Goalie Blocker Buying Guide: Picking the Best Blocker

The blocker is the most underrated piece of equipment a goalie can use. Most just say “a blocker is a blocker”, but the blocker controls a goalie stick placement, balance, movement in a stance and rebound control. As with the glove, the blocker should be snug against the fingers, back of the hand and at the wrist. The fingers should completely fill out the length of the finger stalls to allow for maximum grip and control. If possible, trying the blocker on with the chest protector and with a stick in the hand will allow for the perfect feel before purchased.

Blockers usually come in 2 different styles. The first being a “block” styled board in which the entire board is the same thickness on the front as it is on the back. A beveled styled board has a thinner surface across the back of the hand, which reduces some weight. Generally blockers will come with different layers of foam on them which can rebound the puck differently. Softer styled boards will keep the puck in close as where harder styled boards will punch the puck further out towards the corners. There are different palms for blockers which wear differently and give a goalie different grips on the stick. They also feature either a binding around the perimeter board or have a bindingless look. Both of these functions create different types of wear on the blocker and are also completely preferential amongst the goalies looks.

Goalie blockers are offered in different levels of protection and are made of certain materials to hold up for different uses. Pro blockers are designed be used 4-7 times per week, senior blockers to be used 2-5 times a week and lower senior blockers are to be used 1-3 times a week. Of course, the quality of shots a goaltender faces will determine the correct level of protection, but other factors can be considered to keep new gear last longer. Including how much a goaltender sweats during a game, how much tape is used on their sticks as tape can wear away the palm of the blocker, how much a goalie uses the paddle down position and ultimately how well a goalie cares for their equipment.

Blockers might not feature as many custom options as other pieces of equipment, but they greatly effect a goalies stance and style. Along with the different palms and binding options, depending on the company, goalies can also order different sized palms, move the blocker hand placement up or down, have the inside sidewall reinforced or even have the finger protection altered.