How to Dress a Hockey Player
What Equipment Do I Need?
Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will have more fun playing hockey.
A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Inquire about local equipment swaps and team discounts, but keep in mind the equipment must fit properly to provide the maximum protection.
Play It Again Sports in Centerville, West Chester, Springdale, and the King's area of Cincinnati often have a good selection of used equipment.
Dayton Hockey Shop (located inside South Metro Sports) also carries a selection of new hockey equipment, and can special order items that are not in stock.
Skates – Purchase skates that will fit your child today with no more than ½” allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas, improperly fitted skates will hamper your child’s ability to skate. Note that your player will often need skates 1-2 sizes SMALLER than their current shoe size. SKATES MUST BE SHARPENED before first use, and regularly after.
Helmet – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.
Facemask – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Mouthpiece –A mouthpiece is required for all youth players.
Stick – Length should generally extend from the ice to the players chin (with skates on) or bridge of the nose (with skates off). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours. Left or Right handed is a topic of much debate - we recommend for beginning players to get a stick with a straight blade until they decide which way of holding the stick is most natural to them. Many right-handed players use a left-handed stick, and vice versa.
Shin Pads – Check for proper lengths so they protect the knee and skin completely.
Supporter and Cup – Essential protective equipment.
Gloves – Check for proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.
Shoulder Pads – Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.
Pants – Held in proper position by suspenders if necessary. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads – Properly fitted so they do not slide.
For goaltenders, special equipment is necessary such as gloves (catching and stick), chest and stomach protection, goalie skates (with protective shell), leg pads and shoulder and arm protectors. The goaltender’s equipment is especially important, so seek advice from a knowledgeable source.
