Protective gear for goalies has come a long way in half a century. Although helmets have been around longer in hockey, the use of a mask in professional hockey can be traced to 1959, when Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacques Plante refused to re-enter a game after suffering a facial injury without a protective mask to prevent further damage. Today's goalies wear not only protective masks but full-on metal cages that completely protect the face from high-flying hockey pucks. Assuming you already have a fitted helmet available to you -- it is unwise to simply use whatever equipment is available regardless of whether it is properly sized -- putting on a goaltender's helmet is easy.
Step 1
Check the exterior of the goalie helmet to make sure the mask is properly anchored. The caged mask is anchored to the helmet with screws on most models of helmets. These screws should be secure in the helmet, and the brackets holding the cage to the screws should also be tight and strong.
Step 2
Place the hockey helmet onto your head. The fit of the helmet should be snug, with little room to shake or wobble. This will help keep the helmet on your head during play and reduce your risk of concussion.
Step 3
Secure all buckles and clips on the helmet, including the chin strap. On many models, this strap snaps into the helmet on both sides, near the ears, and features an adjustable clip to make it tighter or looser. Make sure the strap fits snugly over your chin.
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