A game of hockey cannot begin unless a goalkeeper is wearing a helmet and faceguard.

The helmets worn by hockey goalkeepers are very similar to those worn by ice hockey players.

They are made of a tough polycarbon shell and come with faceguard attached.

Goalkeepers wear pads over their legs, and because they use their feet to kick and stop the ball, they also have to wear protective footgear over their boots, called kickers.

Modern leg guards and kickers are made of foam, although you can still get ones made of leather and cane.

The foam ones may look like moon boots but they are lighter and some think they offer better protection.

Leg guards come up to the thigh so most goalkeepers will also wear padded shorts to protect the tops of their legs.

Goalkeepers often have to stop or block shots with the palms of their hands.

The blocking glove - usually the left one - will be heavily padded on the palm and the back of the hand.

The other, which is used to handle the stick, is padded to protect the thumb and fingers rather than the palm of the hand.