goalie skates

Question
QUESTION: I'm new to the goalie game(i've played defense for 4 or 5 seasons now recreationally)I'm about to start playing goalie this season and I'm 26,am i crazy?hope not.I've got really good deals on all my equipment but I have not purchased goalie skates,how badly will this affect my performance?

ANSWER: Hi John

Yah...you're crazy!! What is the appeal, the cool mask? The bulky nasty stinky gloves? The awe of carrying a big stick?? LOL
Well, that is great! First thing, make sure you stretch really really good before and after b/c you'll be doing some crazy Hasik stuff I'm sure!

I wouldn't worry about the skates yet b/c they are big and clunky and you are going to probably get frustrated with them. They can prevent you from popping back up from a butterfly too. Play a little while w/ your regular skates and then see how you feel. If you can get used goalers, I would try that first. Get back to me w/ more if you need.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The excitement is the appeal to me,defense is getting really boring and since I'm diving in front of the puck all the time anyway,might as well put some bigger pads on right?haha,thanks for the quick response I really appreciate it.what kind of neck protection do you suggest?The foam piece seems a bit more comfortable than the plastic,but maybe not as helpful

Answer
Good point John!

Until college I always wore a plastic one that hung off the cage. I switched to only the cloth one that you wore like a shirt and it had padding to cover your chest a bit and wrapped around your neck (D&R brand). When I switched to a mask, the chin part was long enough that i didn't need anything else. Also, to prevent a cut from a skate, a thin piece of cloth, like a turtle-neck, is all it takes to stop it (usually).