Best Game Ready Ice Hockey Net Pegs: Anchorpegs vs. Marsh
By Mark Gibeault, Anchorpegs® Founder & Inventor.
In the world of goaltending, the game has changed. Today’s goalies are more explosive than ever, relying on precision movements like the RVH (Reverse Vertical Horizontal) and violent lateral pushes to shut down the net.
But as the athlete evolves, so must the equipment that holds the net in place. For years, the Marsh Peg has been the industry standard, and for good reason. However, for the modern goalie and coach, new innovations like the Game Ready™ and Guardian™ Anchorpegs are providing solutions that go beyond the game-day whistle.
The Marsh Peg: The NHL’s Permanent Foundation
Since 1991, Marsh Pegs have been the trusted choice for NHL and professional rinks. They are a "permanent" solution—requiring specific holes drilled into the concrete floor of the arena to house a rubber mooring.
- Pros: It is the official "Game Day" standard for the highest level of play.
- The Trade-off: Because it is a fixed system, it isn't portable. If you are a goalie training at a local rink or a coach traveling between facilities, you are often at the mercy of whatever traditional (and often unstable) pegs the rink provides.
The Anchorpeg Revolution: Professional Stability, Anywhere
The goal of Anchorpegs® wasn't to replace the Marsh Peg, but to bring that same level of "pro-feel" stability to every other sheet of ice. Whether you’re at a summer camp, a minor hockey practice, or a morning skate, you shouldn't have to worry about the net drifting.
1. Game Ready™ Anchorpegs: The Performance Hybrid
Designed for competitive play and high-speed preparation, the Game Ready™ model uses our proprietary Zero-Drift™ threaded spikes.
- How it works: The spikes "freeze" into the ice, providing a rock-solid anchor that allows for explosive pushes without the net moving an inch.
- Safety First: It features a calibrated release, ensuring the net dislodges safely during a player collision, just like a professional mooring.
2. The Guardian™: The "Cadillac" of Training Pegs
If the Game Ready is for the game, the Guardian™ is for the grind. This is the elite coach's choice for a reason.
- The Soft Strike Zone™: The Guardian features integrated post protectors that create a "soft strike" for the goalie. This reduces the micro-shocks to the hips, knees, and ankles during repetitive post-work.
- Edge-Safe™ Tech: We know how much goalies value their steel. The Guardian is designed to protect skate edges from making contact with the metal of the peg, keeping you sharp through the whole session.
The 2026 Comparison: At a Glance
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing an anchor is about choosing your environment. If you are managing a professional arena with floor inserts, Marsh Pegs remain a legacy choice.
However, if you are a goalie looking to protect your joints and improve your explosive power—or a coach who is tired of wasting 20 minutes of every practice resetting the net—the Anchorpegs® system is the new standard.
Ready to upgrade your crease? Visit Anchorpegs.com
Author Note: As the inventor of Anchorpegs®, my goal has always been to support the goaltending community. By focusing on stability and safety, we help goalies stay on the ice longer and perform at their absolute peak.