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Remember,
proper fitting gear is the safest.
Skates - Priorities here
should be value and comfort. Skates should feel
comfortable right out of the box, and the blade should
be stainless steel or carbon. A common mistake is
to buying skates too big,
check with the manufacture to determine sizing
recommendations. |
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| Stick - A wood stick is
suggested to provide your budding star with a better feel for the
puck. Two sticks should be readily accessible in case of breakage
during a practice or game. More advance users
may wish to utilize a one-piece composite or two piece
composite for
lightweight and quick response. |
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| Helmet - Helmets and facemask are
mandatory in minor hockey. A proper fit ensures
maximum protection. Look for the CSA certification
label prior to purchase. One of the most important
investments is for your head. (helmet should be
replaced yearly and anytime significant exposure to
high impact.) |
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| Shoulder Pads - A combination
of foam and plastic padding with a good fit.
Shoulder pads should be selected based on your style of
play. Example: Defensemen that block a lot of
shots may wish to have extra abs protection. |
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| Elbow
Pads - These short pads begin at the bottom of the
shoulder pads on the players' arm and should extend to
the top of the gloves. |
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| Shin
Pads - Covering the knee and shin area, these mainly
plastic pads should extend from the bottom of the hockey
pants to the top of the skate boot. |
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| Gloves
- Look for a good fit that allows your child to grip
their stick. A single layer of foam inside the
glove, coupled with coverage to the middle of the
forearm is suggested. (note: gloves should provide
protection for hand and wrist, coverage should be to
elbow padding for Peewee players - older) |
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| Pants
- Hockey pants provide
protection against shots, sticks and falls. (some
players like to cut the inside of each leg to allow
additional flexibility - note: this does increase
exposure for hooking, spearing, etc.) |
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| Jersey - Your young
one will need a practice jersey for team
scrimmages and hockey camps. Jersey should be
large enough to allow ease movement without getting
caught in protective equipment (i.e. shoulder pads,
elbow pads) |
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| Mouth
Guard - Helps
to prevent injuries to the mouth and
teeth. Mouthguards are primarily used to assist in
the prevention of concussions. |
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| Tape - Required for taping the
"handle" and blade of the stick. Many players use
clear tape for keeping their socks in place as
well. Note: Black tape is often the chose of
users for stick blade as it make's it difficult
for the goalie to pick up sight of the
puck. Never leave wet tape on your composite or
wood stick this shortens the life of the stick. |
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| Cup
- Also known as a "Jock" or "Jane",
Women should wear a pelvic
protector. Some of these products are combined
with the garter belt. |
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| Garter
Belt - Provides a mechanism to
keep hockey socks in place. Opt for the shorts
with Velcro on the front and back as these wear better
and are more comfortable for the player. |
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| Hockey
Bag - Required for lugging all the above mentioned
gear back and forth from the house to the
rink. Note: Avoid monster sized bags for travel hockey
this will save you headaches with the airlines.
Hockey bag and stick bag (max 2 sticks) count as 1 bag
when flying - don't be over charged. |
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| Socks - Used to cover the shin
pads. |
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| Neck
Guard - Lightweight devices assist in lessening the chance of a
skate blade cutting a player's
neck. (not required in USA Peewee and older players - is
required in Canada) |
