Although I fear for readership this is as boring as watching paint dry (maybe I shouldn't say that, but I do care about I write and as/how it's read, even though I know I think too much!), but given that members of the football goalkeeping union would readily keep abreast of pro level goalkeepers changing their gloves and SMU alterations (i.e. bespoke specially made designs), I think it's good to keep a track of any kit changes in the English national hockey league.
And with Monarch pushing their D3O powered new range with a lot of endorsers and elite level players signing up for sponsorship helping expand the brand's image, more goalkeepers are changing up their gear set-up. And Monarch user Ben Dudley has finally made the changeover to a Monarch produced lhp this side of the season. Even before the changes, Dudley was using Monarch leg guards and kickers but was making use of Obo gloves; the Hi Control rhp (which he is still using) and the Hi Rebound lhp.
As well as aesthetic changes (i.e. visual look of the kit!), there are big practical implications. Obo gloves are curved and designed to help push the rebound down with more control to put the ball into a controlled area on the save. But a flat glove like Monarch's pushes the ball away with greater ping but needing greater technique and control from the user of the glove. And D3O will create an even bigger rebound to get the ball as far away from the D as possible (i.e. limiting straight-away-rebounds for an instant goal after the save).
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