That's a good point, there are sports where equipment change is minimal. I was thinking more along the lines of tennis, golf, lacrosse, etc... sports that constantly upgrade their technology.
But I'm confused by the next part. Hockey does have limitations on goaltending equipment. Maybe not to the specifics that would satisfy goal adorers, but they're there.
Basketball recently banned a shoe that increased vertical leap on average by 3.5 inches. Football eventually barred the use of sticky adhesive on gloves. Baseball limited the amount of tar allowed on a bat. Even swimming eventually banned performance enhancing material from their swimwear.
Goaltenders too have pushed the barriers wherever possible until the NHL said no mas. All gear is limited in its size relative to the goaltender. There is a maximum length and width on pads. Webbing and other foreign materials have been banned. Ditto with extra baggy jerseys.
Actually fascinating, that on his re-entry into the NHL, Danny Taylor had to change his skates, as his current model of skates are deemed illegal by NHL standards.
http://ingoalmag.com/news/danny-tayl...come-with-him/
Maybe helps to explain some of his early troubles in game one...
Perhaps you're saying the pace and aggressiveness in which the NHL is regulating goalie equipment doesn't compare to other sports?
But I would suggest every athlete is looking for whatever advantage they can garner from their equipment (or their personal trainers/pharmacists) until restricted by those with the authority.
Goalies have just been adept at finding new ways to grab an upper hand until the NHL is forced to crack down.
Hey, if you're not cheating, you're not trying.