Junior Goalie Catchers

Intermediate, Junior, and Youth Catch Gloves: Importance, How to Choose, and Popular Brands

Catch gloves, also known as trappers, play a crucial role in a goaltender's performance and protection on the ice, regardless of age or skill level. For intermediate, junior, and youth goalies, selecting the right catch glove involves considering factors like fit, break angle, protection, closure, and pocket size. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of catch gloves for these age groups, how to choose the right one, and some popular brands that offer high-quality options.

Importance of Catch Gloves for Intermediate, Junior, and Youth Goalies

1. Puck Control: A catch glove enables the goaltender to catch and secure the puck during play, preventing rebounds and scoring opportunities for the opposing team.

2. Protection: Catch gloves provide essential protection to the hand and wrist, shielding the goaltender from potentially dangerous shots and impacts.

3. Comfort: A well-designed catch glove offers comfort and flexibility, allowing the goaltender to make catches with ease and without restriction.

How to Choose a Catch Glove for Intermediate, Junior, and Youth Goalies

1. Fit: A catch glove should fit comfortably on the hand while still allowing for a full range of motion. Consult the manufacturer's sizing charts to find the appropriate size for your age group.

2. Break Angle: The break angle refers to the position of the catching surface in relation to the wrist. Different break angles cater to various catching styles, so choose one that feels comfortable and natural for you.

3. Protection: Ensure the catch glove provides ample padding and protection in crucial areas, such as the palm, fingers, and wrist.

4. Closure: Consider the type of closure system on the glove, such as a traditional lacing system or a quick-release system, depending on your preference for ease of use and adjustability.

5. Pocket: The pocket is the area where the puck is caught and held. Look for a pocket size that suits your catching style, with larger pockets offering a wider catching surface and smaller pockets providing more precise control.

Popular Brands for Intermediate, Junior, and Youth Catch Gloves

1. Bauer: Bauer offers a range of high-quality catch gloves designed for comfort, protection, and performance. Their Supreme and Vapor lines cater to different preferences and are available in intermediate, junior, and youth sizes.

2. CCM: CCM provides catch gloves with a focus on protection and flexibility. Their Premier and E-Flex lines cater to various playing styles and protection requirements, and they also offer options for intermediate, junior, and youth goalies.

3. Vaughn: Known for their comfortable and protective gear, Vaughn offers catch gloves with a focus on fit and mobility. Their Ventus and Velocity lines provide goalies with dependable options for catching and controlling the puck, with sizing available for intermediate, junior, and youth players.

4. Warrior: Warrior's Ritual line of catch gloves emphasizes comfort, protection, and puck control, ensuring goalies have the support they need during play. They offer options for intermediate, junior, and youth goaltenders.

5. Brians: Brians offers innovative catch gloves designed for maximum protection and performance. Their Optik and G-NETik lines cater to different preferences and are available in sizes for intermediate, junior, and youth goalies.

In conclusion, catch gloves play a critical role in a goaltender's performance and protection on the ice, regardless of age or skill level. When choosing a catch glove, consider factors like fit, break angle, protection, closure, and pocket size. Research the offerings from popular brands like Bauer, CCM, Vaughn, Warrior, and Brians to find the perfect catch glove that caters to your preferences and playing style. With