be there in a situation similar to my current one. If only because Novokuznetsk is a rather specific city. How my life there could have turned out – I have no idea But, of course, I’m very glad that everything happened that way.”
***
So far, the national hockey federations have not contacted Tom directly, but since Tom has two citizenships, he could theoretically play for either of the two teams.
When asked which of the two potential national teams her son would choose, Christina answered rather confidently:
his heritage and he would be proud to play for her, but this boy is totally American.”
Tom himself is not interested in this question at all.
“I wouldn’t say that this is a priority for me,” he said. “Probably, if such an opportunity presents itself, and there are no other alternatives at this moment, I will consider it.
