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Choose youth goalie gear by measuring for each piece, checking the exact brand and model’s size chart, then trying the equipment on together. Leg pads, catchers, and blockers use different sizing methods; age labels are only a starting point, and a bigger size is not automatically better for growth.

How do you size youth goalie leg pads?

Start with the manufacturer’s chart for the specific pad model. Brands may define pad size differently, so do not treat one retailer’s measuring method or chart as a universal conversion rule.

As one retailer reference, Pure Hockey recommends measuring from the knee’s pivot joint to the floor while seated, and measuring height barefoot. It says the knee should land in the middle of the pad’s knee cradle. Use that as a helpful reference, then follow the chart for the pads you are considering: Pure Hockey’s goalie leg-pad sizing guide.

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For an in-person fitting, have the child wear the gear they will use with the pads, including goalie skates and knee protection. Check that the knee sits in the intended landing area in a normal stance and butterfly, with no obvious gap or interference. Hockey Canada also provides a collection of goalie-equipment fitting resources, including material on pads, blocker and glove, and knee guards: Hockey Canada goalie equipment resources.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
  • ALL IN ONE SET: This set has all the mini hockey goalie equipment you need to get between the pipes
  • INCLUDES: Adjustable goalie mask, (2) leg pads, catch glove, and blocker!
  • COMFORTABLE AND SAFE: The soft foam pads and blockers provide ample protection while remaining comfortable and breathable
  • GREAT FOR KIDS: This set is perfect for young kids and is recommended for hockey players ages 3-6
  • FOR MINI HOCKEY USE: This set is designed and intended for use with foam balls or pucks only

How do you size a goalie catcher and blocker?

Measure the hand with it open and flat, from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger. Use the chart for the exact brand and model; a general chart can narrow the search but cannot guarantee the fit. Ice Warehouse explains its hand-measuring method and provides brand-specific sizing guidance here: Ice Warehouse goalie sizing guide.

Check the catcher

  • Fingers should rest naturally rather than being jammed into the ends.
  • The palm should feel stable, with little unwanted movement.
  • The glove should close smoothly and comfortably; the child should not have to fight the closure.

Check the blocker

  • The hand should be centered and secure rather than sliding around.
  • Wrist movement should feel comfortable.
  • With the stick gripped, the blocker should stay square instead of twisting.

Check the assembled setup, too: arm protection should reach under the cuffs without restricting movement or leaving an exposed wrist gap. These are practical fitting checks, not substitutes for the model’s size chart. If possible, have a goalie-equipment fitter assess a borderline fit.

Rank #2
Franklin Sports Extreme Street Hockey Goalie Set
  • GOALIE SET: This beginner street hockey goalie set includes a blocking pad, catch glove, and leg pads so kids have everything they need to play and learn the game!
  • ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: Strap in quick and easy with our adjustable strap design that allows for a fitted feel when preparing to dominate the street
  • YOUTH SIZING: Leg pads: 20" , catch glove 9", goalie blocker 13.5"
  • GREAT FOR KIDS: Designed for beginner hockey players, this set is perfect for kids to learn the basics!
  • NHL HOCKEY OFFICIAL: This goalie set is officially licensed by the National Hockey League for use with official 2 5/8" street hockey balls only and is designed to reduce, not prevent, injury

Should you choose a size by age or size up for growth?

Use youth, junior, intermediate, and senior labels only to shortlist options. Pure Hockey’s guide gives age ranges of youth 3–6, junior 7–12, intermediate 12–14, and senior 13+, but describes them as ranges for average-sized people. It notes that a larger 11-year-old could need senior gloves. Ice Warehouse likewise cautions that its general hand-size chart is a guideline, not a brand-specific guarantee.

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Do not choose an oversized catcher or blocker just to extend its useful life. Fingers that are jammed, a loose palm, a shifting blocker, or restricted wrist movement can undermine comfort and control. If a glove falls between sizes, Ice Warehouse describes the general tradeoff this way: the larger option may offer more coverage, while the smaller may allow more mobility. The hand still needs to remain stable, and the particular model’s fit should decide.

Rank #3
Franklin Sports 12092F2 Junior Small/Medium SX Comp 100 Goalie Set,
  • GOALIE SET: Specially designed for street hockey with high quality durable materials that offer premium comfort and protection
  • ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: Strap in quick and easy with our adjustable strap design that allows for a fitted feel when preparing to dominate the street
  • LIGHTWEIGHT BREATHABILITY: Designed with comfort in mind so there is added ventilation to help keep players cool while they defend their crease!
  • JR S/M SET INCLUDES: Leg pads: 23" , catch glove 11", goalie blocker 13"
  • NHL HOCKEY OFFICIAL: This goalie set is officially licensed by the National Hockey League for use with official 2 5/8" street hockey balls only and is designed to reduce, not prevent, injury

Which handedness should you order?

Choose the orientation before ordering a set, and match the goalie stick to it:

  • Regular: catcher on the left hand, blocker on the right.
  • Full Right: catcher on the right hand, blocker on the left.

Do not assume that the child’s writing hand alone determines the setup; check which configuration they use to hold the stick and confirm the catcher and blocker are sold in that orientation.

Rank #4
NHL Franklin Sports SX Comp 100 Goalie Set - Junior (Large/X-Large)
  • GOALIE SET: Specially designed for street hockey with high quality durable materials that offer premium comfort and protection
  • ADJUSTABLE STRAPS: Strap in quick and easy with our adjustable strap design that allows for a fitted feel when preparing to dominate the street
  • LIGHTWEIGHT BREATHABILITY: Designed with comfort in mind so there is added ventilation to help keep players cool while they defend their crease!
  • JR L/XL SET INCLUDES: Leg pads: 26" , catch glove 11", goalie blocker 14"
  • NHL HOCKEY OFFICIAL: This goalie set is officially licensed by the National Hockey League for use with official 2 5/8" street hockey balls only and is designed to reduce, not prevent, injury

How should you compare catcher and blocker designs?

Once the size and handedness are right, compare designs by fit, mobility, coverage, comfort, and the child’s level and frequency of play. A more expensive or higher-tier label does not establish that a model is a better fit.

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Catcher break and pocket

Ice Warehouse describes common 580, 590, and 600 break styles, as well as single-T and double-T pocket constructions. Treat these as design and feel choices, not a universal ranking. If possible, let the goalie try the options and see which closes naturally and holds pucks comfortably.

Best Value
PG Sports Bauer Hockey Learn to Save Goalie Kit, Youth (Youth S/M 24")
  • YOUTH goalie kits. Size XS/S fits ages 4-7 Size S/M fits ages 7-9
  • Includes Pads that slip over shin pads
  • Includes Catch Glove
  • Includes Blocker that slip over hockey glove
  • Includes Chest pad that fits over player shoulder pads

Blocker feel and use

Consider how the hand is centered, how stable the blocker feels, and whether its board and rebound direction suit the goalie’s preferences. No particular board or rebound style guarantees that a young goalie will improve.

Protection, materials, and play level

Recreational, performance, and elite tiers can differ in materials, protection, weight, adjustability, and price. Match those trade-offs to actual use, while keeping fit and freedom of movement central to the choice.

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Is a beginner goalie kit enough?

For a young skater trying the goalie position, Bauer’s Learn to Save Goal Kit is an introductory option. Bauer lists sizes XS/S for ages 4–7 and S/M for ages 7–9. The kit includes wide-channel pads designed to fit over existing shin pads, a blocker that fastens over an existing hockey glove, a Prodigy-style catcher, a padded jersey, and a travel bag. Check the Bauer Learn to Save Goal Kit listing for current product details.

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The listing presents it as a try-goalie kit, not a full dedicated competitive setup. Confirm league requirements and the actual fit before using it.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
INCLUDES: Adjustable goalie mask, (2) leg pads, catch glove, and blocker!
$51.73
Bestseller No. 2
Franklin Sports Extreme Street Hockey Goalie Set
Franklin Sports Extreme Street Hockey Goalie Set
YOUTH SIZING: Leg pads: 20" , catch glove 9", goalie blocker 13.5"
$70.00
Bestseller No. 3
Franklin Sports 12092F2 Junior Small/Medium SX Comp 100 Goalie Set,
Franklin Sports 12092F2 Junior Small/Medium SX Comp 100 Goalie Set,
JR S/M SET INCLUDES: Leg pads: 23" , catch glove 11", goalie blocker 13"
$219.99
Bestseller No. 4
NHL Franklin Sports SX Comp 100 Goalie Set - Junior (Large/X-Large)
NHL Franklin Sports SX Comp 100 Goalie Set - Junior (Large/X-Large)
JR L/XL SET INCLUDES: Leg pads: 26" , catch glove 11", goalie blocker 14"
$199.04
Bestseller No. 5
PG Sports Bauer Hockey Learn to Save Goalie Kit, Youth (Youth S/M 24')
PG Sports Bauer Hockey Learn to Save Goalie Kit, Youth (Youth S/M 24")
YOUTH goalie kits. Size XS/S fits ages 4-7 Size S/M fits ages 7-9; Includes Pads that slip over shin pads
$299.99

A practical fitting checklist

  1. Identify the exact products. Find each manufacturer’s current chart for the specific pad, catcher, or blocker model.
  2. Measure separately. Follow the pad maker’s method for leg pads; measure hand length from palm base to middle fingertip for catcher and blocker sizing.
  3. Shortlist by chart, not age alone. Treat age bands as a rough guide and compare the child’s measurements with the model’s sizing information.
  4. Try the pieces on together. Use the child’s goalie skates, knee protection, and other relevant gear when checking pad fit.
  5. Check movement and control. Look for a centered knee, comfortable wrist movement, stable hands, and a catcher that closes naturally.
  6. Confirm handedness and league fit. Match the catcher, blocker, and stick orientation, and check any league equipment requirements.
  7. Get help with borderline fits. An in-person goalie fitter can check the assembled setup when the chart and try-on do not give a clear answer.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.