How to Fit Goalie Blockers
One of the more difficult aspects of playing goalie is to stop or play the puck effectively with just one hand on
the stick. This skill takes both the strength to be able to control the stick, as well as the security of having a
blocker that allows the goalie to deflect the puck effectively. And, with the emphasis put on goalies both
shooting and passing the puck these days, it’s important to have a blocker that fits as it should.
Like most goalie equipment, blockers come in one of four sizes: Youth, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. In all
four cases, the size of the blocker board correlates directly with the size of the palm on the glove. So, if you
purchase a Junior sized blocker, you get a Junior sized palm. With this in mind, blockers should be purchased
based on the fit of the goalie’s hand to the palm of the glove.
Blocker Sizing
To find your size, measure your hand from the heel of the palm to the tip of the middle finger, then consult the
chart below.
Blocker Sizing Chart |
| Youth | Junior | Intermediate | Senior |
Length (in.) | 4 3⁄4 - 5 5⁄8 in. | 5 5⁄8 - 6 1⁄4 in. | 6 1⁄4 - 7 in. | 7 - 8 3⁄8 in. |
Length (cm) | 119 - 143 cm | 144 - 160 cm | 161 - 178 cm | 179 - 213 cm |
When fitting your hand to the palm of the blocker glove, we recommend that there be no more than 1/4 inch between
the tip of the goalie’s finger and the top of the finger stalls in the glove. Any more room will not allow
the goalie to grip and control the stick properly, and will cause the blocker to tilt or wobble on the
goalie’s hand when holding the stick.
As a guide, the cuff of the blocker glove should extend one to two inches over the bottom of the arm protection
on your chest and arm pads. Also, most players don’t like gloves that fit so snug that their fingers feel
cramped, so make sure there is a little wiggle room.
Regular Versus Full Right
Make sure you know which hand you hold the goal stick with. Of course, this isn’t too much of an issue when
buying gloves in a store, but it is necessary to specify this information when ordering online or over the phone.
Regular Blocker Gloves are worn on the RIGHT hand.
Full Right Blocker Gloves are worn on the LEFT hand.
Choosing a Blocker Glove
In today’s game, the right protection is what prevents broken or jammed fingers and unnecessary bruises.
When choosing a blocker, it is important to keep the following attributes in mind to help pick the glove that best
fits your game:
Finger protection: Blockers vary in the amount of finger protection they provide. When looking at the glove part of the
blocker, it is important to make sure it provides enough protection. Furthermore, the index finger is the
most vulnerable because of the way that goalies hold their sticks (with the index finger pointing straight
down the paddle as the other fingers are locked around the shaft of the handle). Because of this, the
finger padding is designed to protect the fingers while holding the stick. |  |
Side hand protection: While in the butterfly position, the blocker is often angled to deflect pucks to the corner, thus leaving
your wrist open to pucks. Because of this, most blockers feature an inner padded side deflector that
protects the inside of the wrist as well as creates an additional blocking surface. |  |
Curve: Some blockers vary in the degree of curve. There is a curve at the top of the blocker that helps deflect
pucks forward or upward, rather than backwards into the goal. Some goalies prefer larger curves as opposed
to smaller ones. However, with the NHL’s new size limitations, most blocker curves are fairly
similar. |  |
Blocker Board Position: The position of the blocker board in relation to the back of the hand is an important consideration when
choosing a blocker. Typically, blocker boards come in one of two positions: Centered over the back of the hand: This position gives the blocker a very “balanced” feel over your hand, and it is a good
choice for goalies who like to play a “paddle down” stance when pucks are around the net. Extended forward towards the tips of the fingers: This position places the blocker board at a forward of center position by approximately ½ -2
inches. The extension of the board in a forward direction “extends” the reach of a goalies
arm, allowing him or her to reach shots with the tip of the blocker that they otherwise would not have
reached. “Paddle Down” play may be a bit more difficult with these types of blockers. |  |
Use a Stick and a Chest/Arm Protector When Picking a Blocker Given the differences in the construction and
protection of today’s blockers, it is important that the goalie try them on using both a goalie stick and a
chest and arm protector.
Why Use a Goalie Stick?
Different palms, inside wrist protection, and finger protection will affect the way the goalie holds his/her goal
stick. By using a stick in the fitting process, the goalie can easily pick the glove that feels and works best for
his or her style.
Why Use a Chest & Arm Protector?
Differences in blocker board position and the cuff of the glove (the insertion area of the hand into the blocker)
will affect how the glove works with the goalie’s chest and arm protector. It’s always a good idea to
try the two pieces of equipment on together to make sure that they will work together well.