OK
So the blocker hasn't really changed that much in size over the past 50 years, maybe 10% in overall blocking area. Sure, it could maybe be slimmed down a tad. That's not that big of a deal. But making it the size of a normal glove??? The C&A has no protection past a certain point so how do you protect the goalies wrist and 2" of forearm?? I'm not sure if you've ever worn this gear but it all kind of fits together nicely and provides some overlapping protection areas.
The catcher and the "cheater" cuff as they sometimes call it is another candidate, sure. But one quick question, how many saves do you actually see per game hitting the "cheater" as opposed to going straight into the glove? There is an element of protection in that cuff but it could be changed if we really wanted to.
As for shot-blocking, that's kind of a ridiculous argument. A player might block a shot with his shin pads once or twice in a game. Sometimes they get hit high, but that's not as often as you'd think. Goalies face 30-40 shots every game. Then ask some pros who've had broken shin pads from blocking a shot if they felt anything.
Just to clarify one point, the kevlar in the C&A provides protection from piercing and penetration, it doesn't actually absorb any significant energy from the force of the puck. The High Density Foam that is in the leg pads is also in the chest protectors along with plastics to give it some rigidity.
What does the thickness of the pads have to do with the argument?
I am starting to believe that that stupid Corey Hirsch video has influenced people's opinions way more than I could I have imagined.
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