Discussions On Goalie Equipment

The NHL and the NHL Players' Association got together in Toronto on
Wednesday to examine the size and configuration of goalie equipment.

The biggest news coming out the meeting was that changes are coming.

There will be subtle modifications done for next season, like
eliminating some of the 'extra padding' that helps goaltenders stop
pucks as opposed to protecting them.

"Goaltender equipment really only needs to be large enough to provide
safety and protection for the goalie," stated Player's Association
executive director Paul Kelly.

A universal measurement system will be developed so goalies will wear
equipment that will properly fit them as opposed to wearing bulky
gear. The measurement system is at least a year away from happening,
but it's designed for the process of 'shaping' goaltenders as opposed
to making them look more square like we've seen in recent years.

The idea to have a group examine the goalie equipment issue came about
at the GM's meetings in Naples, Fla., in February, where there was
unanimous consent to do something about the equipment size.

If the group decides changes to the rules governing goaltender
equipment are warranted, and will not jeopardize the safety of the
goalies, their recommendations will be forwarded to the NHL's
competition committee for consideration.

"The players have been really good about this," Carolina Hurricanes'
president and general manager Jim Rutherford told TSN. "They
understand the issue. Of course the goalies are paid to give up as
few goals as possible to do their job and they represented themselves
properly with the understanding of what is best for the overall game."

Today's meeting included league commissioner Gary Bettman, deputy
commissioner Bill Daly, and current NHL 'goalie equipment police' Kay
Whitmore representing the National Hockey League, general managers
Rutherford and Doug Risebrough, along with Steve Yzerman from the Red
Wings.

Along with NHLPA head Kelly, Player's Association ombudsman Eric
Lindros and Northeast Divisional Representative Rob Zaumner were also
on hand.

Current players Martin Brodeur, Rick DiPietro, Ryan Miller, Dany
Heatley and Mike Cammalleri of the LA Kings were also involved in
today's meeting.

"We wanted to be fair and even handed," Kelly said. "We wanted all
the goaltenders to be playing on a level playing field, and on that
principle I think we made some real progress."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240398&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl

It will be nice to see the excess padding eliminated.