The Rise And Fall Of Professional Hockey

ember a time when hockey was awesome. Yousmack of the puck you know you had better be
know, before the strike and the fall from popularwearing proper padding for such a physical game.
demand and interest? It wasn't just Canada thenThat is why hockey equipment is so vital to the health
either--the NHL was chock full of talented players andand well being of the players, especially the goalie.
dominating teams. Sadly, I fear those days are over.They have one of the most demanding jobs on the
It used to be about respect for the players and theice. When a player takes a slap shot, you had better
team coordination, but recently it has been more aboutbelieve the goalie is terribly glad to have a proper
the hockey fights. Everyone loves a good hockeyhockey goalie mask to protect himself. The amount of
fight. Usually they are provoked, but you still never quitepadding a hockey player wears, especially the goalie, is
expect them to happen so fast. Next thing you knowgreater than other sports. The hockey puck looks
fists are flying and someone gets stuffed into theinnocuous but at high speeds can cause massive
penalty box. Sure, they are entertaining to watch, butbruising (hematoma), fractured bones, broken bones
what about the game? I mean, hockey has alwaysand skin abrasions. So, you better believe those goalies
been a very physical and dangerous game. Betweenhave the best you can buy when it comes to hockey
the fights, the body checking, and just the painfulequipment.