By George Babcock
Assistant Equipment Manager
Buffalo Sabres

The Shotblocker.  We all know hockey players are tough and especially penalty killers. Worst thing is blocking a shot whether it be with the shin pad or off the skate. The technology being used by the individual stick brands means just about 75% of all players are capable of a 90+mph shot. We all know the importance of keeping the players protected and there are several great companies out there with easily applied skate protection now.  Askja, CustomSW, NSM, Nash, Shotblockers.com & True.

At the NHL/AHL level although more expensive than in house production this outweighs losing players/man games due to injury. Through the years the evolution of the Shotblocker has evolved from leather over plastic with buckles and straps to graphites, kydex, foam and high-end adhesives.

The early stages of equipment managers using these products was an “Arts and Crafts” time consuming scenario.  Making skate specific patterns, cutting them out after tracing, heating and molding, then applying 3m adhesive that needed to be also traced and cut. We all know after making these we would always need a backup set which would extend arts and crafts into late afternoons “insert Hal from Happy Gilmour.”

We are grateful to the engineers that produced these now easily ordered and applied products that can be applied to a skate in minutes to make our job easier. We can now order these skate specific and player custom easily applied Shotblockers in bulk and have always had them on hand for new applications or replacements after damage. Take advantage of these products to keep your players protected and save valuable time doing it!

Photos courtesy of George Babcock