P1 rhp sightings

Whilst the P1 TK kit has been seen getting use in the Hoofdklasse and a few goalkeepers in Germany's Bundesliga to be using them in the near future, there has also been sightings of the black coloured P1 rhp being used by a few goalkeepers at the highest levels of hockey across the globe. Canada women's first choice Lauren Lagoush has made the switch to the design very recently, especially giving a good test in friendly internationals against America in their newly built hockey dome (a great idea for playing hockey in the snow season!). Belgium's second choice and Daring goalkeeper Jeremy Gucasoff has been using the new design, changing over from his old red rhp (of the same design, just without the D3O additions). As can be seen in this clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVwwmpoeaQE&list=UUKwUPymQXTBcVrzdALJnsuw

Interesting to consider that it's just the rhp that has been changed during the season, rather than the whole kit, although the P1 range is arguably still awaiting full release, which could be an issue even for TK sponsored goalies! And of course remembering the time required for adjusting to new kit, although elite goalkeepers would be expected to be able to do so more quickly due to elite skills and muscle memory.

Gucasoff switches to Obo elbow pad

Not exactly another groundbreaking (or not as the case may be!) equipment sighting, but it's noticable that Belgian goalkeeper Gucasoff has changed up his arm padding again, moving to the current Obo elbow pad design.

Gucasoff has gone from a "Dutch" approach (with no arm padding at all for maximum movement at the arms possible for those reflex glove saves etc.) playing for Brucelles, as seen here:

And played like this as he was involved in the international set-up in the build-up to the London Olympic games:

And then moved to an elbow pad on the right arm only, which he moved to in the latter point of last season, wearing a Mazon elbow pad (which seem quite popular in Belgium interestingly, though they're made by an Australian company!):

And is now wearing the Obo elbow pad, again, still just on the right, with the left unpadded for more freedom getting across uninhibited by padding, as seems to be the most popular kit style in Belgium:

The Obo pad gives more padding at the inner and outer elbow, with more padding at the elbow joint, giving more substantial protection, which is important, from protecting against shots to these areas, which could be disastrous for the goalkeeper in question.

Gucasoff switches to TK Plus LHP too?

Another goalkeeper that seems to have made the switch to the TK1 Plus left hand glove (based on the old vision glove and often refered to as the "soft" version like the Softs pads and kickers range), is Jeremy Gucasoff. Belgium's second choice, who has been playing in the Euro Hockey League of late, this weekend gone, was previously using the standard TK lhp. I think it is the Plus version, as currently used by Pirmin Blaak, as blogged about previously, otherwise it looks to be a Rags glove, as the noticeable target symbol is missing, as can be seen from playing footage. Interesting to know whether it is due to weight of glove or saving properties etc.

You can see Gucasoff in action in the clip below, with the equipment change, he is in the green jersey and white helmet:

Vande Vyer gets some playing time with Brussels

Another round of Euro Hockey League and another chance for a young second choice to get some game time, albeit however small. Henri-Simon came on in place of Belgian international Gucasoff, as Brussels dominated against Dinamo Elecktrostal. He didn't have much luck, conceding, but it will have been a good opportunity for him to have got invaluable playing experience of being in a high level, fast paced game as this. As well as the psychological aspects of "stepping up" to the level of competitive play. The goal itself could have been stopped if he had stopped and reacting, instead of continuing to rush out against the play, which made him susceptible and didn't give him enough time or space to make a reactive save.

http://cdn.ehlhockey.tv/uploads/pressinformation/Match%2008%20-%20RC%20Bruxelles%20v%20Dinamo%20Elektrostal.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ-Z6jK5rfk