equipment

Question
I'm just starting goalie in an adult/instructional league.  I'm 47 y/o.
I have Reebok pads and at the top of the pads there is a flap with an adjustable elastic band.  Does this flap go on the outside of the pants or under the pant leg?  If outside where do I connect the elastic band?

Also, do I have to use the strings at the bottom or can I just use the strap to the bottom of my skate?

Answer
I have always put the Protective  flap on the outside, however I had friends that would put it under the pant leg. I guess it is kind of a prefferance.

The reason I would do this was because it allowed me to have more mobility, and the puck never creeped up my pant leg. Is the elastic band velcro on the end? if so, I would just wrap it around your leg and attach it to itself, keeping it loose, but not so much that it slides around to much.

I assume you are talking about the strings at the toe? That depends on how tight you keep the straps around your calf. I used the strings because I kept my pads somewhat loose, but if you keep them tight, it doesn't really matter. My suggestion would be to just experiment with what feels best to you. Being a beginner you haven't formed any habits that can't be changed/corrected. There are many different goaltending styles and it makes a difference as to how the equipment is being worn. Try a few different things and see what feels best to you.

Hope this helps. Feel free to follow up if you have anymore questions.

Thanks,
Joe