Hockey gloves serve a dual purpose. First and foremost, they protect the player's hands from errant pucks, sticks and skates that come every player's way. As a result they must be hard and strong on the outside portion of the glove. However, the palm portion of the glove must be sensitive and provide ease of motion because players need to shoot, pass and stick handle without extra effort. Manufacturers have been remarkable adept at being able to provide both characteristics in gloves for many decades. In recent years, advancements have come with gloves that wick away the perspiration from a player's hands during the course of the game. In the past, the palm area grew heavy and wet during the course of the game. That problem has not been completely eliminated, but it has been reduced.
What to Look for
Players definitely want to have gloves that have the strength to withstand the blow of an errant stick, but they should not mistake a heavy glove for one that offers superior protection. Many of the older gloves were at least 2 to 3 oz. heavier than they are today. While that may not sound like much, it is quite a burden over a 60-minute game and especially over a long season.
Manufacturers use foam and a hard plastic shell to protect a player's hands. They have also changed the interior design to give players more ease of movement and finger dexterity. That allows for sharper stick handling and crisper passing. The best gloves are built from the inside out. That means that manufacturers are trying to improve the functionality of the glove and then attend to the protective aspects. Today's players are always making suggestions on how the gloves can be more responsive and manufacturers generally listen and try to implement their suggestions. The protective aspect of the glove is a bit more straightforward and less mysterious.
Common Pitfalls
Players tend to stick with their equipment for longer than they should because they are creatures of habit and many refuse to change. However, the hand works so hard and perspires so much during a game that gloves simply will not last forever. Technological advances are coming quite quickly and players hurt themselves by sticking with equipment that has lost much of its functionality. As players advance up the ranks, they can purchase custom gloves that are form fitting. This is highly desirable, but it is an expensive option.
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