KEVIN WEEKES GOALIE GEAR, 1997-1998

Originally, the blocker glove’s main purpose was to hold the goaltender’s stick. Over time, the front of the blocker became a tool unto itself as it developed into a wide rectangle goalies could use to block shots, hence the name “blocker.” Notice the curve in the blocking pad; this too evolved over time to allow goaltenders to better control rebounds. Kevin Weekes faced 247 shots in his rookie season with the Panthers, and it looks like a lot of them got the blocker!