dave submitted a story about a kid that created some camoflagued goalie pads designed to look like the goal net and throw off opponents.

Using computer skills he learned in a graphic design class at the private school in South Hamilton, Leahy sketched out new leg pads that blend into the goal netting behind him. He wanted pads, a trapper, and a blocker that are white with a raised double-stitched design, just like the goal. He applied for a design patent and had them custom-made by a Canada-based pad maker.

"When the shooter comes down and only has a split second to shoot the puck, they're looking for net," said Leahy, a senior from Hampton, N.H., who grew up in Byfield. "If you put the net on the pad, they'll shoot at the pad instead of the goal."

Apparently they had trouble figuring out how effective the pads have really been, but even if it makes a difference only a small fraction of the time, that's still an advantage. Pretty good idea.