When it comes to the equipments used in Hockey, the hockey fans have witnessed massive changes. It is visible from the frequent changes in the equipments used by goalies. Gone are the days when goalies in Hockey played with no face protection. Today, all goalies wear face masks or helmets. The style of basic equipments used by goalies has also undergone drastic changes over the past few decades.

Materials:
The materials used for goaltending equipments have made the huge difference. Pads used to be made from leather stuffed with hair. But the pads used nowadays are lighter and flexible. Today, pads are manufactured by the balanced combination of synthetic leather and nylon on the outside of goalie pads. The pads are stuffed with cell foams and plastic.

Not only the pads have undergone a “makeover”, the goalie sticks also come with new and refreshed looks. Goalie sticks are now reinforced with synthetic materials and fiberglass. In order to lighten the burden on the goalie’s arm, the goalie sticks are injected with foam. The goalie sticks that are used nowadays are much more durable than the wooden sticks of yester-years.

Sizes:
Some rules have been set for the length and width of a goalie’s pads. This is to increase the shooting space at the net for players.

The Mask:
It is the mask that defines a goalie. As we mentioned earlier, goalies never used to wear face mask in the older times. But today, a goalie is not allowed to enter the field unless he is equipped with the protective gear. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, goalies used to wear a metal mask in cage and helmet style. This is now replaced by the full mask style. However, the cage and helmet models are still used, but are less in number.

Former National Basketball Association referee Tim Donaghy was found guilty in a betting scandal with two other professional gamblers. Donaghy turned himself in to the federal authorities on Wednesday.

The referee said he made NBA bets for four years, even gambling on games he worked. He also admitted recommending bets to high-stakes gamblers and collecting $5,000 if his picks hit.

Judge Carol Bagley Amon of U.S. District Court in Brooklyn said Wednesday that the information was not public. According to her, Donaghy had “unique access,” including what crews would officiate at games, the interaction of different officials and players, and the physical condition of certain players. He concealed the scheme from the NBA and other referees to avoid detection, she said.

Donaghy, 41, is scheduled to be sentenced May 22. By law, he faces up to 25 years in prison, though the term could be much lower under sentencing guidelines.

Donaghy’s next court date is Nov. 9. He turned over his passport and is now bounded to seek permission in case he has to travel anywhere other than Pennsylvania, Florida or New York.

James Battista, 42, one of the professional gamblers, attended the same high school as Donaghy in Springfield, Pennsylvania. The other alleged co-conspirator was identified by prosecutors as Thomas Martino.