The hockey puck and the hockey glove go hand in hand. So it is only fitting that the sport of hockey would adopt the glove as its playing surface accessory. You’ll often see hockey players using their hands to make gripping motions on the back of the gloves as they rush up and down the ice. Without a doubt, the glove is central to the game of hockey.
Let’s take a closer look at this essential hockey accessory and why it has evolved the way it has.
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The Original Thumb Loop
The original thumb loop was first made popular during the early 1900s. It was designed to give the user more control over the puck while preventing the player from having to use his or her dominant hand to keep hold of it. The device evolved as a sort of hybrid between a hook and a ball, forming an “S” shape when held in front of the palm. This design remained largely unchanged for more than a century, although its shape did vary a bit with each maker.
In 1878, for example, the Schrade Hockey Glove featured a design that looked like a combination of an “S” and a “U” shape. Later that same year, the design was updated again to look more like an “S” shape flanked by two spikes. This last version would become synonymous with the hockey glove, which was first manufactured by the Wolverine company in 1913.
The concept behind the thumb loop is to give the user more control over the puck by preventing it from slipping through their fingers. To this end, it was perfectly positioned between the thumb and the first finger when worn. It also prevented the player’s hand from resting too flat against the surface, which would eventually lead to cramping or inflammation.
Hockey Glove Designs Evolved To Serve A Variety Of Purposes
Since the invention of the hockey glove, designers have worked hard to give the player more control over the puck and, at the same time, provide better gripping security. This has resulted in some interesting changes to the classic “S” design. For example, the Schrade Hockey Glove II, which was first made available in the 1960s and is still in production today, features a diamond pattern cut into the palm to improve traction on the ice. The shape of the diamond has been modified several times over the years, so that it now extends all the way up the inside of the glove for a sleeker appearance.
The middle finger of the glove is also positioned differently in the diamond patterned versions, sitting closer to the palm of the hand, which provides better stability while also allowing for more finger movement. Even the leather itself has been altered to make it look more like a glove and less like a piece of jewelry. This approach has resulted in an interesting hybrid of a sports watch and a pair of gloves, offering the user a stylish accessory that is also functional and environmentally conscious.
Designs Inspired By Nature
As mentioned, the design of the thumb loop has changed numerous times over the years. And, in fact, it is still in continual evolution, being modified to this day to better fit the needs of the users. As a result, natural disasters such as earthquakes have now become an inspiration for manufacturers looking to design more stable handwear. For example, the Epic™ Grip Glove from Bauer, which was inspired by the lobster claw motif, evolved from two major earthquakes that struck the country it is named after. The Epic™ brand was actually the result of a merging of two companies, so it is fitting that this product is named after natural disasters that affected a vast area of the United States. The lobster claw design provides additional fingertip protection while increasing stability and control when playing sports like hockey.
Even avian species have inspired designers. The famous ostrich feather design, which was used for the Chicago Blackhawks’ logo from 1924 to 1931 and can still be found on their current jerseys, was first used as a trim on women’s gloves in the early 1900s. And it wasn’t until the 1960s that the feather began to make its way onto the hand of a professional hockey player. This time it was used as an insert on the thumb portion of the wrist rest for goalies. Today, the ostrich feather design can be found on many different types of gloves, including those used by figure skaters and even some baseball players. As a result, a majority of the gloves you’ll see have some type of bird design printed on them, be it a real or fake bird feather design, or even an actual bird, such as an ostrich or a penguin.
Developed To Fit The Shape Of The Puck
The original idea behind the hockey glove was to provide a hard surface for the puck to bounce off of, instead of the ice or the natural surface of the earth. This type of surface is much more stable and allows for better control of the puck, especially when coming from a sharp angle. As a result, many hockey gloves have flat palms and are designed to fit the shape of the puck. This approach not only makes for a sleeker look while also preventing slippage of the puck, but it prevents the wear and tear on both the glove and the puck itself that would occur from constant sliding all over the place. It also improves the speed at which the puck can be handled, since there is less energy expended while maneuvering it around the palm.
Wearable Art
Some gloves now incorporate beautiful and elaborate artwork into the leather itself, using a range of traditional and nontraditional materials to bring the beauty of the forest or the ocean inside your home. You’ll often see artwork used for decorative purposes, but some manufacturers have found a way to integrate it into their product, creating a seamless design that merges leather and art.
The materials used to make each glove are also important, with eco-friendly products being a key consideration. Most professional hockey players use gloves made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or synthetic leather. However, there are some hockey players who choose to use gloves made from animal skins, largely due to their traditional fashion appeal. Just remember to always go for the green version if you are deciding between purchasing leather or synthetic gloves.
More Than Meets The Eye
It is no secret that the range of materials and the design of the thumb loop have changed over the years, resulting in a type of glove that is more than just a simple protective item. Some players choose to use specific pairs of gloves for certain types of sports. For instance, the Satchmo™ SLG01 from Amerifreight was designed with the assistance of John Elway, featuring a hook design on the back of the glove that was inspired by the shape of the Broncos’ head coach’s hand. This allows for better control of the ball when playing quarterback, facilitating smoother passes and increasing the chances of a big play. In addition to the design, the gloves also feature memory foam that was invented in the 1970s to provide better shock absorption and fingertip comfort. The material is also transparent, so you can see your nails through it, adding to the fashion appeal of the product.
As for the origin of the name “Satchmo”, it is a combination of the last name of Broncos owner and philanthropist Stan Kroenke and the French word “satche”, which means “hat”. As a result, this type of glove is also known as the “hatchet” glove. But probably the most interesting feature of this product is the fact that it is the first pair of gloves to bear the signature of NFL football’s all-time leading passer, taking inspiration from a range of sources including Native American culture and artistry.