Do you actually know anything about hockey?
Like beyond watching it on TV a couple of times a week and just getting drunk?
They cant regulate every stick. players regularly use 3-4 sticks per game, or at least have that many ready every game. Plus, a blade isnt really quite as noticeable as a set of goalie pads. Thats about 60 sticks a game, mostly on a rack, sometimes zipping around the ice. Most games feature four goalies and only two on the ice. Slightly more noticeable, dont you think?
See, aside from the obvious differences (I'm smarter than you, less obnoxious. Probably better looking) I actually play hockey. A lot. Both out, and in goal. I know what can be done to goal pads, and what cant. I also know the regulations, since when I order custom gear, the NHL standard for blocker, catcher, and pad width, is standard in regards to size unless I specify differently.
What you're complaining about (and dont even realize it, which is pretty funny in and of itself) is the (at present, fully legal) thigh-rise Hank uses. You see, hank, despite being 6'1", probably only has an ATK (thats ankle-to-knee) of around 17"-17.5". This determines the actual pad size and where the knee wings are (the stuff where your knee falls when you go into butterfly). The basic formula is to double the ATK, so hank, if he were to buy a pad off the shelf, would pick a 34" or 35" pad. Thanks to NHL regulations simply saying in regards to pad length that they can be NO LONGER than 38", he adds 4"s to the top of his pads. Given that hes a butterfly goalie with superb leg quickness, it makes sense for him to have longer pads that are pretty stiff, and therefore nearly appear to be completely straight, vertically. Unlike a Chris Osgood that relies on a more flexible to close his 5hole, hank uses the extra, fully legal, thigh rise. Im 6'4" and my ATK is 19.25, I don't have any choice but to wear a 38" pad w/o extra thigh rise, unfortunately. Brodeur, not being a butterfly, or even a hybrid goalie, uses pads that are smaller and more comfortable so there is less restriction. I imagine with a small, lighter pad he feels more agile than in your standard, modern butterfly pad. It's about using what works for you.
If you need help understanding anything I just said, grab someone that's actually been on the ice for more than holding hands with their boyfriend. As for you (and your boyfriend)....
