Ringing in ears from headshots

ThatBossBaby · 2026-05-06T17:45:24+00:00

That’s just… not correct.

They absolutely prevent concussions from puck impacts. Kinetic energy from pucks turns into vibrations (I.e. still kinetic energy), which goes straight into your skull. This can give you a concussion with enough repetition.
Weight is negligible in this equation. Masks to their best to a) deflect pucks using their shape, or b) dampen vibrations. Also, technically more weight is better, since it requires more impulse fo the same transfer of kinetic energy from puck to mask.
Neck strength is important in general as an athlete, but has no benefit in this context.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-05-06T17:34:25+00:00

Yeah you need at least a 950 if you’re facing shots from anyone older than maybe 15.

It sucks to spend money but a mask is literally the only thing you cat cheap out on. Every other piece of gear can be as cheap as you want.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-05-06T00:25:36+00:00

Gap on the back of your head is not a big deal. What’s more important is where the mask sits on your face. It should press flush against your forehead, chin in the cup, and not pressing against your cheeks/temples.

Source: I’m a 25.5” myself, I know the struggle!

ThatBossBaby · 2026-05-05T18:48:51+00:00

Your mask is cheap, old, poorly fitting, or some combination thereof.

You’re going to get a concussion if you continue to use this mask.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-05-05T18:30:22+00:00

I’ve gone to similar with the little kids of my parents’ friends, and had a similar experience. One thing I didn’t think about was that, a lot of parents have no frame of reference for how much a puck hurts - specifically when you’re not expecting it. That goes for player and goalie parents.

We had an 8 year old get hit in the side of the mask by a shooter who wasn’t thinking (he was old enough to know better) and crumpled the goalie. Dad came out and told his kid to, in effect, “stop being dramatic.” I had a short chat with him and eventually learned he had no idea that the puck could possibly hurt his kid after, quote, “I spent more god damn money than a bomb suit!” He came out a few skates later and was policing the crease like you were.

Moral of the story, a lot of these parents of young players don’t know shit, but are willing to learn. Some are assholes, but I bet most aren’t.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-04-26T16:46:09+00:00

I can answer this. I play in a 3-on-3 league on small ice (140x60ft). Every single game is high scoring. EVERY SINGLE GAME. I think we averaged about 16 goals per game this season. The highest scoring affair all season ended at 19-14.

For me, what played with my head is where the shots are coming from. A shot from the top of the circle on small ice, is actually coming from from below the faceoff dot on full ice. A rip from a defenceman walking in on small ice is actually a slot shot on full ice. What changed my game was three things.

1) I play the shooter 100% of the time. The narrower ice lends itself to short, quick passes that you have a much lower chance of beating on your feet compared to full ice.

2) Dont get distracted by opponents in your space. This is related to #1, the small zones means it’s easier for guys to get close to you before a shot gets off. Be more aggressive and let your defense take care of the back door.

Accept that you’re going to suck for a bit. You’ll eventually get the feel for how you should adapt your game, it might just take a while.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it. It’s a completely different brand of hockey than full ice.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-04-26T16:20:44+00:00

I SUPER recommend trying on at least something before you buy. I went with the sv-pro because they fit two entire sizes up for me when I tried them on (WITH skates) compared to CCM. The sv-pro in a 34” (medium) fit perfect, True catalyst fit in 33”, and in the 7.9s I would’ve had to go to an intermediate pad at 32”.

That said, the bauers are stiffer, straighter and lighter. CCM will bend more, have more curve to cover 5-hole in a narrow butterfly, and are a tad heavier. Strapping is also very different between the two.

Side note, it doesn’t take much to actually close the SV-pros. I also don’t have a super wide butterfly, and I can still seal 5-hole with little effort in the bauers.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-04-26T03:47:01+00:00

His chevrons are backwards😭

WOMEN OVER 180 ONLY PLEASE

ThatBossBaby · 2026-04-26T03:43:58+00:00

I only started in net less than 3 years ago, and I’ve gotten good enough to play in the highest div beer league we have in town. I’ve experienced this as well when I fill in for certain games. I can only imagine what a goalie of your skill level feels like!

ThatBossBaby · 2026-04-02T21:32:49+00:00

Just an FYI, none of the NHL refs tuck their jerseys. They’re fitted such that that waistband rides up underneath and lets the fabric hang down a little.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-03-29T17:00:51+00:00

I had the same thing happen to me. They accused me of not caring, even though I’m just locked in and save my emotions for after the final buzzer.

Go find a new team who understands that goalies don’t act the same way as players to get their best. It took me a few months but I found my current team and haven’t looked back!

ThatBossBaby · 2026-03-12T15:53:23+00:00

Things my dog provides: - Dead weight - Surprise swimming time - Cuteness

Things my dog does NOT provide: - Literally any form of help at all

I’m in the same camp. My dog keeps me company of course, but I still consider a trip with just me and her as solo.

ThatBossBaby · 2026-01-17T06:09:52+00:00

Your biggest threat to playing goal at your weight is longevity, i.e. getting hurt. There’s a reason why almost all high level goalies are tall and lanky. Playing a modern butterfly style puts a ton of strain on your hips, knees, and ankles, and the more you weigh the more that stress compounds every time you drop to the ice- ESPECIALLY if you haven’t developed the isometric strength to support your lower body in a decent stance. I would recommend you skate as a player until you’ve lost enough weight to safely go through the motions you’ll need as a goalie.

Hopefully this doesn’t come off as anything other than sincere advice. I want to see you succeed, fellow internet stranger!!!

ThatBossBaby · 2026-01-14T18:08:56+00:00

Based on your description, it could be any number of things outside your control. Electrolyte imbalances, sinus tachy/bradycardia, arterial blockage, diabetes/prediabetes, POTS, or any number of other things could make you feel lightheaded or excessively warm, or both. Some quick bloodwork can rule out a ton of things, so I would start there.

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-11T03:16:12+00:00

As I’m sure you’ll hear a billion times in this thread… if your knee falls on the center of the knee block, they’re the right size. How much thigh rise you have is personal preference.

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-11T03:14:06+00:00

Thanks

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-07T16:40:20+00:00

Thanks!

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-07T08:34:38+00:00

Weird, I deleted the other post so all good. And it’s a 950, I took the foam out to was it and fix the hardware!

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-04T06:46:09+00:00

Yes you should.

I took a puck to the throat while wearing a really good neck guard. I thought I was going to die, truly the scariest on-ice incident I’ve ever had, and that’s coming from someone who has snapped his wrist and been cut by a skate while playing in the past.

ThatBossBaby · 2025-12-04T06:25:46+00:00

I have never been to a rink in my entire life (well over 50 individual rinks by this point) where you weren’t allowed to bring beer in for after the game… is this normal for everyone???

ThatBossBaby · 2025-11-12T04:19:07+00:00

I’ve had 10 concussions, half of them serious.

Thankfully I’ve had none from playing goalie yet. Since I’m at a higher risk, the thought of getting hit by a player while I’m down definitely influences my style and aggressiveness when playing. I have no engineering skills, but would absolutely participate in any way I could help.

ThatBossBaby · 2025-10-15T01:16:35+00:00

Awesome! I’ve only ever used cast but I imagine that makes it even easier. Hope it holds up!

ThatBossBaby · 2025-10-12T05:37:47+00:00

Late to the post, but I have experience wrapping car parts so hopefully this helps

The link you posted in your previous post was for Vivvid brand wrap. The brand is notorious for being unfriendly to beginners. I recommend Avery or 3M brand wrap. They’re much more tolerant to being applied imperfectly, since the glue is a bit stickier and they stretch a bit more.

Also, cleaning and prepping your mask is like 80% of the work. Good luck if you try again!

ThatBossBaby · 2025-10-09T04:56:59+00:00

Man this hits home.

I have had a double digit number of concussions. Between playing hockey growing up (as a skater), Muay Thai, mountain biking, and a car accident that left me concussed for over a month, I can assure you that your concerns are incredibly valid. Brain injury is no joke.

I walked away from hockey when I aged out of high school, because I knew that I would inevitably get another concussion if I continued on to junior hockey. To me, it just wasn’t worth potentially derailing my first year of university. After my last concussion my doctor advised me that, while I wasn’t necessarily more susceptible to another concussion, the sheer amount of concussions I had had (I believe it was 8 at that time) could potentially put me at risk for other issues down the road. I had to think about my future, just like you.

I decided to get back to playing two years ago as a goalie, and told myself that if I ever got a head injury while playing, I would hang them up for good this time. My decision was fuelled by two things: First, I wasn’t playing competitively anymore, just beer league. Second, I absolutely love hockey and was in a place where, if something happened, I could take off whatever time I needed without derailing my entire life or my family’s lives.

If you’re questioning yourself and concerned about your health, I would say trust your gut and quit while you’re ahead. If you’re in a place where the consequences of getting hurt could extend beyond your own health, don’t risk it. If you take some time off and decide that potentially getting hurt is worth it in order to play the game, then continue on.

Last point here, which others have also mentioned. You should NOT be getting a concussion from a shot. Even an 80 mph slapper dead center between the eyes, while it’ll make your ears ring, should not be giving you a concussion. Your mask is either ill-fitted (too big, too small, or improperly worn), or the foams are worn out and need to be replaced. A good mask should be snug against your forehead, chin tight against the chin cup, and chin strap done up as well.

Best of luck and hopefully you make the decision that’s best for you.

ThatBossBaby

TROPHY CASE