In hockey, there are three basic categories of players: defensemen, goalkeepers, and forwards. The first two are usually very large in size, while the latter is smaller in build. The forwards are typically the ones wearing the most colorful and unique jerseys due to the fact that they are the ones skating out on the ice when the game is being played. Forwards are usually the ones initiating the majority of the action on the ice, so it is only natural that their jerseys would reflect this. In recent years, manufacturers have developed a new class of oversized hockey jersey called a “size 48” jersey.
What makes a size 48 jersey so special? Well, the answer is quite simple. This is the size typically worn by the heavyweight champions of the NHL. For example, the Stanley Cup winner Colorado Avalanche have a 48-inch chest and a 53-inch waist. These numbers indicate that the player in question is among the biggest and most well-built players in the entire league. Naturally, the bigger the number, the better, as far as the NHL is concerned. While many fans may mistake this for a requirement, the truth is that the higher the number, the higher the potential for injuries. Hence, the reason why the Stanley Cup has only six-ring decorations, instead of the usual seven.
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The Evolution Of Hockey Jerseys
When it comes to hockey jerseys, the evolution has been as fascinating to watch as the game itself has developed. Back in the early 1900s, players would wear loose fitting and pretty much transparent jerseys that allowed the spectator to see the muscles move as the player skated around. This was pretty much the norm until the 1950s when players started to wear tighter fitting jerseys with the collar and sleeve areas being the only things visible. At the time, wool was the standard fiber for the fabric of a hockey jersey because it provided the best combination of warmth and air-retention. However, this soon changed when synthetic fibers appeared on the market. This new material reduced the friction between the hockey puck and the surface of the ice, which resulted in faster skating speeds and more intricate maneuvers. The evolution of hockey jerseys has continued since then, but today’s versions are far superior to anything that came before it.
Size Of A Hockey Goalkeeper
When it comes to hockey, people often think that the puck is the only thing that matters. However, one of the most important objects during a game is the goal or net, which is essentially the area where the goals are located. The goal or net is at least two meters wide and three meters tall, so it is easy to understand why goalies wear massive gloves and a full-length helmet.
Unlike the forwards, who have the advantage of speed, the goalie has the advantage of strength. Besides, the goalie can also engage in tug-of-war games with the opposing team’s best player, which not many other players are capable of doing. For these reasons, the goalies usually wear the biggest and most protective gear that the manufacturers can produce. This was especially the case in the 1980s and 1990s, when hockey was popularized in countries such as the United States and Canada. However, with the increasing awareness of concussions and other head injuries in sports, the equipment used by hockey goalies has started to evolve as well. Today, hockey goalies use special pads under their jerseys to reduce the impact of hard checks on their heads and bodies. In some cases, goalies even wear a plastic shield on the top of their helmet to prevent injuries caused by flying pucks.
What Size 48 Jersey Should I Get?
Now that you know what a size 48 jersey is and the importance of having one, the next logical question is, “What should I get?” The answer to this question is simple. Always get the biggest one that you can afford. If you can find a cheaper version, it is often better to buy an identical one that costs a little more instead of getting one that is a few years old and has been through at least one or two sizes already. This is especially important if you are planning on playing in a competitive league, as in the NHL. In these situations, the smallest jersey size that you can find will not cut it, no matter how cute or how well designed it may be. This is because there are always better players out there who will pay more attention to you than your clothes, and the last thing that you want is for them to laugh at you because you are trying to be cool.
Hockey is a rough sport, and despite what you may think, being able to afford a good quality hockey jersey is not always easy. For these reasons, the only rational decision that you can make is to spend as much as you need to in order to get the biggest and the most protective version available. This will keep you safe on the ice and allow you to play to the best of your ability.