When I finally had enough money, I forced my father to take me to the nearest hockey equipment store (which was about two hours away).

So why was this such a huge event in my life? I wanted to show opposing teams I was a serious goalie.

In that age group in hockey, most teams didn’t have an established netminder and everyone was forced to rotate turns between the pipes.

These players obviously used their normal helmets when they took their shift in net — an indication of an inexperienced netminder.

The goalie helmet became an intimidation factor in my mind, even though I’m sure my 4-foot-nothing, 85-pound body wasn’t scaring anyone.

While 10 years ago goalie helmets were pricey and rare around hockey rinks, today they are more affordable and have become commonplace.

The goalie helmet is used by netminders everywhere for three main reasons.

First off, it offers more protection to goaltenders than the standard player helmet.

When getting hit in the noggin by an object traveling at more than 70 mph is in the job description, it’s pretty important to make sure you have a piece of equipment specifically designed to protect you from any type of head injury.

Secondly, as I mentioned earlier, goalie helmets are used as an intimidation factor. Whether it’s a simple design or a crazy paint job, the helmet is one of the first things you notice when a goalie takes the ice.

And finally, goalie helmets offer their owner an opportunity to tap into their creative side. Most goalies find a way to express themselves in a unique way.

Here’s an in-depth look at the helmets of the three MSU netminders.

Senior goaltender ?Jeff Lerg

Lerg was very particular in what he wanted on his helmet this season. He decided to go with a similar design to the helmet he had in 2007 when the Spartans won the National Championship. And yes, he admits he’s a bit superstitious.

Sparty is featured at the top of the helmet, and down the sides Sparty is flexing and showing off those Spartan muscles.

But it is the back of the helmet that means the most to Lerg.

On the upper-right corner there is a blue bracelet with the words “Stay Strong and Do It” around the bracelet. This recognizes Brandon Gordon, a great friend to Lerg and many other members of the hockey team, who is fighting cancer.

Lerg also has the “Shoot For A Cure” logo on the top left of his helmet to represent the hockey team’s effort to raise money for children’s cancer.

A scenic view of the Red Cedar River is also featured on the back of his helmet along with the words “Lil’ Guy” to represent his nickname.

Freshman goaltender ?Drew Palmisano

The goaltender of MSU’s future wasn’t too picky when it came to the design of his helmet. In fact, he only had two requirements — he wanted a visible white base around the helmet and at least one Sparty on it somewhere.

Instead of getting a big Sparty on top, Palmisano decided to have two Spartys on the sides — but not the friendly, lovable mascot we are used to seeing.

It’s a Sparty that would give small children nightmares.

The Spartys are bright green with large fangs sticking out of their lower jaw. Sparty’s right fist is clenched and in his left hand he holds a large sword. This Sparty is definitely ready for battle.

The only other design on Palmisano’s relatively simply designed helmet is a green banner that says “Spartans” across his chin.

Junior goaltender ?Bobby Jarosz

Unlike Lerg or Palmisano, Jarosz had a painted helmet before he came to MSU.

His helmet growing up was modeled after former NHL goaltender Curtis Joseph. Joseph’s helmet design has become a classic because of the beast-like creature on the top that looked like it was going to rip off the head of anyone who got too close.

Yikes.

But now Jarosz has a much calmer design on his helmet.

He wanted a green background and a big Sparty on top, and after doing some research into old MSU paint jobs, Jarosz modeled his helmet after former ?MSU goaltender Ryan ?Miller.

Jarosz’s mask now features a large, old-school looking Sparty at the top with the Spartan block letter “S” on both sides.

Since my days of playing hockey, helmets have drastically evolved and goalies are able to make any design idea a reality.

Goalies put their neck (and head) on the line in all circumstances for their team, and it’s only right that they have the coolest and most customized piece of equipment in all of sports.