Articles by Claire

In hockey, the puck is flying towards the goal at crazy speeds. Therefore your ice hockey goalie glove is one of the most important elements of your equipment: they protect your hands while still giving your good fit to catch the puck.
Below is my guide to help you choose the best hockey goalie glove for you with the critical criteria, answers to your frequently asked questions and reviews of gloves for youth, junior, intermediate and senior hockey goaltenders.

Note: if you are looking for hockey gloves for players, head to my other article

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Best hockey goalie gloves in 2022 - Overview

Choosing your hockey goalie glove

This complete article gives your all the information your need about choosing the right hockey goalie glove for you, including size, FAQs, buying criteria and reviews. But if you don't want to read everything, below is an overview of my selection of catch gloves for youth, junior, intermediate and senior goaltenders.
All gloves are a balanced of these criteria:

• protection
• mobility
• weight
• weight
• durability
• design

You have to choose what is most important to you and find the best fit for you.

2 Best Youth Hockey Goalie Gloves

4 Best Junior Hockey Goalie Gloves

4 Best Intermediate Hockey Goalie Gloves

5 Best Senior Hockey Goalie Gloves

Hockey Goalie Catch Gloves - Frequently Asked Questions

What does a hockey goalie catch gloves look like?

A hockey goalie catch glove, or simply a hockey goalie glove, is designed to protect the hand from injuries, catch and stop the puck, and enable the goaltender to use it for basic moves and stickhandling.

The main elements of a hockey goalie catcher glove are -

• Pocket: The pocket is a net-like webbing between the thumb and the glove’s index finger whose primary function is to catch the puck. A pocket on the glove is the primary distinguishing factor between hockey player gloves and goalie gloves.
• Cuff: The cuff is the portion of the goalie glove that sits on top of the wrist and extends up to the palm. The glove’s cuff determines how stiff or flexible the glove would be when blocking or catching the puck. There is also an inner cuff area to the glove, which the goalie can adjust to secure the glove against the wrist firmly.
• Palm: The palm on a hockey goalie glove is a large flat piece of the glove that sits on the palm of the goalie. It is designed to block the puck or to lead the puck towards the pocket. The palms of player gloves are designed to enable better grip and controlled stickhandling. The palm of goalie gloves is designed to block and catch the puck and hence uses more protective and stiffer material.
• Backhand: The backhand of the glove sits on the backhand of the goalie. It is designed to provide optimal protection to the goalie’s hand against slashes, injuries, or falls.

What goalie gloves do NHL players wear?

NHL goalies wear high-quality pro-level gloves made by leading brands like CCM, Vaughn, Bauer, True, etc. When choosing hockey gear for NHL players, specific attention is given to factors such as the fit, quality, styling, and suitability of the equipment to the player’s style of play.

How long do goalie trappers last?

If taken good care of, hockey goalie gloves can easily last for at least five years.

Should hockey goalie gloves be tight?

The goalie gloves should not be either too tight or too loose. The glove, when worn, should not be too loose to fall on its own and shouldn’t be too tight where the finger extends right up to the tip of the finger stalls.

How to break in ice hockey goalie gloves?

It is important to undertake the process of breaking in your goalie glove with utmost care and meticulousness.

An unnatural or uneven break could impact performance as well as comfort.

The process to break in hockey goalie gloves is as follows-

• Run hot water from your faucet (not boiling hot) on the outside area of the palm of your glove for about a minute.
• Now flip the glove and let the water run over the cuff area and the inside of the glove.
• Drain off excess water.
• Now, wear the glove. (Wait a bit longer if it is too hot)
• Adjust the palm and cuff strapping securely around your hand. Make sure you adjust it exactly the way you would when you actually play.
• Close the glove.
• Take off your hand without opening the glove.
• Wrap it in a towel, put the closed glove under some weights, and leave it for at least an entire day.
• After a day, unwrap the towel, open the glove and leave it again under some weights for half a day.

Alternatively, you could also use the baking method under the supervision of an expert to break in your goalie gloves.

Make sure to dry it out completely! See tips at the end of the article.

How to choose the best ice hockey goalie gloves - Criteria

Size/Length

Hockey goalie gloves come in four sizes-

1. Youth- for ages 5-6 - length 4 ¾  to 5 ⅝ inches
2. Junior- for ages 7-9 - length 5 ⅝ to 6 ¼ inches
3. Intermediate- for ages 10-13 - length 6 ¼ to 7 inches
4. Senior- for ages 13 and above - length 7 - 8 ⅜ inches

Remember that you must be able to close the glove after wearing it.
Thus, the fit of the glove is the most important. Do not blindly rely on the age-based sizing of gloves.
Choose a glove that best fits you.

Left-handed vs Right-handed?

Regular Catch Gloves are worn on the LEFT HAND.
Full Right Catch Gloves are worn on the RIGHT HAND.

Not all gloves offer a Full right glove

Tightness/Fit

Getting the fit of the goalie catch glove is crucial. Ensure that the fit meets the following criteria-

• The room between the end of your fingers and the finger stalls should not be more than 1/2 inch. Less space means that the glove is too tight.
• Tighten the hand and wrist straps in a way where the glove is not too loose to fall on its own.

To ensure a proper fit

• Always wear chest protection before wearing the goalie catch glove.
• Pick up an untapped stick from the floor with your glove on. If the glove is too tight, you won’t be able to pick it up.
• Check if the glove closes completely. Check if your index finger extends beyond the break of the glove.
• Shake the wrist to see if the glove stays in place. If it falls off, the glove is too loose.

Weight

The weight of a goalie catch glove is not as important as that of player gloves. This is because goalie gloves are designed to catch or block the puck, while player gloves should protect without impeding movement.

Nevertheless, the goalie glove should not be so heavy that the player is unable to pick it up quickly. The glove, when worn, should be light enough to allow a full range of motion.

It is best to perform a few drills to check if the weight of the glove is not restricting movement.

Design/Construction

Understanding how the elements of the goalie glove are designed is essential in determining which type works better for your playing style.

• Cuff: One-piece vs. Two-Piece 

A one-piece cuff uses a single surface area that connects the palm to the cuff. There is no break between the palm and the cuff.

A one-piece cuff has a larger blocking area and is stiffer.

On the other hand, a two-piece cuff uses a break between the palm area and the glove area. This allows excellent wrist mobility and makes the catch glove more suitable for passing the puck and taking shots.

• Pocket: Single T vs. Double T

In a single T pocket, a single structural divide runs through the middle of the pocket. This structure allows the goalie to feel the impact of the puck as it lands in the pocket.
In a double T-pocket, two structural pillars run down the top end of the pocket. It makes the pocket much wider and allows more room for the goalie to collect the puck.

• Pocket: Nylon Stringing vs. Cotton Stringing

A nylon stringing makes the pocket more tightly pulled than a cotton stringing. Cotton stringing gives more bend to the pocket and can work better at keeping the puck in the pocket securely.

• Break Angle: 

The break angle is the angle at which the glove closes. Goalie gloves come in the following angles:

90 degrees- This is the least popular break angle. In this type of catch glove, the goalie needs to bring his fingers to touch the heel of the hand under the thumb. Thus, it is as if the goalie is doing a thumbs up to close the gloves.

60 degrees- At a 60 degrees angle, the tips of the fingers need to meet the tip of the thumb for the glove to close.

75 degrees- This angle sits between the 90-degrees and the 60-degrees angle and offers the most natural closure between the thumb and the fingertips.

The type of angle you choose depends on your style of play. The 60-degree angle is the most preferred and popular by goaltenders who use the traditional handshake position.

Protection level

The protection level of a goalie glove comes from the padding in the glove.

The backhand is the most padded area on the glove. In addition to that, a good quality hockey goalie glove also comes with padding on the undersides, fingers.

For added protection, look for a goalie glove with felt or foam on the inner palm.

Durability/Quality/Material

Hockey goalie gloves are made using synthetic leather or nylon on the outside, and the padding is made using a combination of foam and plastic.

Goalie gloves made using synthetic leather are more durable. Similarly, double-density foam is more long-lasting than single-density foam.

Note that most hockey gloves these days are made using a combination of over 30 types of material. The higher the quality of the gloves, the more long-lasting the gloves would be.

But no matter what type of glove you choose, you can extend its life using good care of the gloves. (Read the tips below for details)

Style

Style should be the least important factor to consider when choosing hockey goalie gloves as they have no direct bearing on the goaltender’s performance.

That said, every effort should be made to match the color of the gloves to the color of the pads.

New vs. Used Goalie Gloves

The cost of the total goalie gear is quite steep, and many players are often tempted to opt for used gloves.

However, you should never opt for used a goalie mitt as:

• Goalie gloves are a breeding ground of bacteria, and using used gloves could expose you to bacteria risks.
• Goalie gloves are broken-in in a way that meets the specific goaltenders’ requirements, and therefore used goalie gloves may not fit well.
• Goalie gloves are subject to immense wear and tear, and the padding on used goalie gloves may not be enough to provide sufficient protection.

2 Best Youth Hockey Goalie Gloves - Reviews

At youth levels, players alternate in the goalie position. Most of the time, there is no dedicated goaltender yet.
However, if your kid is already showing interest towards the position, having its own catch glove will allow him / her to practice more and perform better.
Choices are limited for youth players, but here are 2 good options:

Bauer GSX Prodigy

Pros:

• Great glove for beginners / recreational players
• Durable
• Excellent mobility
• Adequate palm flexibility for better closure

Cons:

• Not suitable for advanced level players

Review

This is an excellent hockey goalie glove for kids working on their goaltending skills. The glove is designed for more stiffness and rigidity to help beginners and recreational players block and catch pucks better.

For the pocket, the double T trap with soft lacing at a 75-degree break angle. The soft lacing works well at stopping puck rotations and preventing pop-outs.
The mobility-quotient of the glove comes from the use of a free flex backhand combined with a nash-lined palm.

Not only does this combination offer mobility, but it also keeps the glove adequately lightweight.

Overall, the Bauer GSX Prodigy is an excellent choice for those looking for a beginner quality goalie catch glove.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM YT_Flex 2

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Provides adequate protection
• Adjustable for a refined fit
• Offers good wrist mobility
• Allows quick closure
• Available in 3 color combinations

Cons:

• It could require a more extended break-in period

Review

The CCM YT _Flex 2 is an excellent goalie glove by CCM that is designed keeping the requirements of youth in mind.

What’s impressive about this glove is how easy to close it is. The single T 590-degree break angle (close to a standard 75 degree) pocket allows a tremendous puck impact feel. The pocket being a bit bigger also holds the puck well, and the easy closure only helps the cause further.

The goalie glove also strikes the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility. The two-piece cuff lets the wrist move freely, and the rigid palm can block well without impacting its ability to fold for a closure. You also have the freedom to customize the fit further using the inner wrist straps.

The plastic inserts in the cuff and thumb area contribute towards making this glove more protective for the young goaltending hands.

Buy it / Read user reviews

4 Best Junior Hockey Goalie Gloves - reviews

For juniors, goalkeepers positions are more fixed and you start seeing more choices for catch gloves.
Below are some of the best with a good balance between protection and weight.

Brian Gnetik X

Excellent all-round

Pros:

• Excellent all-round construction
• Minimal break-in time
• Quick closure
• Comfortable and adequately protective
• Suitable for advancing goaltending skills

Cons:

• May not be suitable for absolute beginners
• The small catch circumference may require getting used

Review

Brian goalie gloves are known for their specialized design, quick closure, and minimal break-in period. Accordingly, this glove scores on all of these fronts.

The glove uses a smaller catch circumference which may take a while to get used to, but the perfect closure allows a secure hold.

The pocket itself uses a 75-degree (called 35-degree by Brian) break angle and a double T deep pocket that instantly neutralizes puck rotations.

However, what truly makes this glove increasingly popular among youngsters is its comfort. With the minimal break-in period, the non-slip SBA synthetic palm feels really soft on the hand and also allows maximum puck feel.

Overall, this goalie glove’s technology adapts to the advancing goaltending skills of junior hockey players.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM Axis A1.5

Great for protection (especially thumb)

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Premium-quality
• Advanced protection
• Provides good value for money

Cons:

• More suited for intermediate level of play
• Difficult to break-in

Review

CCM Goalie gloves are renowned for their thoughtful design and the use of high-quality, durable products.

Therefore you won’t be surprised by the premium feel that the CCM Axis A1.5 goalie glove exudes. This modern hockey equipment boasts of a solid one-piece cuff. The cuff is sturdy and blends in well with the palm providing adequate blocking area.

The pocket uses the CCM 590 break that leans more towards the fingers meeting the thumb. The pocket uses a double straight tee with skate laces for more give. This holds the puck well without compromising on the impact feel of the puck.

However, it is the molded thumb on the back that distinguishes the CCM Axis from similar goalie gloves. The thumb is meant to absorb the impact of slashing. This thumb protection and the light foam padding on the fingers make these gloves score high on protection.

Overall, it is a beautifully designed glove that can easily support an intermediate level of play.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer GSX

Best for recreational

Pros:

• Provides a natural-feel
• Excellent glove for beginner or recreational goalies
• Easier to break-in
• Durable
• 3 colors

Cons:

• Not suitable for competitive playing

Review

Bauer goalie gloves continue to evolve. This recreational goalie glove, too, has now improved to adopt new-age technology.

Thus, for the pocket, the glove uses a 75-degree break that closes quickly after a few trial drills. The initial break-in period of the glove is relatively low and works well for recreational goalies.

The double T trap pocket lets the goalie partially see the puck entering, and the improved lacing keeps the puck securely in place.

However, it is the backhand padding that makes this glove worth its price. The Free Flex technology that Bauer uses in many of its goalie gloves indeed promotes full hand movement. It makes closing the glove feel natural.

The cuff used is a one-piece cuff that provides a solid surface for neat blocking.

Overall, this is one of the best junior goalie gloves for recreational players.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Vaughn Velocity V9 XP

Best for control

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Defined pocket closure
• Great fit and comfort
• Durable
• Boosts performance and skills
• 3 colors

Cons:

• The design requires some time to get used to
• May be a bit advanced for absolute beginners

Review

The thoughtfulness with Vaughn Goalie glove has been designed will appeal to you as you begin to use it regularly. To begin with, the closure of the pocket is beautifully defined. Moreover, the 60-degree break angle allows for a flatter, more natural closure. The double T trap stringing does not allow the puck to pop out easily.

As far as the cuff is concerned, the minimal design provides a clean surface for superior blocking.

However, this glove’s protection-quotient truly distinguishes it from most standard hockey goalie catch gloves. The glove uses almost no binding on the palm. While it results in improved blocking, it also protects against sudden stings and slashes. The glove also features thicker finger padding further fortified by an HD foam-based deflecting rail on fingertips.

This level of protection allows for free playing and thus boosts performance to a great extent.  
Buy it / Read user reviews

4 Best Intermediate Hockey Goalie Gloves

For intermediate players, you start seeing pro-level features for great control and performance (while providing extra protection).
Below are some fo the best ones to consider.

Warrior Ritual G5 Pro

Best for performance

Pros:

• Customizable break angle
• Equipped with advanced technology for assisting saves
• Great for pro/advanced players
• Durable
• Minimal break-in period
• 4 color schemes

Cons:

• Advanced for recreational/beginner-level use

Review

The Warrior G5 Pro is one of the best hockey trappers available in the market. What makes the G5 Pro stand out is its unique technology that levels up to assist the goalie in fast-paced competitive games. 

The glove uses the Warrior-special CoverEdge+ technology. This technology tilts the face of the glove forward. This forward-angle helps neutralize the puck angle, thus allowing quick saves.

The other stand-out feature of this Warrior goalie glove is that it has a removable palm-liner which lets you modify the block angle from the inherent 75 to both a 60 or a 90-degree.

In addition to this, the other performance enhancers include a no-binding one-piece cuff for superior blocking, an AxyFlex Single T pocket with excellent puck-impact, and long-lasting protection infused backhand and fingers.

Thus, the Warrior G5 Pro is a pro-level, well-thought-out glove that will instantly enhance the goalie’s performance while also adapting to his playing techniques.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer Supreme 3S

Best for balance protection / control

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Superior mobility
• Durable
• Easy closure
• Suitable for skilled goalies
• 3 colors schemes
• Available in Full-Right

Cons:

• Requires some break-in period

Review:

Bauer goalie equipment fans will love the Bauer Supreme 3S catch glove. It uses sophisticated technology to fortify every element of the glove, right from the palm to the cuff and the backhand.

As far as the pocket is concerned, the glove uses the Bauer double-tee structure. Like other Bauer gloves, the stringing allows more give and creates a deeper-looking pocket to retain the puck better.

The palm of this goalie glove feels soft when worn, and yet the addition of Catchlite provides extra protection against snagging. The Quattro palm also allows more handling control.

The protection factor is also introduced on the cuff using the CURV technology. On the backhand, the Thermomax also strengthens protection while aiding free mobility.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro

Best for mobility (especially for wrist)

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable on the hands
• Suitable for long hours of play
• Fantastic closure and pocket construction
• Greater mobility
• Great protection
• 4 color schemes

Cons:

• Not suitable for beginners
• Those used to a one-piece cuff may not like the extra wrist mobility.

Review

This is yet another Vaughn goalie glove on this list of the best hockey goalie gloves.

However, unlike the Vaughn Velocity, this glove uses a two-piece cuff with a wider back opening that allows excellent wrist mobility. For goalies that like to engage in some passing and shot-making, this wrist mobility is a boon, and it does not come at the cost of a weak blocking surface.

The pocket of this goalie glove is also unique. It is much wider and deeper than other goalie gloves, and the extra circumference helps with puck retention.

The palm also uses a unique neoprene flex which grips the hand well, thus allowing more control.

As far as the padding is concerned, not only are the backside and the fingertips padded, but the palm, too, has been buffed up to avoid injuries on account of stingers.

What’s interesting is that this glove uses a molded palm which works well at giving the glove a better definition.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Brian Gnetik X

Excellent all-round

Pros:

• Excellent all-round construction
• Minimal break-in time
• Quick closure
• Comfortable and adequately protective
• Suitable for advancing goaltending skills
• 2 color combinations

Cons:

• May not be suitable for absolute beginners
• The small catch circumference may require getting used

Read the detailed review in the Junior section of this post.

Buy it / Read user reviews 

5 Best Senior Hockey Gloves for Goalkeepers - reviews

For seniors, you can see a wide variety of products.
In this section I am introducing just one product that is a pro catch glove. The others are for senior players at good level but not pro levels. There is a big gap in price.

Brian’s GNetik IV 

PRO Advanced level - more expensive but higher level of technology

Pros:

• Unmatched, super-advanced design and technology
• Extremely durable
• Highly impressive protection
• Adjustable fit technology
• Lightweight and comfortable
• No break-in required

Cons:

• Only suitable for elite players
• Expensive

Review

The best way to sum up this Brian hockey goalie glove is by stating that it is the absolute best hockey goalie catch glove available in the market.

The GNetik IV has used thoughtful, high-quality design and materials throughout the glove to make it a market leader.

Thus, it has a double tee pocket that’s not only the deepest pocket available on a goalie glove but also one that appears large and wide to the shooter.

The palm on this glove requires zero break-in time and can be closed right out of the box. The closure, too, feels snappy and natural, thanks to the 35-degree break. The break works seamlessly, no matter your catching style. The palm also feels very grippy thanks to the use of Nash interiors.

For comfort and grip, the goalie glove can be cinched down using the BOA dials on the hand to suit any hand type. Moreover, the fingers can be adjusted too for refining the fit even more.

Overall, if you are an elite-level player willing to pay a few extra bucks, this glove guarantees the highest level of protection, superior puck handling, and top-class comfort.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Warrior Ritual G5+ 

Best for performance

Pros:

• Customizable break angle
• Equipped with advanced technology for assisting saves
• Great for pro/advanced players
• Durable
• Minimal break-in period
• 3 color combinations

Cons:

• Advanced for recreational/beginner-level use

Read the detailed review in the Intermediate section of this post.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer Supreme 3S

Best for balance protection / control

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Superior mobility
• Durable
• Easy closure
• Suitable for skilled goalies
• 2 color combinations
• Available in Full-Right

Cons:

• Expensive for recreational players
• Requires some break-in period

Read the detailed review in the Intermediate section of this post.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer Vapor 2X 

Great for mobility (especially at wrist)

Pros:

• Comes with extraordinary protection
• Equipped with a deep pocket
• Provides great wrist-mobility
• Durable
• Suitable for intermediate to advanced levels of play

Cons:

• Not suitable for players using a finger-to-thumb closure

Review

The Bauer Vapor 2X is a high-quality glove that further improves on the design of Bauer goalie gloves.

Thus, the Catchlite technology used is further improved by its use both in the palm and the T-trap. This protects against snagging, slashing, and any accidental skate brushes.

The Curv that runs all across the cuff to the back also improves the overall protection of the glove. Note that the Curv does not weigh down the free flex technology present in all Bauer gloves.

The one-piece cuff holds strong against pucks. The palm too seamlessly navigates the puck into the Single-T pocket. The use of maximum depth in the pocket and the close stringing work particularly well in preventing pop-outs. The 60-degree angle supports the hands-up style of play.

This Bauer goalie glove also excels in the wrist mobility department despite using a one-piece cuff. This advanced mobility is achieved using a slightly shorter cuff and a free-flex backhand that does not obstruct airflow. The adjustable straps also help cinch down the cuff to fit all types of hand types.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Warrior Ritual GT2

Best for comfort

Pros:

• Great fit for all hand-types
• Wide pocket
• Requires almost zero break-in period
• Lightweight and super comfortable
• Affordably priced
• 2 color combinations

Cons:

• Fixed break angle (unlike Warrior G5 Pro)
• Better suited for intermediate-level of play

Review

This goalie glove by Warrior is a fantastic design that offers magnificent functionality.

To begin with, the Warrior GT2 features a massive pocket. The break has been moved towards the thumb end to make the pocket appear larger.

The pocket also uses a double T structure that stops puck rotation instantly thanks to the thin laces and closer stringing.

The glove offers a super impressive snappy closure right out of the box. It uses the famous 75-degree break (unfortunately not adjustable like the Warrior G5 Pro) coupled with a forward thumb angle to make the closure feel more natural.

The palm-comfort also exceeds expectations for this price range on account of its lightweight feel.

The fit of this glove can also be fine-tuned to suit both wide and small or narrow hands using the internal adjustable straps.

Buy it / Read user reviews

How to take care of Hockey Goalie Gloves?

The best way to elongate the life of your hockey goalie gloves is by taking good care of the gloves both before and after every use.

Here are some tips for you:

Pre-use care:

• Always carry goalie gloves in a gear bag to avoid any unforeseen damage.
• Always wash your hands before putting on gloves to avoid transmission of bacteria.

Post use care:

• Always take your goalie gloves out of the bag immediately.
• Gently spray the gloves with a sports deodorizer to avoid the problem of smelly goalie gloves.
• The most important is to dry them well  - Keep them outside for them to dry - you can use a fan to increase the drying and change the position of the glove for it to dry out everywhere + A dry rack is also great to increase the airflow inside the glove + or you can use a shoe and glove dryer, again to increase the drying.

How to wash goalie gloves?

Best is to hand wash your glove:

• Fill your sink or tub with warm water
• Add detergent and vinegar
• Let the glove soak for 45 minutes to an hour.
• Wipe
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Remove the gear from the water and allow it to dry completely - again the drying is the most important step!

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On this ice, everything goes fast, especially the puck.
Therefore your ice hockey gloves are some of the most important elements of your equipment: they protect your hands while still giving you good mobility for stick handling.
Below is my guide to help you choose the best hockey gloves for you with the critical criteria, answers to your frequently asked questions and reviews of gloves for youth, junior and senior hockey players.

Note: if you are looking for goalie gloves, head to my other article.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Best hockey gloves in 2022 - overview

Choosing your hockey gloves

This complete article gives your all the information your need about choosing the right hockey gloves for you, including size, FAQs, buying criteria and reviews. But if you don't want to read everything, below is an overview of my suggestions for youth, junior and senior players.
All gloves are a balanced of these criteria:

• protection
• mobility
• comfort
• weight
• warmth
• grip
• design

You have to choose what is most important to you and find the best fit for you.

3 Best youth hockey gloves

5 Best junior hockey gloves

7 Best senior hockey gloves

Ice Hockey Gloves - Frequently Asked Questions

Before sharing with you the criteria for good gloves and my reviews of the best ones, let's start by answering your most frequently asked questions about hockey gloves.

Why do you need gloves to play hockey?

Good hockey gloves are designed to:

• Provide optimal protection to your hands and fingers
• Sufficient breathability
• Adequate warmth
• Protect against chafing
• Not feel too heavy on the hands
• Allow stick handling freedom
• Minimize stink

Thus, given the vital role that gloves play in an ice hockey player’s overall performance.

What do hockey gloves look like?

A hockey glove is designed to protect the hand from injuries and also allow freedom of movement and optimal stick handling. The main elements of hockey gloves are:

• Fingers - The fingers of hockey gloves are square and padded to protect you against injuries. On the inside, they are lined with a soft protective fabric to keep your fingers warm and comfortable. You will also find the use of grips on the outside for stick handling.
  The thumb on hockey gloves sits separately and usually employs plastic-like material to prevent overextending of the thumb and lock it in place.
• Back Rolls - Padding on the top to protect the back of the hand - cu in sections to allow for movement
  
• Wrist - The wrist or the cuff on hockey gloves aligns with the wrist of the player and performs the dual function of allowing wrist mobility as well as ensuring maximum protection
• Cuff roll - Cuff roll is the portion of the cuff that extends beyond the wrist to the forearm. Modern hockey gloves employ a short cuff roll, leaving a gap between the cuff roll and the elbow pad. Traditional hockey gloves used to employ longer cuff rolls that did not leave any gap between the cuff and the elbow pad. However, a longer cuff roll restricts mobility to a great extent, and although more protective, it is not suitable for optimal performance.

Hockey gloves are heavily padded on the underside of the fingers, the back of the hand, and the bottom end to provide complete protection against hard falls and injuries. The only area relatively less padded is the palm area, which allows breathability and ease-of-stick handling.

Are hockey gloves different for men and women?

There is no difference between men’s hockey gloves and women’s hockey gloves.

Do hockey gloves make a difference?

Hockey gloves are critical for the player’s overall performance as they determine the player’s overall swiftness of movement and command over stick handling. Moreover, by ensuring the right fit and sizing, hockey gloves also protect the player’s hands against injuries. The puck can fly very fast!

What gloves do NHL players wear?

NHL players wear pro-level hockey gloves such as the Bauer Vapor 1X, Warrior Covert QRE, or the CCM Jetspeed. You will find detailed reviews of all these gloves below.

How long do hockey gloves last?

• For kids, the main issue is growth. You can expect to change gloves every season or every other season - it is important to keep wearing gloves with a proper fit.
• Most adult hockey gloves can last 5 months to 4 or 5 years. It depends on the quality purchase, the frequency of use and the care applied.
  The life of hockey gloves can be extended further by taking proper care of them as per the tips mentioned at the end of this article.
• The most common reason to replace gloves for adult is palm wear.

What causes holes in hockey mitts?

Friction between fingers and stick causes gloves to develop holes in the thumb, fingertips, and palm. This process is accelerated if:

• you don't dry out your gloves between practices
• Use a lot of coarse grip tape

Do hockey gloves stretch out?

Good quality, well-fitted hockey gloves do not stretch out. However, if your hockey gloves seem too tight on the fingers, using them wet for a few sessions can help stretch them out slightly to better accommodate your fingers.

How to break in ice hockey gloves?

The safest way to break in ice hockey gloves is by wearing them at home for as long as possible and doing a few stickhandling drills at home or in the yard.

You could also bake your gloves or hold the gloves in your hand and bend the fingers back to break in quicker. However, note that both these activities, if not done with due care and under the supervision of an expert, could permanently damage your gloves.

Hockey revolution practice trainer set to practice at home:

Get it / Read reviews

When should you move to custom hockey gloves?

You should only move to custom hockey gloves if you are a pro-level player playing for teams and already have sufficient experience in choosing and wearing standard hockey gloves.

If you choose to customize hockey gloves, you can choose not only the size, fit, materials, and level of padding but also external elements like the color and styling of the gloves.

How to choose the best gloves for ice hockey - Criteria

Choosing hockey gloves requires you to take into consideration several factors. Let me break all of them down for you.

Sizing for hockey gloves

Hockey gloves sizing come in an increment of an inch.
To find the hockey gloves sizing suitable for you, use one of the following methods-

1. Measure from the crease of your elbow to the top of your middle finger or
2. Measure from the base of your palm (Not the wrist) to the top of the middle finger and multiply the figure by two. (More popular method recommended by almost all brands)

The measure for hockey gloves that you get using the above methods will be more or less the same. For measurements falling between two sizes, always round up to the size above.

Note that merely finding out how to size hockey gloves is not enough without learning what the right fit should look like.

I must also add that while the best hockey goalie gloves come in an age-based sizing, player goalie gloves come in a more defined sizing. Therefore, do not simply choose your gloves based on your age.

Fit & mobility

Hockey gloves come in 3 types of fit profiles -

• Traditional: These hockey gloves feel loose throughout the hand and are more padded.
• Tapered: These hockey gloves feel snug only on the fingers and feel looser on the cuff .
• Contoured: These hockey gloves feel snug all around the hand.

The type you choose depends on your style of play and what feels most comfortable to you. But no matter what style you opt for, you must ensure that the fit meets the following requirements -

• The fingers should stretch out almost till the end of the fingers on the glove but not all the way up to the gussets. Thus there must be a small amount of room between the end of your fingers and the top end of the glove fingers.
• The knuckles on the gloves must align with your knuckles.
• The wrist must sit exactly above your wrist.
• For shorter cuff rolls, there must be a gap between the cuff roll and the elbow pad, but the cuff roll must brush the elbow pad slightly while moving the hand.

Usually, traditional fit hockey gloves with volume at the wrist offer excellent mobility.
Conversely, contoured fit gloves feel snug on the wrist and may restrict mobility.

Weight

As a basic rule, remember that you should always opt for gloves that feel light on your hands.
Do not blindly rely on the weight specified in sizing charts. In fact, you can see a difference of up to 50 grams in the weight specified and in the actual weight.

However, since gloves have to perform the dual function of providing protection and promoting mobility, it is best to rely on how heavy the gloves feel when worn instead of merely opting for gloves based on their actual weight.

Material

Technically, standard hockey gloves use over 30 types of material to perform well in both the performance and protection departments.

However,  when buying hockey gloves, you need to look at the material used in making

• the shell of the gloves - either using synthetic leather or nylon or a combination of both. Leather hockey gloves are more durable than nylon gloves, but nylon gloves are lighter and more breathable.
• the palm of the gloves - normally uses leather and a combination of feature-enhancing materials such as lycra, mesh, etc. You should choose one that lets you grip the stick well but isn’t too light to rip easily.
• the padding used throughout the product - most gloves use foam. A dual-density foam offers more protection than single-density foam.
• the liner used - it determines the moisture-wicking and anti-microbial quality of the gloves. Thus, instead of opting for gloves with a basic nylon liner, you should look for ones that have a more advanced quality liner.

Protection

Ice hockey gloves provide protection in the form of padding. To determine how much protection hockey gloves offer, you must look at -

• the type of padding used. (dual-density padding offers better protection)
• the areas where padding is used (more coverage means better protection)

Thumb lock system

All gloves provide some level of thumb protection. Beginner-level gloves usually only have a small plastic insert in the thumb area for more protection. However, for optimal protection, you should look for a thumb lock system made using plastic inserts placed to prevent hyperextension or backward bending of the thumb.

Durability

The better the quality of the material used throughout the glove, the better its durability. Plus, as stated earlier, synthetic leather-based hockey gloves tend to be more durable than nylon-based gloves.
However, the best way to enhance the durability of gloves is by taking proper care of the gloves, both when in use as well as after use.

Style

Hockey gloves come in various colors and styles. Some can even be customized to get your name inscribed on the same.
The style, color, inscription on the gloves should be the least important factor to be taken into consideration when buying hockey gloves.

New vs. Used

While it is true that hockey gear can be expensive and that you would often be tempted to buy used hockey equipment, you should never buy used hockey gloves.
The reasons for the same are:

• Gloves are a breeding ground of bacteria and could expose you to bacteria-based ailments.
• The condition of a pre-used glove may not provide optimal protection on account of its degeneration.
• You will not find the perfect fit on account of the wear & tear of old hockey gloves.

Best Youth Hockey Gloves Reviews (8 to 9 inches)

Let's start by finding out the best hockey gloves for youth players. There is less choice available for the young ones, but the balance price / protection / mobility are great for beginners.

Bauer NSX

My Top Pick!

Pros:

• Lightweight shell
• Breathable
• Moisture-wicking liner
• Good thumb protection and thumb flexibility
• Durable
• Affordable

Cons:

• Tapered fit restricts wrist mobility

Review

The Bauer NSX hockey gloves are not only feature-rich but also fall under the category of cheap hockey gloves. The design takes into consideration the requirements of kids getting used to hockey gloves. Thus, the shell is made using lightweight but durable material. The palm uses the same nash leather as that used by PHX Elite Hockey Gloves, making it long-lasting. 

The tapered fit makes the gloves less bulky but could restrict wrist flexibility. The ergo-thumb promotes freedom of movement without compromising on protection.
However, the best part about the gloves is the mesh-liner that helps keep the hands dry and limits odor built-up.

Buy them / Read user reviews

PHX Elite Hockey Gloves

Ideal for: Good balance - price / protection / Mobility

Pros:

• Use of good-quality material
• Breathable
• Good finger & thumb protection
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not suitable for pros.

Review

If you are looking for cheap hockey gloves, these could be an excellent fit for you.

These youth ice hockey gloves ace in the protection department as they use multi-density foam and plastic thumb inserts.

The palms use nash leather, which means that they do not rip easily and can easily last for a couple of years up to the size of the hand changes.

Of course, it is not as sophisticated as other pro-level gloves and thus could do better in terms of moisture-wicking and grip.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Bauer Supreme 2S Pro

Ideal for: Those looking for the best youth hockey gloves for beginners or intermediate players - Great for very young players

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Allows good stickhandling grip
• Breathable & comfortable
• Durable
• Allow great wrist mobility

Cons:

• Those used to a tapered fit may not like the extra volume of these gloves.

Review

The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro hockey gloves are one of the best ice hockey gloves in the market for young players. The youth variant is also power-packed in terms of functionality and comfort. The padding on the glove is well-placed, especially on the backhand, to protect even in more advanced levels of play.

The shell is lightweight, and the liner allows breathability and moisture-wicking. The overall comfort feel is further strengthened by the neutral fit that allows more volume without compromising the fit.

In addition to this, the feature that stands out is the grip tech palm that is not only durable but provides a better feel of the stick for controlled strokes.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Best Junior Hockey Gloves Reviews (10 to 12 Inches)

Now, let's move one to junior players. There is a little bit more choice with different fits, protections and styles.

Bauer X2.9 

Ideal for: Those looking for excellent comfort and lightness - my top pick

Pros:

• Super comfortable
• Lightweight and breathable
• Provide great feel of the stick
• Moderately-priced
• Promote mobility

Cons

• May not work on wide hands

Review

If you hate how your bulky gloves feel after a few hours of play, you should consider these ultra-comfortable Bauer hockey gloves. The reason why most hockey glove reviews include this pair in their listings is their superior quality of comfort and soft feel.

For softness and comfort, these gloves employ the soft but grippy Taktlie palm. The lining material used is Thermomax which specializes in moisture-wicking and warmth retention.

The use of a 2-piece thumb and a 3-piece index allow swift stroke-making. The open cuff makes these gloves even more breathable while also increasing wrist mobility.

Overall, these gloves are excellent for spending long hours on the hockey rink.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Bauer Vapor 1X Lite 

Ideal for: Those looking for lightweight hockey gloves for all-round performance

Pros:

• Breathable & comfortable
• Lightweight feel
• Excellent protection
• Great mobility and flexibility

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners
• Prone to wear & tear

Review

These are elite-level hockey gloves that are made for enhancing the overall performance of the player.

This can be seen from their use of Quattro-grip palm for better stickhandling. The cuff roll also enhances wrist mobility for improved shot-making.
The ease of play is further strengthened by using a 3-piece finger and thumb technology that allows excellent knuckle movement.

The lightweight shell and the advanced liner keep the hands feeling warm and dry.

What’s impressive is that the flexibility and mobility do not result in a lack of protection. The gloves employ dual-density foam strengthened with poly inserts for supreme protection against aggressive play.

Thus, if you are looking for one of the best junior hockey gloves, you don’t need to look beyond these gloves.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Warrior Covert QRE 10

Ideal for: Excellent for stick handling and mobility

Pros:

• Allow great mobility
• Promotes advanced stroke play and controlled stickhandling
• Flexible and breathable
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Minimal break-in time

Cons:

• Maybe too advanced for beginners

Review

Pros use these Warrior Hockey gloves for controlled stickhandling and advanced stroke play.

Every feature in these tapered fit gloves is well-thought-out and made using high-quality material. The Warrior QRE uses a one-of-a-kind cuff protection technology that combines dual density foam and plastic inserts.

In addition to this, the gloves also the top-quality EXO foam padding strengthened with plastic inserts throughout its body.

However, this added protection does not weaken its usability. The thumb’s mobility is enhanced using a unique stretchy mesh fabric between the cuff and the body. This feature in itself optimizes the stickhandling control of these gloves.

Additionally, the palm material feels soft on the inside and super grippy on the outside. It is also made using material that won’t rip easily.

Thus, to sum it up, these hockey gloves are the best hockey gloves for stick handling and an excellent choice for advanced-level players.

Buy them / Read user reviews

True XC9

Ideal for: Those looking for maximum protection

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Provides a custom-glove like comfort
• Durable
• Relatively lightweight
• Stylish looks

Cons:

• The snug fit may not suit those used to wearing traditional gloves
• Requires more break-in time

Review

Despite the craze of using tapered fit gloves, I have often found the comfort and mobility of wider gloves more appealing. However, these junior hockey gloves are an exception to that.

These tapered fit gloves are loaded with protection and mobility all around. The protection is boosted using solid 24 mm EPP foam with plastic inserts. In addition to this, True’s Trueflexx+ thumb lock technology is one considered by many to be the best in terms of providing ample freedom to the thumb while locking it against sudden backward movement.

The palm is also powered by the use of suede that makes the gloves suitable for rough usage.

The backside of these True hockey gloves is also made extra-flexible using a solid 15-piece make.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Warrior Covert QR Edge

Ideal for: Those looking for pro-level hockey gloves with excellent grip

Pros:

• Excellent grip
• Highly durable material
• Good breathability and moisture wicking
• Quite lightweight
• Moderately priced

Cons:

• The snugness in fingers required some time to get used to
• Advanced for beginner-level players

Review

Before you read any further, let me tell you that these are some of the best ice hockey gloves ever made. Every element on these gloves is beautifully designed and constructed and works incredibly well when put together with the rest of the unit.

The shell uses lightweight nylons knitted for added durability. For the palms, it employs the most formidable combination available in hockey gloves, that of Smartpalm and Gatorskin. This makes the palm rubbery on the outside and super soft on the inside.

The liner excels at keeping the hands odor-free and also limit bacteria breeding.

However, the two features that need special applause are the extension of the palm on the index finger and pinky for increased durability (these are the areas that are most prone to ripping) and the use of the stretch mesh Axyflex between the cuff and body of the glove which increases the mobility of these gloves to the same level as that of wider-fitting gloves.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Best Senior / Adults Hockey Gloves Reviews (over 13")

And for the last reviews, let's have a look at the best gloves for senior hockey players.  You will see some of the same products as for the junior, but also some variants.

Bauer X2.9 Senior

Ideal for: Those looking for excellent comfort and lightness - my top pick for recreational / Intermediate

Pros:

• Super comfortable
• Lightweight and breathable
• Provide great feel of the stick
• Moderately-priced
• Promote mobility

Cons

• May not work on wide hands

You can read the full review in the Junior Hockey Gloves Section above.

Buy the senior version / Read user reviews

Warrior Covert QRE 10 Senior

Ideal for: Those looking for pro-level hockey gloves with excellent grip

Pros:

• Excellent grip
• Highly durable material
• Good breathability and moisture wicking
• Quite lightweight

Cons:

• The snugness in fingers required some time to get used to
• Advanced make for beginner-level players

You can read the full review in the Junior Hockey Gloves Section above.

Buy the senior version / Read user reviews

Bauer Supreme S29

Ideal for: Those looking for budget/recreational senior hockey gloves

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Offers good protection
• Super affordable
• Durable
• Provides adequate mobility

Cons:

• Not suitable for advanced levels of play

Quick Review

The Bauer Supreme S29 is constructed in a way in which even budget or recreational ice hockey enthusiasts could benefit from modern technology.

The shell is made using pro nylon mesh which makes the gloves feel pretty light when worn. The foam used is also a high-quality dual-density foam fortified with plastic inserts for optimal protection.

The two-piece thumb, too, facilitates excellent protection and flexibility compared to other budget gloves.

These gloves also excel in the ‘comfort and feel’ department. The Hyper Sense liner used in the fingers keeps the fingers feeling fresh. This feel-good factor of the glove is further enhanced by using the Thermo Max liner, which keeps sweat and moisture away.

The long-lasting Suede Quattro palm allows sufficient stick control and its extension to the finger areas keeps it protected against wear and tear.

Overall, these gloves provide excellent value for money for recreational hockey players.

Buy them / Read user reviews

True XC9

Ideal for: Those looking for maximum protection

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Provides a custom-glove like comfort
• Durable
• Relatively lightweight
• Stylish looks

Cons:

• The snug fit may not suit those used to wearing traditional gloves
• Requires more break-in time

You can read the full review in the Junior Hockey Gloves Section above.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Warrior Covert QR EDge

Ideal for: Those looking for pro-level hockey gloves with excellent grip

Pros:

• Excellent grip
• Highly durable material
• Good breathability and moisture wicking
• Quite lightweight
• Moderately priced

Cons:

• The snugness in fingers required some time to get used to
• Advanced for beginner-level players

You can read the full review in the Junior Hockey Gloves Section above.

Buy them / Read user reviews

CCM Jetspeed FT1

Ideal for: Elite / Pro players looking for superior quality hand gloves with comfort

Pros:

• Superior quality construction
• Excellent mobility
• Super lightweight feel
• All-round protection
• Suitable for advanced levels

Cons:

• Not suitable for beginners
• Open cuff structure may take time to get used to

Quick Review

These CCM ice hockey gloves are the preferred choice of many top-level players for how well they have combined the performance and protection functions.

These gloves pack maximum protection by using D30, PE inserts, and Zetofoam. To make it easier to understand, the clever use of this combination means that the glove stiffens up in case of sudden slashes. But at the same time, it feels lightweight to attempt tough shots freely.

It combines the best of traditional and tapered fit gloves by providing an open cuff with incredible mobility. Thus, the tapered fit keeps the glove snug and yet provides complete rotational mobility.

Overall, the CCM gloves are designed to let advanced hockey players take on tough shots and play fearlessly.

Buy them / Read user reviews

Traditional Bauer Nexus 2N

Ideal for: Those looking for the classic traditional 4-rolls design for wider hands.

Pros:

• Superior comfort and protection
• Excellent mobility
• Adjustable as per hand width
• Durable

Cons:

• Those used to a tapered/ anatomical fit may take time to get used to it.

Quick Review

While I know that the trend these days is to opt for anatomical fit gloves, I couldn’t have completed the list of the best hockey gloves without mentioning the traditional Bauer Nexus 2N gloves.

The design employs the classic 4-roll, which means that the body of the gloves feels roomier, and the wrist enjoys excellent mobility. The volume that comes with these gloves allows confident shot-making and greater protection.

However, to keep it lightweight, Bauer has used the pro nylon mesh and cable mesh shell (just like its other designs listed above). Its fingers use a 2-point flex with nash gussets for better grip and flexibility.

What’s impressive is that these gloves not only work exceedingly well on wide hands but can also be tapered down at the wrist using the adjustable strap. Thus, you can narrow down the wrist without having to deal with that restrictive feeling of tapered fit gloves.

Buy them / Read user reviews

How to take care of ice hockey gloves?

Now that you know which gloves work the best for ice hockey, let me tell you how to take care of your gloves so that you can extend their lifespan.

Here are a few quick tips:

Pre-use care

• Always carry hockey gloves in a proper gear bag
• Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on gloves to avoid bacteria transmission. Make sure your hands are completely dry before wearing the hockey gloves.

Post-use care

The most important is to completely dry out your gloves after each practice.

• Take out your hockey gloves from the bag as soon as possible.
• Let the gloves air dry completely, palms facing up. (You could also use a dedicated gear rack for this - see 2 options below)
• To avoid the build-up of bacteria and to ensure that you do not have to use smelly hockey gloves, spray the gloves with a gear deodorizer. Ensure that you spray the gloves both on the outside and the inside.

How to wash hockey gloves

Hockey gloves can be hand washed or machine washed.

For hand washing-

• Soak your hockey gloves in a cleaning solution made using detergent, laundry booster, and hot water for at least half an hour.
• Rinse thoroughly
• Let them air dry completely.

For machine washing-

• Soak the gloves for at least 15 minutes in cold water
• Run a regular wash cycle using detergent and laundry booster
• Let the gloves air dry. To prevent irreversible damage to the gloves, never use a clothes dryer to dry the hockey gloves.

How to prevent ripping of hockey gloves

This is a common problem faced by plenty of players on account of the glue from the cloth tape tearing through the thin palms of hockey gloves.

The two solutions to this problem are-

• Use a grip tape or rubber tape instead of cloth tape on your stick.
• Put baby powder on the cloth tape to prevent the tape glue from rubbing against the palms of your gloves.

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Are you looking to improve your hockey results but have limited time on the ice?
Hockey off-ice training is as important as on-ice practice - there is much you can work on without having access to the rink.
Below are the 10 elements to focus on during your hockey workouts off ice (and drills). Plus, I include the types of exercises to consider and equipment that can help you.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Plan your hockey off-ice training routine

Why Work Out Off-Ice?

Ice hockey is a demanding sport.

• Do you want to improve your skills and reach new levels? - skating, avoiding, stickhandling...
• Do you want to learn more difficult skills?
• Do you want to be consistent with your results?

Well, it takes a lot of practice on the ice for the technical aspects.
But it also requires off-ice practice to build your mind and body to be able to reach your goals.

What to work on off-ice to improve your hockey playing?

Below is a summary of all the elements to add to your off-ice training routine - you can learn more about each one with examples of exercises and equipment to help in the rest of the article below. 

1. Speed
2. Explosiveness
3. Balance
4. Strength
5. Coordination
6. Endurance
7. Mental Strength
8. Strategy
9. Flexibility
10. And don't forget to rest!

Speed vs Conditioning vs Strength vs Explosiveness

Many words used about off-ice hockey training may create confusion. We will enter in more details in the section about each element, but here is an introduction to help you better understand the differences:

• Conditioning / Endurance training works on your ability to perform a given task longer
• Strength training works on your ability to produce more force
• Speed training works on your ability to perform a given task faster, to properly express your force
• Explosiveness training works on your ability to produce maximum force in minimum time
• Mobility is at the intersection of flexibility, strength, and technique trainings to get the best and most efficient range of motion
• Skill training - you can also practice specific stickhandling skills by doing drills at home - they are included in the coordination, precision, and reflexes section.

All trainings are interlinked. Many exercises can cover 2 or more elements. So, there are no clear boundaries between them.
But if you work reasonably on everything, you should see progress.

Off ice goalie training

Note that training for goalkeepers is quite different than for the other players.
I will cover recommendations in another article

How often to train off-ice? 

Your off-ice training schedule should be in alignment with:

• your goals for the season
• your skill levels
• your on-ice training quantity (on / off season)
• your games
• other sports you might be practicing

There is no "one-size fits all" answer.

• Beginner youth hockey players should try to work on each element at least once a week.
• Most pros spend 2 h working out off the ice for every hour on the ice

Defining your off-ice hockey training routine

• Your training plan should be in alignment with practicing for a goal - therefore it should vary with the seasons
• Your training program should take you towards progress.
• Choose your training schedule with a healthy vision - do not do things in excess and plan time to rest
• Make sure to plan variety in your exercises to not overtrain one muscle
• A health professional can give appropriate advice regarding techniques related to specific exercises. Consult one. By working with a qualified specialist, you avoid injuries and receive tremendous benefits.

Start by listing your goals, and how much training you will do in each category (how often, for how long and how intense) (this can vary every 4 weeks depending on your on-ice activity)
Check out the specialized notebook to record your training and progress for the season: 

#1 - Improve Speed

Why work on speed?

Speed is one of the essentials of all successful hockey players.
The puck flies on the ice very fast.
You need to be able to skate the whole length of the ice rink at full speed, to change position and help defend or attack as soon as possible.
Half an inch can be the difference between you getting the puck or not, and between you stopping a move or not.
And for that you need speed (once you are launched) and explosiveness (to accelerate very fast). Here we will talk about the first and we will cover the second in (#2).

For speed development in hockey, you need:

• Greater Stride length: The length (or) distance covered in one single running stride.
• Greater Stride frequency: The number of steps taken per unit of distance covered.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

All the elements you are going to work on in the next sections (agility, strength, balance...) will participate in improving your speed. There are not many speed specific exercises to work on.
But you can also add exercises that are specific.

And if you want to improve your speed, work at all-out levels with longer rest periods.

To improve your skating speed, you can work on speed workouts that include:

• Sprints
• Intermittent sprints
• Up-hill and down-hill sprints
• Sled dragging
• All the strength, mobility and explosiveness exercises listed in the next sections.

Equipment to help

The problem with running is that it does not completely cover the elements of a skating stride.
So you improve part of your hockey speed elements but not all.
The moves are not the same after all.

One of the main off-ice hockey training equipment that can help to work on your stride frequency is the slide board. 

#2 - Improve Explosiveness

Why work on Explosiveness?

Hockey is a fast sport. Fast in terms of speed and in terms of changes in direction.
A hockey player must be able to react to the situation and activate his/her muscles as fast as possible to start speeding in the right direction.

The muscle fibers must be able to contract and relax very fast and repeatedly.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

A lot of the explosiveness training can be done with jumps. But for hockey players, you need jumping workouts that are:

•  initiated with greater hip and knee flexion,
• with angles closer to the skating positions,
• with longer ground contact durations.

You should complete the classic jump exercises by starting them from a down position:

• Long jumps
• Jumps over benches
• Burpees
• Sprints on slopes
• Plyometric jumps - consisting of jumping on and off a box with various heights
• Sprint started with one knee on the ground turned 45°C from the running direction

Equipment to help

The jump box is a great tool to help you improve.
It can be turned into different position to increase the difficulty of your exercise as you progress.

#3 - Improve Balance & Core 

Why work on balance and core strength?

Maneuvering on ice, on a thin blade, will always be more difficult than running up and down a soccer field...
Therefore hockey players require better balance than many other sports.

Plus, hockey is a frantic game with many dynamic elements.
Hockey players need to be able to:

• adapt to the game and change the direction of their momentum as fast as possible
• resist assaults on their balance
• handle the stick
• take slapshots

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

Balance exercises include:

• Standing on one leg - and then increasing difficulty by moving free leg
• One-leg squatting
• One-leg hopping
• Standing on tip toes

Working on core strength is essential to increase balance. The muscles in the back and abdomen hold your core strength. They are the control centers of your body. Typical core exercises using your body weight:

• The plank - rest your forearms on the floor
• Side plank
• Sit-up
• Crunches and reverse crunches
• Bird dog movement
• V-ups
• Mountain climber

Equipment to help

• Balance Board - a tool that is loved by hockey players is the balance board. It is a good exercise and fun at the same time - Check out my complete article to choose the best balance board for you
• The Half ball balance trainer will allow you to add diversity to your core strength exercises and add a balance element to it - With it you can do push-ups, squats, crunches, lunges, planks...
• The core sliders to be used on hardwood floors or carpets - They complement the core strength exercises allowing movement with sliding hands or feet.

Other activities that help with core strength

• Swimming
• Trampoline - get a practice one for home
• Climbing
• Pilates
• Gymnastics
• Yoga

#4 - Improve Hand-Eye coordination, Precision & Reflexes

Why work on Coordination and Reflexes

Hockey is a challenging sport, there are many things going on:

• you must balance on skates
• you must survey the whole rink to keep track of the small but fast puck (with peripheral vision and depth perception)
• you must control your stick
• you must locate your teammates
• you must fend off the opposite team.

Therefore, your coordination (especially hand-eye) and your reflexes are essentials to your success.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

Anything that requires doing several exercises at the same time such as:

• throwing a medicine ball at a wall while doing squats
• playing catch with a tennis ball
• juggling
• Doing fitness exercises while balancing a puck on the stick (jumps, runs...)

Equipment to help & off-ice hockey Drills

You can also practice specifically for hockey with equipment that can be used off the ice.
You can practice controlling the puck and shooting - doing repetitive drills passing and receiving the puck.

• Shooting pads and tiles - see my selection and tips
• Nets and Targets and Shooting tarps - see my selection and tips
• Passing aids and rebounders - see my selection and tips
• Stick-handling tools - see my selection and tips

And don't forget to wear your hockey gloves, to imitate on-ice practice!

#5 - Improve Endurance and Stamina

Why work on Endurance / Stamina?

No matter the age or skill level, hockey players required great endurance.
You should be able to keep the same level of performance until the end of the game!
If you feel that you are burning out by the end of hockey practices or game, you must work on your stamina.
Despite being on the ice for short period of times, you must speed across the ice while keeping focus. And this intensity must be sustained.
And the best way to increase it, is by off-ice workouts. After a while, your body will become used to exercise and you won’t tire out as fast.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

The best way to develop your stamina that is adapted to the practice of ice hockey is through interval training: i.e. Exercises with short bursts of energy followed by a recovery period (like you would have to do during a game).

Typically, the average shift in a hockey game is 45 seconds.
And over a game, a player will get an average of 20minutes of ice time.
So the player will have to play a minimum of 20 shifts per game (which means 20 bursts of energy).

Interval training means switching between two activities that require different rates of speed and degrees of effort.
Off the ice (and without equipment) you can:

• Run sprints (and jog in between)
• Run up hill (and walk down hill)
• Do bursts of jumping jacks or burpees (and walk in between)
• Jump ropes (and walk in between)

Equipment to help

If you can't go outside to train, or you prefer to work out with equipment, you can easily do interval training with: 

• a stationary bike or a spin bike
• an elliptical trainer
• a treadmill
• a rowing machine

And don't forget to hydrate!

#6 - Improve Body Strength (Upper and Lower)

Why work on Body Strength

We have already covered core strength in #3 Improve balance.
But hockey players should also work on Upper and Lower body strength for faster skating, better balance, better control, and stronger shots.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

The best strength for them is the explosive one (as seen in #2) - therefore exercises with greater weight but lower repetitions are best.
But you can also work on simple sets of exercises such as:

• Squats (and alternatives: single leg squat, front squat, high bar squats, low bar squats) - a classic in strength and conditioning because you work on many muscles and is a very functional exercise.
• Pull-ups and Chin-ups
• Push ups
• Deadlift - great for explosive strength (and vary leg positions)
• Bench Press and all its version (preference for standing position as if skating)
• Dumbbell exercises
• Throwing a medicine ball against the wall

Equipment to help

A lot of strength exercises can be done only with your body weight.
But people often prefer working out with weights and equipment. Here are some suggestions:

#7 - Improve Mental Strength

Why work on mental strength?

It is important to possess good mental equilibrium too. However, many trainers overlook this aspect completely. You must be calm on the ice. The body will follow the mind.
You must first explore your reasons for taking up hockey. What do you love about it? How does it make you feel? 
And then you should work on:

• Visualization
• Meditation
• Mindfulness

Below are a few books that could help you get to the next level by working on your mind:

And check out some of my favorite quotes about hockey!

#8 - Improve Strategy Thinking

Why work on Strategy

Hockey is a very strategic and complex game with lots of players.
Your coach has been working hard on his tactics and you should make sure you understand them fully. 
And you should also learn from the other teams and see what is working.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

Look back at your own games and look at other teams' games

• Draw the situations on the paper on ice rink templates
• Take notes about them, about the players, about their skills
• Write down recommendations from your coach so that you can read them again later and apply them
• Write down ideas about how you can improve

If you want a notebook version to improve your strategy thinking, check out the My Hockey Playbook:

#9 - Improve Flexibility 

Why work on flexibility and agility

For speed sports, athletes tend to overlook flexibility, even though it is essential for their speed!
Hockey players must optimize their flexibility to be able reach peak performances

What is flexibility? It is the range of motion of a joint.
If your flexibility is limited, you are limiting:

• your range of motion,
• your speed,
• your balance,
• and the capacity of your body to counteract extreme positions to avoid injuries

But it must not be taken to the extreme. A hockey player does not need to be flexible like a dancer.

How to work on it? Workout / Drills

Hockey players should always make it a habit to stretch:

• Dynamic stretches (sport-specific) before workouts or games
• Static stretches (deep, slow stretches) after the workouts or games or/and on other days

Example of dynamic stretches:

• Jumping jacks
• Arm circles
• Arm rotations
• Lateral lunges
• Front lunges

Examples of static stretches:

• Quad stretches
• Hip flexor stretches (with rear foot elevated for increase)
• Calf/Achilles tendon stretches
• Hamstring stretches
• Glute stretches
• Deltoid/pectoral - Shoulder stretches
• Neck stretches
• Wrist stretches
• ....

Equipment to help

Simple stretches are sufficient for hockey players. You don't need deep flexibility.
However if you want to stretch your back, the Yoga Wheels can help you - Get Yoga wheels

Otherwise here are some mats for you to stretch with hockey style:

#10 - Rest between off ice workouts for hockey players

Such hectic activity should be followed by rest. Your body must have time to recover from the stress and strain. Therefore, do take some time off from your off-ice training program. 

Note that when you are training off-ice, your muscle fibers are breaking down. Only a nutritious regimen and appropriate rest can bring their strength back to normal. Therefore, include rest in your exercise schedule. Your body must have time to recover its strength.

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