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One Size Doesn't Fit All For Sled Goalies JUNE/JULY 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 27 EVEN AT THE PINNACLE of their profession, U.S. National Sled Team goalies Steve Cash and Jen Lee are in the unenviable position of piecemealing their protection. That hasn't stopped them from finding a way to make it work as they have teamed up to backstop the U.S. to consecutive Paralympic gold medals. "That's the name of the game right now," said Cash, who joined the U.S. squad in 2007. "You have to adapt your equipment needs to your game and not everyone's is the same." The biggest hurdle of playing the position is that a sled hockey goalie uses his or her blocker and glove to propel themselves around the crease. In order to move from side to side on the ice, goalies adhere track spikes to their gloves to provide that extra push. "Our arms are also our legs in the sport, so it's really convenient for you to move around," said Lee, who joined the team in 2011. "It's about knowing your game and staying mobile." Both goalies employ the lightest and least restrictive leg pads to aid in their mobility. Cash uses shin pads that suit his speedy style. Lee started off wearing an inline goalie pad, which fits in the sled better than tradition ice hockey pads, but now uses a junior size goalie pad to prevent opposing shooters from squeezing the puck inside the pipes. Without the benefit of goalie sticks specifically designed for the position, Cash takes it upon himself to cut the goalie blade off another stick and attach it to a broken shaft with nuts and bolts. One drawback to this Frankenstein approach is the addition of extra unnecessary weight. While they wait for advancements in their equipment, Cash and Lee are fine living by the "if it's not broke" motto and creating their own innovations to suit their style of play. "Once we get those one pieces, it'll come with a little more confidence but what we're doing right now is good," Cash said. "Being able to play with equipment adds to the fun of the game because they're always coming out with new things and, in sled hockey, any little advantage we have goes a long way." –Alyssa Hertel Steve Cash uses spikes on the back of his catching glove and end of his goalie stick to propel himself across the ice.