If you’re a hockey player, then you know that blocking shots can be crucial to your success. Blocking shots is almost as important (if not more so) than scoring goals. The chances of you having a serious injury due to a blocked shot are very high, especially if you play a quick-paced game like hockey. It is thus crucial that you find the best and most effective way to protect your nether regions from getting banged up by flying pucks. You may have tried purchasing a padded suit from a sporting goods store, but they might as well be made of cardboard for all the good they do. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to blocking shots, and you’ll certainly need something custom-made to meet your needs. This is where DIYing hockey goalie pads comes in.
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The Anatomy Of A Successful Hockey Paddle
Unlike a hockey stick, which is a single piece of wood that gets sharpened and shaped over time, a hockey paddle is a two-piece affair. It consists of a wooden handle and a metal end cap, which you insert into the end of the wooden handle. The metal end cap provides the necessary durability to the hockey paddle, while the wooden handle, which is usually about the same length as the baseball bat, provides the necessary strength. In most cases, the length of the handle is such that it extends beyond the elbow when the arm is raised above the head. This style of hockey paddle provides the player with better balance and makes it easier to move around while playing the game.
The Materials You’ll Need
To make the best-quality hockey PADLES (just check out how cool those guys are when they block shots, it’s awesome), you’ll need the following material:
- A 4-to-6-foot vinyl cholla blanket
- Two sheets of 1/2-inch-thick hardwood flooring
- Two sheets of 3/4-inch-thick hardwood flooring
- Three sheets of 2-inch-thick hardwood flooring
- One 11.8-by-22.5-inch polypropylene tarp
- One 25-by-50-inch flexible plastic drop cloth
- One pair of scissors
- One drill with a 3/8-inch bit
- One hammer
- One 4-foot-long piece of 1/2-inch-thick hardwood (for the floor)
Drilling And Hammering
To start with, take your time and drill three small holes in each corner of the tarp, about a quarter of an inch from the edge. Make sure to leave about a foot between each hole so that there will be enough room to tie the tarp in a knot without it being too tight in any one spot. Next, take the flexible plastic drop cloth and fold it in half lengthwise. Next, using the tarp as a guide, mark a vertical crease along one of the long sides of the drop cloth. Then, on the other long side, mark another vertical crease at the far end of the cloth. You’ll have to cut through both layers of plastic with your scissors. Be very careful not to cut into the layers when separating them, otherwise you’ll have trouble unrolling them.
Once you have the two sides of the plastic separated, set the two pieces of flooring on edge and nail them together, making sure that the grain runs horizontally. Nail each flooring piece to the other two, being careful not to hit any nails into the wood. Once all four flooring pieces are attached, use the 1/2-inch screws that came with the flooring to affix them to the walls or any other surface that will not be harmed by a little bit of drilling.
Tarping
After you’ve nailed the flooring to the wall and are confident that it will not come unglued during gameplay, it’s time to tarp. Begin by pulling the tarp up and over the flooring, making sure that it is taut and that the four corners are tucked in. Then, take a corner and roll it up, making sure that the edges are facing down. Next, take the opposite corner and do the same. Always make sure to tuck the edges of the tarp when rolling up the sides to prevent the contents from spilling out. Finally, using the drop cloth as a guide, roll the tarp up towards the ceiling until it covers the area above the ice surface. If there is any space left at the top, use the flexible plastic drop cloth to cover it. This will keep the snow and debris off your ceiling and out of your home.
Finishing Touches
The last step before you’re done is to secure the four corners of the tarp with rope or twine, preferably in a way that will not show when the tarp is rolled back down. Once you’ve done that, fold the tarp in half and use the rope or twine to secure it. Finally, it’s time for decorative touches. You can decorate your DIYed hockey pad with ribbons, streamers, or any other type of festive decoration that will brighten up your ice surface.
You’ve just completed the ultimate in DIYing hockey pads. They may not be as durable or as protective as their high-priced counterparts, but they are certainly made with love, and they will certainly look more personal. It’s a great way to show your team support, and it’s a great conversation starter when you’re showing off your new gear at the water cooler.
Creating hockey pads that are both durable and effective is not an easy task, and it takes some real perseverance and determination. However, with a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to craft some great products that will serve your needs and will be sure to impress your friends.