Evolving regulations have mandated changes in the size of the goalie gear over the years, cutting down the size of leg pads, gloves and blockers. That makes it difficult for goalies, a superstitious bunch, to keep a beloved piece of equipment for any length of time, although Chicago Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi has a couple things from his youth he clings to.
"I have something I used since I was 10 years old," Niemi said as he pointed to his goalie jock. "Our equipment guys have had to fix it up."
"I'm used to it," said Niemi, who is wearing the same scuffed up Blackhawks cap in the locker room since before the playoffs started. "I don't think there's a big difference in those things."
