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The Puck - A vulcanized rubber disk that is three inches in diameter and
one inch thick. The puck is frozen before play to help eliminate bouncing.
Hockey Stick - The most pampered piece of gear. It weighs 17 to 25
ounces and is made to order for pros. Once mainly wood, it now comes in
fiberglass, plastic or graphite. The goaltender's stick is larger at the blade
and shaft. Right handers put their right hand at the top of the stick and shoot
from their left side. Lefties reverse the procedure. The lower hand is
positioned according to the situation. When stick handling, players keep their
lower hands close to the top of the stick. When passing, they move it lower
increasing the force of the blow to the puck. Most players go through a few
dozen sticks a year.
Pants - Made of nylon, held up with a suspender or belt. The top reaches
high enough to protect the kidneys and lower back. Fiber pads are sewn in.
Ice Skates - Hard-toed, sharpened daily. The blades differ according to
position. Each player may use up to three pairs.
Goalie's Gear - Overstuffed leg pads, plus a heavy felt chest protector
that covers the shoulders, stomach and abdomen. The goalie also wears a large
glove with a shield on the back side. Their skates need less sharpening and
also have less room between the blade and the boot, so pucks can't clip
through. Other equipment includes a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, shin pads
and elbow pads.
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