You can select a cage mask, or a see-through screen known as a visor. This comes down to personal preference and to what players are comfortable wearing.
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Mandatory Equipment
The game of hockey requires all players to be protected head-to-toe, and there’s a piece of equipment for every part in-between.
| The proper equipment is important for making sure that you or your kids are ready, and properly protected. It’s very important that you or your kids wear equipment that is as comfortable as possible; they won’t want to stay in the game if they are bothered by equipment that is making them feel uncomfortable, or making it difficult to move freely. Let’s go over the pieces of equipment required. Start with good underwear For starters, some may feel more comfortable in underwear and a T-shirt, while others will want their arms and legs completely covered before putting on the protective equipment. You can also purchase long underwear designed specifically for hockey. It is moisture wicking sports gear that is designed to stay dry. Then, the player generally puts on their gear from bottom-to-top, though skates are sometimes added mid-way or are the very last piece of equipment put on. From skates to helmet. A hockey player will need skates, shin pads, jock, or jill for girls. Also as an alternate choice, suspenders for pants, or garter belt for socks can be used - a sweater or jersey, gloves, helmet, face guard, hockey socks (and regular foot socks), hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guard, and a neck guard. And then of course, a hockey stick and hockey tape. Socks, jocks or jills Hockey socks should be long enough to reach just above the Velcro portion of the jock or jill, or essentially high up on the upper thigh. You don’t want long socks that you will have to fold, which would make the player uncomfortable. On their feet, players can wear basic athletic socks, but there are socks designed for hockey. Shin Pads The shin pad should protect both the shin and the knee area. It should extend from the bottom of the hockey pants to the top of the skate boot. There is an indented area on the pad where the kneecap should fit into comfortably. Hockey Pants Properly fitted hockey pants should not affect the player’s mobility on the ice. Pants should extend to the top of the knee, as well as cover the kidney and the lower ribs. There should be no room or exposed area between the shin pad and the hockey pants. Check to make sure that the tailbone guard is in centre and in place, covering low enough on the tailbone. Shoulder and Elbow Pads Shoulder Pads should fit snug, with the tip of the shoulder placed securely under the shoulder cap. For mobility, it’s also important that the bicep pads do not interfere with the player’s elbow pads. After they put on the shoulder pads, then they can put on the neck guard, as the neck guard should be worn on top of, and rest on, the shoulder pads.  Elbow pads should begin at the bottom of the shoulder pads on the player’s arm and extend to the top of the gloves. No exposed area should exist between the biceps cover of the shoulder pad and the cuff of the player’s glove. The Gloves Elbow pads and glove size go hand in hand and must also be fitted together. There should be no exposed area between the elbow pads and the gloves, and little or no overlap between the glove and elbow pad. If a glove is too large, it will inhibit the ability to feel the stick; if it’s too small, the fingertips will jam against the end of the gloves. Hockey gloves should fit like loose winter gloves over the fingers. Neck Guard You want to keep your neck protected while you’re on the ice. Make sure to wear a B&Q-approved neck guard when you play so you can enjoy the game safely. Helmets and saving face Face guards and helmets are mandatory for minor hockey in Canada. To ensure proper fit, open the helmet to the largest setting, and then place it on the head so that the rim is one finger-width above the eyebrow. Gradually begin to close the helmet until a comfortable, yet snug fit, is achieved. Tighten and secure the helmet adjustment. All you will need is a screwdriver.
Regularly check that all screws are in place and securely tightened, and ensure that there are no cracks in the helmet. Make sure that the helmet is handled with care and not thrown about. The more that it is dropped, the less protection it will provide over time. Mouth GuardsMost masks – whether they are cage or shield style – include a mouth guard. The mouth guard sits inside the player’s mouth and provides protection for the teeth, lips and gums. The mouth guard is important as it protects from damage that can occur during play from the pucks or sticks. Also, mouth guards align the jaw and may help protect against concussions. Before you hit the ice, make sure you are wearing a properly fitted mouth guard. Hockey Sticks Not all hockey sticks are created equal. Sticks for younger players need to be lighter and are made with narrower shafts. It is not advisable to cut down adult sticks for junior players. Ask your in-store sales rep to direct you to the youth or junior sticks. Sticks should be measured and cut to a length between the chin and nose of the player. A shorter stick will allow for more adept stick handling, while a longer stick will allow for more bend or whip, and a harder shot. Wood, aluminum and composite sticks are flex-rated and should be chosen according to the player’s weight. Smaller players should use a stick with a higher flex rating, and that is a higher flex number. Getting skates that fit Skates should fit nice and snug. In fact, depending on the brand, the skate size may be a full- or half-size smaller than their regular shoe size. Unlike winter boots, your kids can’t grow into their skates. You may get two seasons out of a pair of skates, but when your player is really growing, the skates may only get one season of use. Hand ‘em down to a brother or sister, or take them to a second-hand store to get some money to put towards their next pair of skates. Keeping your skates sharpSkates must also be sharp at all times. There’s a simple way to check if the blades are sharp. Run your fingernail across the edge, if some nail comes off, the skates are sharp. Generally, skates should be sharpened in store after 4-5 hours of ice time, but some players may prefer to have their skates sharp all the time, and may ask that you sharpen them every other game or so. Don’t let a young player get used to skating on dull blades as they will develop poor skating techniques. Skates need to be sharp to develop power, and for the player’s safety. Skate sharpening toolsWhile it’s important to get skates sharpened regularly in-store, there are a few tools that you can use to keep skates sharp and free of nicks that can otherwise cause a player to slip on the ice. You can check for a nick by simply running your finger along the fat part of the blade. You’ll be able to feel it, and then you’re also likely to be able to see it. With a flat stone you can quickly rub off the nick by keeping the stone flat against the surface and gently rubbing off the nick. You can also purchase and use a Magi-Stik to actually sharpen skates. The Stik can get you an additional 3-4 games before regular sharpening is required. Simply hold the Stik at the angle shown, and with only moderate force run the Stik once along each blade – the pressure divided evenly on both edges of the blade. Protecting your blades To keep your skate blades sharp, be careful where you walk. Don’t walk on any hard surfaces. This will immediately take the edge off of the blade. You should also cover the blades after each use with some skate covers or skate guards that will also allow you to walk on non-ice surfaces. Storing your gearYou’ll also need a hockey bag to store and carry your gear to and from the rink. But always remember to air out your hockey gear. The gear can absorb a few pounds of sweat in just one game or practice. It will take a few days of airing out after a good workout. You can also purchase an equipment drying rack that makes it quicker and easier to dry equipment. Taking care of your gear Two or three times during the season, all removable padding should be washed with a mild detergent and air-dried. And occasionally it’s very important to check all equipment to make sure that the protective pieces are all there, and are in proper condition. It’s possible that the padding or plastic can shift, or occasionally fall out. Remember, it’s important for players to be comfortable in their gear. If they’re comfortable and can move freely, they’re much more able to enjoy the game. Checklist:
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