Goalies Break In New Olympic Gear Faster Than Ever

Thinner, stiffer pads in national team colors nearly game-ready right out of the box

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Goalies in the NHL have been preparing for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games by practicing with new equipment featuring colors from their respective national teams. Many goalies say they can break in the new gear in just a couple of practice sessions, a stark contrast to the 10-14 days it used to take in the past.

Why it matters

The ability for goalies to quickly adapt to new equipment is an important development, as it allows them to focus on their performance on the ice rather than spending significant time breaking in new gear. This change reflects the advancements in goaltending equipment technology over the past decade.

The details

Some goalies, like Columbus Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins, said they only needed to wear their new burgundy-colored Team Latvia gear once before feeling comfortable. Winnipeg Jets goaltending coach Wade Flaherty noted that Jets and Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck can sometimes wear new gear the morning of a game and feel ready to play that night, a far cry from the 10-14 days it took Flaherty during his 19-year pro career.

  • Goalies have been gearing up for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in recent weeks.
  • The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will begin on Wednesday.

The players

Elvis Merzlikins

A goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who will represent Team Latvia at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games.

Connor Hellebuyck

The starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets who will also play for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games.

Wade Flaherty

The goaltending coach for the Winnipeg Jets who played 120 NHL games over a 19-year pro career before retiring in 2008.

Ryan Miller

A former NHL goaltender who played for the United States in the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

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What they’re saying

“The pads I wore just once and I could play already. I love them stiff and new. The gloves usually take maybe three or four practices and you're good to go.”

— Elvis Merzlikins (nhl.com)

“Mostly it takes three practices. But 'Helly' can wear new gear in the morning of a game and if they feel good, he will wear them that night.”

— Wade Flaherty, Winnipeg Jets Goaltending Coach (nhl.com)

“In my two Olympics, I didn't switch anything. I wore my (Buffalo) Sabres gear each time.”

— Ryan Miller (nhl.com)

What’s next

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will begin on Wednesday, where fans will see the new national team-themed goaltending gear in action for the first time.

The takeaway

The ability for goalies to quickly adapt to new equipment is a significant development in the sport, allowing them to focus on their performance rather than spending significant time breaking in new gear. This reflects the advancements in goaltending equipment technology over the past decade.