Once limited to the fringes of hockey culture, roller hockey holds several advantages over conventional ice hockey, the most obvious being that it doesn’t require ice to be played. Players in warm climates, or even those in cold climates on the off season, can now enjoy the pleasures of their favourite game without incurring costly arena fees to access ice in a climate that was never intended to have ice anywhere but in drinks.

Roller hockey is a fast growing sport that is working its way out of the streets and into the league of serious athletics. While roller hockey has been an iceless alternative to conventional hockey for years, only recently has it gained popularity among the more serious sports enthusiasts, and specialty roller hockey gear is now available alongside conventional ice hockey equipment. Among the skates and sticks, roller hockey goalie pads are taking up shelf space and finding their way into the ‘must have’ list of roller hockey goalies everywhere.

Goalie pads offer the obvious advantages of providing a broad, flat surface for the roller hockey puck or ball to contact, allowing the goalie a more predictable trajectory on impact. Furthermore, goalie pads protect the shins and knees from tissue damage as a result of repeated impact with the puck or ball, and allow to goalie to focus on his or her job of stopping goals as opposed to avoiding injury. Goalie pads are also a good idea for younger players and other newcomers to the game, as they can be more likely to be injured and also more likely to be discouraged from further play if hurt.

Roller hockey goalie pads, like their ice-based counterparts, come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, from tiny pink pads to full sized men’s pads with team logos. Many roller hockey goalie pads boast such specialized features as rebound resistant foam, synthetic leather construction, a rectangular flat face and laced-in thigh boards.

When purchasing roller hockey goalie pads, it is a good idea to speak to a dealer who is familiar with roller hockey as a unique sport separate from ice hockey, as an experienced retailer will be more able to direct customers to appropriate gear for their age, size, and experience level.