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Writer's picturemekenzieerickson

gear fitting - goalie helmet

In the first instalment of my head-to-toe coverage of gear fitment, we start off with none other than the goalie mask. One of the most recognizable pieces of goaltending equipment, a goalie's helmet should also be the most cherished item in their hockey bag.



Simply put, there is no more important piece of gear you own (yes, even more than a cup!). A bucket that doesn't fit will cause injury, no two ways about it. I preach this through and through, do not cheap out on a mask. You can recover from a bruise or even a broken bone, a head injury can end your playing career immediately and leave you with lifelong health issues. I sincerely believe your helmet should be your BEST piece of equipment - meaning, has the correct fit, is the highest 'level' available for that line of equipment (usually 'pro' or some other term indicating it is the top tier), and is the one you pay the most attention to in its care and maintenance.


While we're at it, another note about sizing; it is possible to up-size other gear for future growth, I do not recommend this whatsoever with goaltender helmets. This item should fit precisely and be replaced as needed.


To start, a goalie will need a measurement of their head circumference or hat size to get the closest fit possible. This should be measured about an inch above the eyebrows, or roughly where a hat would sit. For example, a head with a circumference of 22 3/4" equals a size 7-1/4. Some helmets will list both, so it is handy to have both available. Grab that trusty sewing kit and get the soft measuring tape, or take a piece of string and wrap it around your head as described above, marking where it overlaps and measure the string to this mark.



While wearing the mask, the chin of the mask should not be tilted up/back. The top of the face opening will be approximately an inch above the eyebrows, roughly where your hat sits. The sweatband should be flush and snug against the forehead, no space should be present. And make sure you a trying the helmet on with a sweatband installed and the type you use specifically if you do not use the stock band provided. With the variance in styles, the sweatband thickness can affect how the helmet sits against your forehead and with it the overall fit.


Long and/or thick hair can also affect the fit, as well as a drastic haircut! I know I have to make adjustments to my personal lids when I go from winter long-hair mode to spring clean-cut mode. A ponytail should be worn lower if possible, to protrude beneath the backplate. See below example from Shannon Szabados' instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/C4tlpRCAJ0i/) :



The backplate of the mask should be snug against the back of the head. The shell should extend past the backplate with overlap, at minimum, it should be flush. Large gaps indicate a poorly fit helmet. If you're unsure of what it looks like back there, head to a mirror or have someone inspect with you. Sometimes the backplate can catch on the interior foams and it's really hard to tell on your own, this will cause fitment issues or damage over time. There are a LOT of photos of how NOT to fit your helmet on the web, and the backplate examples are particularly egregious. Here are 3 OK examples, with the white lid on the left being the best I could find (credit Source For Sports). The other 2 pros show a decent example of how the backplate should rest within the helmets shell:



The chin should fit snugly in the chin cup, which are generally adjustable. This will prevent the mask from shifting up and down. Finally, check if your temples and cheeks are snug against the inside foams of the helmet. There should be no gaps, nor should your face protrude so far into the face opening that you touch the cage. A note on chin slings - I know this is a popular modification in beer league and the NHL, I personally do not recommend these. They defeat the purpose of the chin cup entirely, and in my opinion cause fit issues due the lack of hold they provide.

If a helmet meets all of these requirements, give it a good shake side to side and up and down. If your face stays snug and moves with the mask, you've got a great fit.


It kills me give a Calgary Flame some praise, but Jacob Markstom's helmet appears to fit him nearly perfect here - note the cheeks tight to the foam, sitting just right on the brow, and no (very, very minimal) gaps by the temple. My only complaint is the lack of a dangler (and I've got a post on deck on how you can wear yours better!) :



While trying out helmets, make sure to adjust all straps. I have seen cases where goalies have gone up sizes unnecessarily because they did not adjust the straps while demoing. As well, the elastics on your helmet will sag slightly over time, so make sure to adjust as necessary. Having issues with elastics or they are maxed out and don't stretch any longer? I can swap those out for fresh elastics to keep your helmet fitting correctly, send a message to get a quote.


That's it! You're all set to pick the mask best suited to you. Once you do find the mask for you, make sure it integrates well with your neck protector and chest protector. A mask with a longer chin or shell may interfere more than previously.



As a parting note, please be careful buying used masks. These can have fractures, hidden damage, deteriorated foams, and all will put you at risk of a head injury. Second hand finds can save you money, just be sure to inspect all helmets thoroughly. I do not recommend buying a mask that is outside of the CSA date range sticker on the backplate of all masks.


Have questions on your own helmet fit? Need some adjustments or new straps and hardware? Shoot me a message and I am more than happy to help you make sure that bucket fits YOU correctly!


happy tending,

mek


BONUS RANT: Please store your helmet in a goalie helmet bag. Your mask should not be floating around aimlessly in your hockey bag, being buddies with your skate blades and knee pads. Most manufacturers provide a pretty decent bag with the helmet from new, and their are many great aftermarket options if you didn't get one or the current bag has seen better days. When you get home, let it free! Take your mask out of the goalie bag dungeon and let it air out. Beyond mould, mildew, and general stank, a sweaty goalie mask is going to have its foam break down faster than a cared for mask. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR WET SWEATBAND IN THE MASK. The amount of times I have gone to shinny to see the opposing tendy pull their helmet out with the previously used sweatband still in it is appalling... Wipe down the interior and exterior if necessary with a clean, soft faced cloth, dampening it if your mask is really nasty. Others on the web have suggested using disinfectant wipes, but I cannot verify how these sorts of wipes may affect the foams or adhesives in your helmet - so do so at your own risk. Air dry out in the open or put it in front of a fan with the rest of your gear. Take care of the things that take care of you!



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