A trapper, or catch glove, is a piece of equipment that is worn by ice hockey goaltenders on their non-dominant hand.
Often referred to simply as the "glove", it was originally shaped in the same fashion as a baseball first-baseman's mitt, but evolved into a highly specific piece of equipment that is designed specifically for catching the puck. The pocket is the area between the thumb and first finger of the glove, and is where most goaltenders try to catch the puck, as it reduces the discomfort of the goaltender and the chance of the puck falling out of the glove and creating a rebound possibility. Some of the more significant changes have been the use of a "string mesh" in the pocket of the trapper, and a substantial increase in palm and wrist protection.
The trapper can be held in a variety of positions by the goaltender depending upon individual style and preference, but the trend among younger goaltenders is to hold the glove with the palm facing towards the shooter, instead of the "shake hands" position that was popular for so long. The "Cheater" portion of the glove is the part that covers the wrist of the goaltender, which evolved from the gauntlet-type gloves of the 1920s.