I check their equipment every game and make sure that it is in good repair. This is something that young goalies should do before they leave for the rink. You don t want to find out that a buckle or strap is broken as you are getting dressed for a game. As part of your hockey bag, you should carry extra snaps, buckles, straps ect. It always seems that the smallest parts are the ones that get broken.
Goalies are often concerned about how to break in new equipment, especially the leg pads.
What our goalies do is start folding them. We put belts or straps on to hold them in that position. Then when they come out they're a little looser. Also, they have just began to put their leg pads in the steam room. This helps in softening some of the material.