Mike McKenna on what he wears, where it comes from, and who pays for it all at the pro level

Mike is sharing his second column with us today. He would love to answer some questions from readers in his next column – if you have anything you’d like to ask whether it is based on what he has already written, or just on goaltending in general – fire them our way in the comments or to david@inGoalMag.com and I’ll pass them on.

Like this one? Check out Mike’s First Article How do the NHL, AHL and ECHL Differ – a Goalie’s Perspective

If you’re a goaltender, chances are you’ve been asked this question; “Why on earth would you want to be a goalie!?!” Although there are many different routes to take when answering, the main idea almost always gravitates towards a common theme: equipment. If you’re anything like me, you found yourself instantly drawn to the guy standing awkwardly in front of the red cage, decked out from head to toe in goofy-looking equipment and wearing the coolest looking mask you had ever seen.

As a child, I was lucky. My dad, Terry, is an off-ice official for the NHL in St. Louis (as was my Grandpa), a part-time gig with a major bonus: two tickets to Blues home games. And since off-ice officials have to arrive well in advance of the opening faceoff, it afforded me a golden opportunity: watching the opposing teams’ warm up. I developed a habit of studying their goaltenders’ every move and taking note of the gear they wore. Before long – and mainly due to an intense fascination with equipment – goaltending was my passion.

I’m even luckier today. New gear arrives every few months, not as a ritual of professional extravagance or elitism, but rather a necessity. After several months of constant use against the hardest shooters in the world, foams contained within goalie gear starts to break down rapidly. Because of this, I usually receive a new blocker, glove, and pad set 2-3 times a year, depending on playoffs. It’s generally accepted – although not mandated – that AHL goalies will receive at least two sets of gear per season, while those in lower leagues might receive only one. Once you reach the NHL, however, things change. If you need or want something – especially if you’re the starter – a new piece of gear is only a phone call away. Goalies routinely rotate 2-3 sets of gloves at one time, and some even have home and away helmets. Regardless of the level you are playing, professional teams are responsible for the cost of all equipment.

Although I have the option of wearing any equipment company that has paid league fees (NHL, AHL, ECHL, etc all have this requirement), I’ve worn primarily Bauer since I was 15 years old. When I made it to NCAA Divison-I hockey with St. Lawrence University, I had the chance to visit Bauer’s goaltending headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario for a custom fitting. That day I met Todd Brown, director of Bauer’s goalie products. Ever since, we have maintained a strong working relationship: if I need something, Todd is the first person (aside from our equipment manager) that I call. He has all my specs on file and can quickly make changes or recommend a slight alteration for my next set of gear.

One myth associated with pro hockey is that equipment companies always pay goaltenders to endorse their product. While some NHL (and a select few AHL) goalies do receive incentive packages to promote a certain manufacturer, not everyone is so lucky, especially in the current economic climate. The reality is that some goalies choose a company based purely on customer service. Just like any other business, personal relationships can be very powerful. I use Bauer not only because I like their product, but because they have been very good to me throughout my career. I’m a firm believer that loyalty pays off in the long run.

I’m sure plenty of people reading this would like an in-depth analysis of my gear setup. Like most goaltenders, my equipment has evolved over time. I’ll do my best to describe all the modifications. Keep in mind that all of my equipment is sent to Kay Whitmore at the NHL for inspection and approval, just like every other goaltender playing in the NHL or AHL. If you look close enough, you can find his signature somewhere on every piece of gear I wear. Please forgive me if I leave anything out, and feel free to ask questions. Hopefully I can answer them all in another column.

Skates

Spec: Bauer Supreme One95
Size: 10 D/E
Hollow: 1/4” – 3/8” depending on ice conditions
Mods: I use a size 9 TUUK cowling instead of a 10 because I like a shorter ‘wheelbase.’
Pairs/season: One pair of skates, 3-4 sets of cowlings.

Pads

Spec: Bauer Supreme One100
Size: 34”+4”
Mods: Stiff knee breaks, incorporated toe bridge, no straps above knee, all outside straps below knee, extra stiff knee lifts
Comments: I like my pads as stiff as possible, while retaining a mild “S” shape to them. I don’t want my pads to flex at the knee. Straps above the knee aren’t necessary because of this. My knee lifts are the maximum length and as stiff as possible: I make a lot of saves with them when down and I need as much on-ice coverage as possible. In college, my pads were 37”+1” and they fit properly because the boot used to break down so much. Today’s pads keep their height because of the stiffness of the boot. I’ve gradually moved to 34”+4” over time because of this…and because of my short shins!
Tip: If you want your pads to retain their original height, DO NOT turn them upside down to dry. It makes the pad flex to a 90 degree angle and causes them to break down prematurely.
Pairs/season: 2-3, but could easily use 5-6 if given the resources.

Pants

Spec: Bauer Reactor6/Vapor/custom
Size: XL
Pairs/season: One.
Comments: My pants are basically the old Reactor 6 with some slight cosmetic changes. Pants are one thing I don’t like to change very often. One pair a year is enough.
Tip: If you wear a belt, make sure NOT to over-tighten it…many young goalies lose coverage this way.

Arm & Chest

Spec: Bauer Supreme One95
Size: XL
Mods: 1” extra length and double padding on the arms.
Number/season: One…but would use at least 2 given the resources.
Comments: I wear my arm & chest as high as possible in order to protect the clavicle area and tuck it into my pants for improved mobility/comfort. You’d be amazed how torn up this piece of equipment is after a year of usage. There’s no mercy on goalies these days and we take a beating up high in practice.

Glove

Spec: Bauer Supreme One100
Mods: Single T-trap instead of double T.
Number/season: 2-3, could use up to 5-6
Comments: I like the solid feel of the single T-trap. No need to change something that has worked for years.

Blocker

Spec: Bauer Supreme One100
Mods: Palm size is 10% bigger than stock.
Number/season: 2-3, could use 4-5

Mask

Spec: Warwick Custom
Model: Miller
Bars: Titanium
Artist: David Gunnarsson aka DaveArt
Number/season: One
Comments: I’ve used Warwick masks since I was 15. They’re the lightest on the market and always fit perfect. Gary takes pride in his work and it shows. I started going to Dave last year when I was with Norfolk. I’d seen several of his helmets and checked out his website (http://www.daveart.com). He’s the best mask painter out there; I have yet to see a style he can’t do. I’m a huge IndyCar/F1 fan and as such, my preference is a helmet that looks good up close, but even better from a distance.

Sticks

Spec: Sher-Wood
Model: S.O.P 9950
Number/season: 4 dozen +
Comments: My stick is a modified Grant Fuhr pattern that I got when I was 13 or 14 years old. It’s a slightly open heel curve and a pretty high lie…about a 16 or 17. It hasn’t changed much since I scored a goal as a 17-year old in the NAHL.

Miscellaneous

• RBK knee guards
• RBK throat collar
• Vaughn Epic Double Cup w/ player cup underneath

Editor’s note: I got the first question in becuse I just had to clarify this one – you probably read it correctly – 3 cups!  Mike replied, “Almost every pro goalie uses a regular cup or jock underneath a goalie cup.  It’s not worth taking the chance with how hard these guys shoot.”

• DRI-fit long-sleeve shirt & pants, tight fit for both
• Easton garter belt
• Easton wrist bands

Like this one? Check out Mike’s First Article How do the NHL, AHL and ECHL Differ – a Goalie’s Perspective

Related posts:

1. Goalie Gear for the Beginner – How do you get started?
2. Goalie gear officially shrinks in September
3. Book Review: The Hockey Goalie’s Complete Guide by Francois Allaire
4. Kay Whitmore on Goalie Equipment Regulations and Sizes
5. New Goal Pad Regulations for 2010-2011 Complex and May Make Little Difference