Hockey is a fast-paced team sport that entails lots of action. The fast-paced game means that your ice time can be very short, especially if you’re not used to the cold. This can lead to you spending lots of time on the ice, which in turn means that you need to make sure that your equipment is always spotlessly clean.
Ice hockey is a unique sport in that the players are on an equal footing in terms of their skill set. This means that no matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’re going to have the same chance of being able to showcase your talent on the ice as the next best player.
However, this also means that the equipment requirements are higher than those of other sports. You need to make sure that your equipment is kept clean at all times so as to prevent any form of infection. This article will tell you exactly how to clean the equipment of a hockey goalie so that you can remain infection-free while playing the most exciting game on the planet.
Table of Contents
Sturdy Puck Cleaner
It’s a given that your ice time is mostly going to be spent with your hands on your hips, protecting the goal from any sort of attack. This means that you’re going to be doing a lot of moving around, resulting in a lot of wear and tear on your equipment. The most important piece of equipment in this regard is the puck, which refers to the spherical piece of rubber that’s used to move the puck around the ice (often referred to as the puckering ball).
The puck needs to be cleaned regularly so as to remove any trace of dirt or moisture. You can use simple soap and water to clean it as often as needed during the season. This will ensure that your equipment is always ready for action, no matter what the situation is. On the other hand, using alcohol-based cleaners may strip the protective coating from the surface of the puck, resulting in decreased friction and quicker wear on your equipment.
Shiny Goal Mask
The next item on our list is the goal mask. Just like the puck, the goal mask is also going to be worn on the head and protect the eyes from splashes of ice or nettles (leaves on the goalie’s jacket, as pictured) during fast-paced play. The main purposes of the goal mask are:
- To protect the eyes from injury
- To shield the eyes from the sun’s harsh rays
- To keep the eyes open and engaged with the game
- To keep track of the puck’s location during play
- To increase your odds of successfully saving the puck
- To look cool as heck while playing the game
The key difference between the two is that while the puck needs to be cleaned using a dry cloth or brush, the goal mask can be cleaned using a wet cloth or damp towel. Be sure to clean it thoroughly after every use, and be careful not to scrunch it when washing or drying the gear, as this can cause damage to the mask’s internal materials.
Hands-free Sunglasses
There are also hand-free sunglasses, which are also vital to the success of your hockey career. As we mentioned above, your hands are going to be on the hips most of the time, so you’re going to be doing a lot of moving around, resulting in a lot of hand strain. This is why you need to protect your hands from getting chapped by the dry air, resulting in an itchy, irritated, and painful sensation that’s going to distract you from the game. The best way to keep your hands comfortably cool and relaxed is by using hand-free sunglasses.
Like the other items on this list, the hands-free sunglasses also require cleaning after every use. The easiest way to clean them is to use a damp cloth or soft, dry cloth to gently wipe off the lenses and frame, being careful not to scrunch or wrinkle them when cleaning. The goal here is to keep the lenses and frame in good condition so that they can continue protecting your eyes from the sun’s blistering rays and so that you can continue spying the puck and staying focused on the game.
Walking Stick
Yes, the very item that you use to direct, control, and move the puck around the ice is also required to be cleaned regularly. This is because the walking stick is going to get very dirty and clogged up with grime and gum from all the skating and handling that you do while playing. It’s best to use a fresh blade to cut through the ice smoothly and quickly. If you think that the blade is dull, you can also take it out and give it a good sharpening so that it can slice through the ice smoothly and quickly once more.
The walking stick also requires you to keep clean. Just like the other items on this list, the walking stick needs to be wiped down after every use with a dry cloth or clean and moistened fingers so that it doesn’t become sticky or wet from all the handling that you do while playing. This is especially important when going from one side of the ice to the other, as any little bit of moisture on or around the stick can rapidly turn into ice, making it easier for the other team to score.
Jacket
The last item on our list is the goalie’s jacket. This is the item that you’re going to wear while playing hockey, protecting you from the elements (cold, wet, or dry). The most important thing about the jacket is that it needs to fit you well so that you don’t restrict your movements or feel any discomfort while playing. You should choose a thick, warm jacket that’s padded and has an inside drawstring to help keep you cozy while on the ice. Thicker jackets with a hood are also good because they keep the head protected from the wind, which is always picking up, causing the body heat to be retained. This helps keep you warm even when the temperature is low, preventing you from overcooling or freezing while playing.
Like the other items on this list, the jacket also needs to be cleaned after every use. The best way to clean it is by wiping down the inside using a damp cloth or dry, clean cloth. Be careful not to wrinkle the material while cleaning as this can cause damage. Once you’re done wiping down the inside of the jacket, be sure to check for any spots that could use a bit of touch-up by gently brushing down the material using a brush or cloth. This ensures that your clothes stay clean and looking brand new, no matter how often you wear them or how fast you play the game. You can also use a bit of household cleaner on stubborn spots or stains on the jacket and let it air dry before continuing use on the ice so that it doesn’t affect the performance of the gear in any way.
Cleaning your hockey equipment doesn’t have to be hard. Simply follow the guidelines laid out above and you’ll be able to keep your equipment looking brand new, no matter how many cycles of ice and weather it goes through. You’ll be able to keep your hands protected from the cold as we mentioned above, maintain a good focus on the game, and prevent any infections by following a simple routine of cleaning after every use.