CCM Premier P2.5 Junior Goalie Blocker

CCM Premier P2.5 Junior Goalie Blocker

New for 2018 is the all new designed CCM Premier P2.5 goalie blocker.  The CCM Premier series has been extremely popular over the years and the designers at CCM have incorporated new and up to date features on the traditional Premier base.  The first thing and probably most important feature goalies will notice is the weight difference. The blocker board from the older generations has been replaced with a much lighter version for 2018.  There is almost a 25% weight reduction in the Premier P2.5 from the previous Premier model..  This weight reduction is huge because a goalie is naturally off balance because one side of their body has a glove and the other side has a blocker and stick.  Trying to get the cross weight ratio as close to even is extremely important to allow the goalie a true center of gravity which in turn creates a more true balance for the goalie.

Also new for 2018 is the one piece cuff in the wrist area.  The one piece cuff wraps the around the goalies entire wrist and gives the blocker a more secure fit – which allows for more overall control,  The index finger of this blocker has also been redesigned.  The new finger protection is very similar to the past designs, however it now has more curve to it which allows for more grip and increases control.  Another new feature is the addition of the bindingless sidewall.  The face of the past Premier blockers have been bindingless but not the side wall, now in 2018 the P2.5 blocker has a bindingless face and sidewall.  If nothing else, it will make it easier to clean your blocker.  The Premier P2.9 blocker still uses the Suregrip palm from the past, this material has been known for having great control while making saves and also great for stick handling.  CCM has also kept the traditional center position on the Premier P2.5 blocker.

CCM Premier P2.5 Junior Goalie Blocker Features:

• Front Face: Binding less for increased durability
• Cuff: Anatomical and adjustable cuff for freedom of movement.
• Palm Position: Centered palm position helps with the overall balance of the blocking board
• Palm: Nash material for an optimized feel.
• Palm Guard: Reinforced hand for added durability
• Palm Gusset: Ventilated mesh maximizes air-flow to promote freshness
• Lock Thumb Protector: Molded thumb for enhanced protection.
• Finger protectors: Low density foam wrap for added protection.
• Blocking board: Laminated dual density foam with PE.

Is A Blocker Just A Blocker?

A blocker is not just “a blocker.”  Otherwise, the quality of workmanship in the goalie blockers wouldn’t vary significantly.   Hybrid goalies wouldn’t demand a wide open cuff, with more contour on the blocker board and a palm to maximize mobility and agility.  By contrast, a coverage style goalie wouldn’t insist on a flatter board with a tighter palm for a more secure and stiff feel.

The blocker’s weight is another key aspect to its performance.  The stick and blocker side of the goalie’s body carries more weight than the glove side (cross weight).  As a result, goalies can find themselves “off-centered.”  A quality blocker reduces weight and works to equalize the goalie’s center of gravity and ease the ability to reach a “natural balance.”

The goalie’s ability to maneuver the blocker is critical to performance.  In recent years, a goalie must possess quality stick handling skills in order to meet the demands of the position.  Since the blocker hand is the dominant hand while stick handling, owning the right blocker is extremely important.

Sizing Differences: Youth, Junior and Intermediate

It can be difficult to understand the sizing terms used in goalie equipment.  Youth, junior and intermediate are often used interchangeably, adding to the confusion as to which term goes with which age group.  The following provides a general overview to help eliminate any errors in the ordering process:

Youth Goalies

Youth goalie gear is the smallest on the market.  Generally, youth gear fits goalies ages five (5) to eight (8) years old.  Youth gear is less expensive as it is not constructed with the highest quality of materials.  It is important to note that,  at a youth level, it is not advisable to use higher quality materials and foams.  Research shows that doing so creates two issues:  First, high-end materials are too stiff and restrictive for youth goalies.  Second, youth players outgrow their gear faster than any age group, often doing so before the gear “breaks in.”  Consequently, the materials are more flexible but less resilient at the youth goalie gear age group.

Junior Goalies

Junior goalie equipment is usually outfitted for goalies at ages eight (8) years to twelve (12) years old.  Similar to the youth equipment, manufacturers do not construct junior gear with the highest quality of materials for the reasons outlined above.  However, the junior gear contains many of the specifications used for senior level gear, scaled down to meet the demands of the junior player.  Product based research has provided a nice balance between the constraints of high-level gear and the needs of the junior level player.  The research concludes that a junior player possesses a need for flexibility and movement which outweighs a need for high end materials that will last several years.  Ultimately, for a junior player to develop sound and safe technique, the junior gear must place a premium on flexibility and overall performance.

Intermediate Goalies

Intermediate level goalie equipment immediately precedes the senior or adult category; it is reserved for players at ages between eleven (11) years to fourteen (14) years old.  Interestingly, smaller adults use intermediate level equipment in some cases.  Intermediate level goalie equipment uses higher density foams and higher quality materials.  Intermediate goalies possess a certain level of technique that allows for control and performance with more resilient gear.  They also have the size or strength to maneuver the equipment and develop technique.  Additionally, manufacturers recognize the demand for durability required by players in the intermediate age group and build their products accordingly.  In general, intermediate gear meets a higher level of performance and extra protection.  Players at the intermediate age group play faster and shoot harder.  Consequently, the goalie gear must meet the increase in performance.