The National Hockey League (NHL) is known for its fast-paced, physical, and intense gameplay. One aspect that is often overlooked is the care and maintenance of the players’ equipment, particularly their gloves. Many fans may wonder what NHL players do with their gloves between periods. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of NHL glove care and provide answers to this intriguing question. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply curious about the game, this article will give you a glimpse into the world of NHL glove care and what players do to keep their gloves in top condition. So, buckle up and get ready to learn more about the gloves that help these players block shots and score goals.
The Importance of Hockey Gloves in NHL
How Hockey Gloves Help NHL Players
Finger Protection
Hockey gloves are designed to protect the fingers of NHL players from impacts and collisions on the ice. They are made with reinforced materials and padding to absorb the force of pucks and sticks, preventing fractures and other injuries. The gloves also provide support to the fingers, making it easier for players to grip their sticks and control the puck during gameplay.
Hand Protection
Hockey gloves not only protect the fingers, but also the entire hand of NHL players. They are made with hard-shell material on the back of the hand, which provides a barrier against pucks, sticks, and other equipment that may come into contact with the hand. Additionally, the gloves are designed to maintain a tight fit around the wrist, preventing injuries to the wrist and forearm.
Wrist Protection
Hockey gloves also offer wrist protection to NHL players. They are designed to be tight-fitting around the wrist, which helps prevent sprains and fractures. Additionally, some gloves feature a protective barrier around the wrist, which can help absorb impacts and protect against injuries.
Overall, hockey gloves play a crucial role in protecting NHL players from injuries on the ice. They are specifically designed to provide protection to the fingers, hands, and wrists, which are all vulnerable areas during gameplay.
Types of Hockey Gloves Used by NHL Players
Goalie Gloves
Goalie gloves are a crucial part of a goalie’s equipment. They are designed to provide maximum protection and control for the goalie. The gloves are made of a special material that is flexible enough to allow for a full range of motion but sturdy enough to withstand shots from high-speed pucks. The gloves also feature a reinforced catching surface and a flexible wrist cuff to help the goalie make quick and accurate saves.
Defenseman Gloves
Defenseman gloves are designed to provide a balance between protection and mobility. They are typically longer and more tapered than forward gloves, which allows for better coverage of the stick and easier control of the puck. The gloves also feature reinforced knuckle protection and a stiffening material in the back of the hand to help with checking and blocking shots.
Forward Gloves
Forward gloves are designed to provide speed and agility on the ice. They are typically shorter and more tapered than defenseman gloves, which allows for faster hand movements and quicker shots. The gloves also feature a lightweight and flexible design, which helps with passing and stickhandling. Additionally, forward gloves often have a more flexible wrist cuff and a thinner material in the back of the hand to improve dexterity and control.
NHL Glove Care During the Game
Glove Changes and Maintenance
- When to Change Gloves
- Frequency depends on personal preference and the condition of the gloves
- Typically, players change their gloves after every period or as needed
- Goalies may change their gloves more frequently due to the high number of saves made
- Cleaning and Drying Gloves
- Gloves should be cleaned after each use to remove sweat and dirt
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the gloves and let them air dry
- Do not use direct heat or sunlight to dry the gloves, as this can cause damage
- Glove Taping
- Players may tape their gloves to improve grip and control
- Different taping patterns can be used for different purposes, such as added support or a better fit
- Taping should be done before the game and removed after each use
NHL Glove Care Between Periods
What Do NHL Players Do with Their Gloves Between Periods?
Warming Up Gloves
During the intermission, NHL players typically take the time to warm up their gloves in preparation for the next period. This is especially important for goaltenders, who need to maintain their hand and wrist flexibility to make quick saves. To warm up their gloves, players may use a heat pack or place their gloves near a heat source such as a hot water bottle or a heating pad. They may also do some light stretching exercises to increase blood flow to their hands and wrists.
Resting Gloves
In addition to warming up their gloves, NHL players also take the time to rest their gloves between periods. This means removing their gloves and allowing their hands to rest and recover from the physical demands of the game. Players may use this time to stretch their hands and fingers, massage their palms, or simply rest their hands for a few minutes.
Inspecting Gloves
Another important aspect of NHL glove care between periods is inspecting the gloves for any damage or wear and tear. Players may check for tears in the palms or fingers, worn-out patches, or any other signs of damage that could affect their performance on the ice. If they notice any issues, they may ask the equipment manager to repair the gloves or provide a replacement pair.
Overall, NHL players take their glove care very seriously, as their gloves are essential to their performance on the ice. By warming up, resting, and inspecting their gloves between periods, they can ensure that their gloves are in top condition and ready for the next period of play.
Glove Maintenance for Optimal Performance
Stretching and Flexing Gloves
Stretching and flexing gloves is a crucial aspect of glove maintenance for NHL players. It is essential to ensure that the gloves maintain their flexibility and comfort throughout the game. Players typically stretch and flex their gloves between periods to prevent stiffness and maintain the necessary range of motion for their hands.
The process of stretching and flexing gloves involves the following steps:
- Glove Removal: The player starts by removing the gloves from their hands. This step is essential as it allows the player to access the gloves without any hindrance.
- Glove Inspection: The player then inspects the gloves for any damage or wear and tear. Any damaged areas are typically repaired before proceeding with the stretching and flexing process.
- Glove Stretching: The player then stretches the gloves by gently pulling them apart with their hands. This process helps to maintain the gloves’ flexibility and prevents them from becoming stiff.
- Glove Flexing: The player then flexes the gloves by bending them back and forth repeatedly. This process helps to maintain the gloves’ suppleness and ensures that they are comfortable to wear during the game.
- Glove Reinsertion: Finally, the player puts the gloves back on their hands, ensuring that they are securely fastened.
It is important to note that stretching and flexing should be done regularly throughout the game to prevent any build-up of sweat or dirt, which can lead to odor and bacterial growth. Proper maintenance of the gloves can significantly impact the player’s performance and help to prevent injuries.
Applying Heat and Cold Therapy
When it comes to maintaining their gloves for optimal performance, NHL players employ various techniques, including the application of heat and cold therapy. This approach involves the strategic use of heat and cold to alleviate pain, improve circulation, and enhance the overall condition of the gloves. Here’s a closer look at how this method works:
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is a popular method used by NHL players to prepare their gloves for action. By applying heat to the gloves, players can loosen up the stiffness in the gloves, allowing for better mobility and flexibility. Heat therapy can also help to alleviate any discomfort or pain caused by bruises or other injuries.
One way that players apply heat to their gloves is by using heat packs or hot water bottles. These can be placed inside the gloves for a specified amount of time to help warm them up. Additionally, some players may opt to use a hairdryer to blow hot air into the gloves, which can also help to loosen up any stiffness.
Cold Therapy
In addition to heat therapy, cold therapy is also employed by NHL players to maintain their gloves. Cold therapy involves the application of cold packs or ice to the gloves to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
One common method used by players is to place ice packs inside the gloves and wrap them in a towel or cloth. This helps to keep the ice pack in place and prevents it from melting too quickly. The ice packs are typically left on for a period of 10-15 minutes, and can be repeated as needed.
Overall, the application of heat and cold therapy is an important aspect of NHL glove care. By strategically using these methods, players can help to maintain the condition of their gloves, ensuring that they are always ready to perform at their best.
Glove Treatment and Conditioning
- Glove treatment and conditioning play a crucial role in maintaining the optimal performance of NHL players’ gloves.
- Professional players often follow specific glove treatment and conditioning routines to ensure their gloves remain in top shape throughout the season.
- These routines may include washing the gloves with mild soap and water, using glove conditioner to maintain the glove’s flexibility and softness, and applying a waterproofing agent to prevent moisture from penetrating the glove.
- Some players may also opt to use glove stretchers to maintain the glove’s shape and prevent it from becoming too tight or loose.
- In addition to these routines, players may also choose to replace their gloves on a regular basis to ensure they are always using a fresh, well-maintained pair.
- Regular maintenance and care of NHL players’ gloves can help improve their grip, control, and overall performance on the ice.
Proper Glove Storage
When it comes to maintaining the optimal performance of NHL gloves, proper storage is crucial. Players must ensure that their gloves are stored in a safe and secure location where they will not be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Here are some best practices for storing NHL gloves:
Avoiding Extreme Temperatures
Players should avoid storing their gloves in areas that are exposed to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or near heating vents. Extreme temperatures can cause the gloves to become dry and brittle, which can lead to cracks and other damage.
Storing in a Cool, Dry Place
Instead, players should store their gloves in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or a glove bag. This will help to prevent moisture buildup and keep the gloves soft and flexible.
Keeping Gloves Away from Direct Sunlight
Players should also keep their gloves away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the gloves to become faded and weakened over time. This is especially important for gloves with synthetic materials, as these materials can be particularly susceptible to sun damage.
Using a Glove Bag
Using a glove bag is a great way to protect NHL gloves from damage when they are not in use. A glove bag is a specially designed bag that is made to protect gloves from moisture, dust, and other contaminants. It is important to choose a glove bag that is made from a high-quality material, such as nylon or polyester, to ensure that it will provide adequate protection.
By following these best practices for proper glove storage, NHL players can help to ensure that their gloves will remain in good condition and perform optimally on the ice.
Key Takeaways
- Proper glove care for optimal performance:
- Cleaning and drying gloves after each use
- Applying glove conditioner to maintain suppleness
- Storing gloves in a cool, dry place
- Timely glove changes during games:
- Replacing gloves when they become too worn or broken in
- Ensuring a fresh pair of gloves for each period
- Glove maintenance between periods:
- Inspecting gloves for damage or wear
- Applying new palm and backhand tape as needed
- Rotating gloves to ensure even wear
- Stretching, conditioning, and storage techniques for gloves:
- Stretching gloves before use to improve fit and flexibility
- Using a glove bag to store gloves when not in use
- Rolling gloves to preserve their shape and prevent deformation.
FAQs
1. What do NHL players do with their gloves between periods?
NHL players usually take the time between periods to check their equipment, including their gloves. They may take them off and wipe them down with a towel or spray to remove sweat and dirt. Some players also like to switch out their gloves for fresh ones if they feel their current ones are too dirty or uncomfortable.
2. Do players always use the same gloves during a game?
No, players don’t always use the same gloves during a game. They may switch out their gloves if they get too sweaty or if they feel their grip is not as strong as it needs to be. Some players also like to have a backup pair of gloves in case their primary pair gets damaged or becomes too uncomfortable to wear.
3. How often do NHL players replace their gloves?
NHL players usually replace their gloves every few games or when they become too worn out. The frequency of replacement depends on the player’s preference and the condition of the gloves. Some players may prefer to use the same pair of gloves for an entire season, while others may go through several pairs in a single season.
4. Can players use any type of gloves during a game?
NHL players typically use specialized hockey gloves designed for their sport. These gloves are made of a durable material that can withstand the impact of pucks and sticks, and they often have a reinforced palm and fingers for improved grip. Some players may also choose to use gloves with added padding or protection for their knuckles and fingers.
5. How do players maintain their gloves between periods?
Players usually maintain their gloves by wiping them down with a towel or spray to remove sweat and dirt. They may also use a dryer to help get rid of any excess moisture. Some players also like to store their gloves in a protective case or bag to prevent damage and keep them fresh.
