Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and is widely regarded as Canada's national pastime. But this game---which is played on ice---features many hazards of play, such as a fast-moving, solid puck, blades on the bottom of skates and rules that allow for players to be checked into walls made of wood and plastic. Because of the risks involved in the sport, several items of safety gear are worn along with the equipment used to play the game. Some special equipment is used to play defense.
Helmet
Most hockey players wear helmets to protect their heads from injury. The same goes for the goalie, but a goalie's helmet is different than the helmets used by other players---goalie helmets feature a much stronger metal cage in the area of the face. This cage is needed to keep the puck from flying in and injuring the goalie. A goalie is tasked with stopping pucks often moving so fast they can barely be seen, so preventative measures are necessary to make sure the goalie can safely defend the net.
Body Padding
All players wear padding around their chest and torso, as well as on their legs. A goalie is the only defender that may wear thicker padding in these locations. As with the goalie's helmet, this increased protection is due to the puck traveling at high speeds toward the body.
Hockey Sticks
Every player in a hockey game needs a stick---this is a vital piece of equipment with which the player handles the puck. Passing and shooting are also done with this stick, which is often made of wood and sometimes taped along the blade to improve the player's control of the puck. Goalies often use hockey sticks with a wider blade and a shorter handle, because these players crouch low to the ground during play.
Gloves
Most players choose to wear gloves that keep their hands warm and protected while providing good grip on their stick. A goalie has a larger glove that looks similar to a catcher's mitt used in baseball. This glove has a larger surface area and increased padding to allow the goalie to catch and handle the puck.
Skates
Skates are necessary for a player to maintain control on the ice. Although skating can be difficult to learn, this piece of equipment ultimately allows for greater speed and control than a hockey player would have flat-footed. These skates are equipped with a sharp metal blade on the bottom of the footwear.
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