Are you ready to hit the ice for the first time but feeling overwhelmed by all the gear you need? Don't worry; we've got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every piece of essential hockey equipment, what to look for, and how to ensure you're geared up like a pro. Let's dive in!

 

Hockey Skates

 
Choosing the right hockey skates can significantly impact a player's performance on the ice. From blade construction to boot stiffness, every aspect is tailored for agility and control. Understanding the nuances of hockey skates ensures players can maneuver swiftly and confidently.
 

What to Look For:

• Fit: Skates should fit snugly without being too tight. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, and there should be no heel lift.
• Support: Look for skates with good ankle support to prevent injuries and provide stability.
• Blade Quality: Ensure the blades are made from high-quality steel and can hold an edge well.

Tips:

• Beginners might benefit from getting their skates baked (heat-molded) for a customized fit.
• Don’t be afraid to invest in a good pair; they are crucial for your performance and safety.

Hockey Stick

 
As the primary tool for shooting, passing, and stickhandling, the hockey stick is a fundamental piece of equipment in every player's arsenal. From materials like composite to blade curvature, selecting the right stick can enhance a player's accuracy and power, vital for mastering the art of scoring in hockey.

 

What to Look For:

• Length: When standing in skates, the stick should come up to your chin (or slightly below for more advanced players).
• Flex: Beginners should start with a lower flex number, which makes the stick easier to bend.
• Blade Curve: A moderate curve is best for beginners as it offers a good balance between control and shooting.

Tips:

• Don’t overlook the importance of a good grip; consider a stick with a grip coating.

Hockey Helmet

 
Protecting the head is paramount in hockey, making the hockey helmet essential equipment for players of all levels. Beyond safety, modern helmets offer comfort and ventilation, ensuring players can focus on the game without compromising on protection.

 

What to Look For:

• Fit: The helmet should fit snugly without being too tight. It should sit one finger width above your eyebrows and not move when you shake your head.
• Certification: Ensure the helmet is certified by relevant safety standards (e.g., HECC or CSA).
• Protection: Look for helmets with good padding and a solid shell to protect against impacts.

Tips:

• Consider a helmet with a cage or full visor to protect your face, especially if you're new to the sport.

Hockey Gloves

 
Designed for both protection and dexterity, hockey gloves are crucial for handling the stick and shielding the hands during intense gameplay. With advancements in materials and fit, today's gloves offer enhanced grip and flexibility, crucial for maintaining control on the ice.

 

What to Look For:

• Fit: Gloves should fit snugly but allow for full finger movement. Your fingertips should not touch the ends of the gloves.
• Protection: Look for gloves with reinforced fingers and backhand protection.
• Grip: Ensure the palm material provides a good grip on the stick.

Tips:

• Break in your gloves by wearing them and practicing stickhandling before hitting the ice.

Shoulder Pads

 
Shoulder pads in hockey provide vital protection for the upper body, shielding players from checks and impacts during gameplay. Modern designs prioritize mobility without compromising on safety, offering comfort and flexibility crucial for maneuvering on the ice.

 

What to Look For:

• Coverage: Shoulder pads should cover your collarbone, chest, and back without restricting movement.
• Padding: Look for high-density foam padding for maximum protection.
• Fit: The pads should fit snugly and not move around during play.

Tips:

• Try on several pairs to find the one that offers the best combination of protection and mobility.

Elbow Pads

 
Protecting elbows from collisions and falls, hockey elbow pads are essential for players' safety and confidence. Lightweight yet durable materials ensure players can maintain agility and skill while staying protected throughout intense play.

 

What to Look For:

• Fit: Elbow pads should cover the elbow joint completely and stay in place during movement.
• Padding: Look for pads with reinforced elbow caps and sufficient padding around the joint.
• Mobility: Ensure the pads don’t restrict your range of motion.

Tips:

• Check that the straps are adjustable and comfortable.

Shin Guards

 
Shin guards are vital in hockey for shielding against pucks, sticks, and collisions that can occur during gameplay. Designed for comfort and mobility, they protect the lower legs without hindering a player's ability to skate and maneuver effectively.

 

What to Look For:

• Fit: Shin guards should cover from just above your skate tongue to just below your knee cap.
• Protection: Look for guards with hard plastic shells and ample padding.
• Straps: Ensure the straps are adjustable and secure.

Tips:

• Double-check the length to ensure there’s no gap between your skate and shin guard.

Hockey Pants

 
Hockey pants provide essential protection for the hips, thighs, and tailbone, shielding players from impacts and falls on the ice. Modern designs prioritize flexibility and comfort, ensuring players can move freely while staying protected throughout intense games.

 

What to Look For:

• Fit: Hockey pants should cover from your waist to the top of your knee pads, fitting snugly around your waist.
• Protection: Look for pants with good padding in the hips, thighs, and lower spine.
• Mobility: Ensure the pants allow for a full range of motion.

Tips:

• Consider suspenders to keep your pants securely in place during play.

Goalie Equipment

 
Goalie equipment is specialized to protect the goalkeeper from high-speed shots and collisions. From leg pads to chest protectors and masks, each piece is engineered to offer maximum protection without compromising mobility, allowing goalies to make game-changing saves.

Goalie Pads

• Should cover from the top of your skate to above your knee. Ensure adjustable straps on your goalie pads for a secure fit, as well as high-density foam and reinforced knee protection.

Goalie Gloves & Blockers

• Should fit snugly and comfortably, with easy finger movement. Look for goalie gloves and blockers reinforced padding,  high-impact foam and plastic inserts.

Goalie Sticks

• Look for a goalie stick that is lightweight for easy maneuverability but sturdy enough for durability. Choose a paddle height that suits your stance and playing style.

Goalie Skates

• Should fit snugly without being too tight. Your heel should be secure, and your toes should lightly touch the end of the goalie skates. Look for shorter, thicker blades and ensure additional protection around the toes and ankles.

Goalie Chest Protectors

• Should cover your chest, shoulders, and upper arms without restricting movement. Look for goalie chest protectors with multi-layered foam and plastic inserts for maximum protection and ensure the chest protector allows for a full range of motion. 

Goalie Masks

• Ensure a snug fit without being too tight. It should cover your entire head, including the back. Look for goalie masks with high-impact resistant materials and ample padding.

Additional Accessories

 
Beyond the essential gear, hockey players often use additional accessories to enhance performance and comfort on the ice. From skate guards to mouthguards and equipment bags, these accessories play a crucial role in a player's preparation and game-day routine.

 

Mouthguard

• Protects your teeth and reduces the risk of concussions. Custom-fit mouthguards offer the best protection and comfort.

Neck Guard

• Protects the neck from potential skate blade injuries. Look for adjustable neck guard options for a snug fit.

Jock

• Essential for protecting sensitive areas. Ensure the jock has a snug fit and good coverage.

Equipment Bags

• Your hockey bag is what you’ll be carrying around everywhere. Make sure to explore different options and find one that maximizes space without being too heavy. Carry bags are great for some players, while others may prefer wheel bags.

Baselayer

• Provides comfort, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation. A baselayer should fit snugly but not restrict movement. Look for seamless designs to avoid chafing.

Socks and Jersey

• Hockey socks cover your shin guards, and a jersey goes over your shoulder pads. Both should fit comfortably without restricting movement.

Gear Up Like A Pro Today!

 

Gearing up with the right equipment is crucial for both safety and performance in hockey. By investing in high-quality gear and ensuring a proper fit, you'll be ready to hit the ice with confidence. Whether you're shopping for brand new gear or looking to save big on clearance items, look out for top hockey brands such as Bauer, CCM, True and Warrior and remember to always try on equipment before purchasing to ensure the best fit and protection. Now that you're equipped with the knowledge, it's time to gear up like a pro and enjoy your time on the ice!

 

For more hockey tips and gear reviews, stay tuned to our Game Assist blog. Happy skating!