A link here to describe the contours of the NHL
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/hirsch-explains-how-to-fix-the-problem-with-
This is the difference to what the NHL wants to do to alter goalie equipment, although it is subtle, keep in mind the puck is a few inches wide.
The question to ask here is whether or not the goaltenders will be able to adapt in time to become competitive. Personally I believe these guys are professionals and will have no problem adapting to these changes. This isn't the first time the NHL has tried to change the rules to lead to more goal scoring. After the lockout goalies pad size decreased along with the trapezoid behind then net that prohibits them from playing the puck. The NHL also cracked down on penalties causing for more offensive chances. All of these changes and still the NHL continues, maybe these guy are just that good. They've adapted before and they will adapt again.
Yeah the puck is only a few inches wide but at when hit really hard that thing could come at you hard. I played sled hockey for Shriners Hospital and although I was never made goalie (too small) I was out there playing offence and plenty of times the puck was smacked at me. Once during practice I got hit with one directly at the front of my helmet (my mom heard it all the way across the rink). I was left with a slight headache in that area. And we were just kids, I can't imagine the force it could have been if it was a professional hitting it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic! This discussion has been going on for years and we are now finally seeing action being taken. Its a real concern about how the goalies will be able to make such a drastic change in time for the competitive season. This is also assuming the gear doesn't have any problems and is safe for all goalies.
ReplyDeleteHockey goalies shouldn't be able to wear so much. I think they should make the puck harder and the equipment lighter. All I ever see is these goalies with massive amounts of gear complaining.
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