Safety gear used in ice hockey and the specialty of the skate
The puck in a game of ice hockey is the object that is the one around which the game revolves. Much like the ball in a game of football, this is the object that players endeavor to gain control of and push it into the opponent’s goal post. However, in ice hockey the puck moves at a speed of over 160 kilometer per hour given the slick icy surface which is hard, upon which the game is played. It is therefore natural for the players also to move at equally if not higher speeds to maneuver the ball within their team’s control.
Moving about at such speeds within the limited space leads to numerous occasions where players collide with each other. Sometimes the collision is intentional also and is termed as “checking” in the game of ice hockey.
These issues lead to dangerous situations where the player could be seriously hurt. For this reason players'are equipped with an array of safety gears along with the basic equipment of ice skates and the stick to play the game with. These safety gears include the helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads and even mouth guard as well as neck protector. And, one is supposed to be fully geared in them before stepping out of the lockers rooms.The goaltenders have some additional gears which safe guards them from a direct hit of the puck.
A thick layer of leather or nylon makes up the skates used by the players in the game. This provides additional protection to the feet and lower legs of the player. The ends of the skates are also rounded at both ends which allows for easier maneuvering by the player wearing them. There is once again a difference in the skate used by the goaltender. It is lower than the rest in height as well as square at the ends. This gives the individual more lateral movement which is important for the person.
There have also been a number of amendments to rules of the game that have evolved with time. Some of the significant ones were the rule allowing for body checking in all three zones in a rink which was introduced in 1969. In 1970 wearing of helmets and goal tender masks became mandatory.
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