Whether you are an adult looking to getting into playing hockey for the first time recreationally, or a kid wanting to try it out for the first time — it can be daunting to know what all you need for gear. This is just a summary of what you need for a skater (not a goalie!)
In future posts, we’ll take a deep dive at specific brands’ gear and sizing recommendations and tell you what we think about them. Until then, having the right gear is essential for safety, performance, and comfort on the ice. From head to toe, here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-have gear.
- Helmet: A high-quality helmet is non-negotiable when it comes to hockey gear. Look for a helmet that meets safety standards and fits snugly, providing maximum protection for your head against collisions and falls.
- Shoulder Pads: Shoulder pads are crucial for absorbing and dispersing the force of body checks and collisions. Choose shoulder pads that offer ample protection without restricting your range of motion, allowing you to move freely on the ice. Don’t be afraid to try these on in-store!
- Elbow Pads: Elbow pads protect your elbows from impacts with the boards, ice, and other players. Opt for elbow pads that provide sufficient padding and coverage while still allowing you to maneuver your arms comfortably during play. When trying them on, make sure they’re against your bare skin.
- Gloves: Gloves are essential for maintaining a firm grip on your stick while also shielding your hands from slashes, pucks, and stick checks. Look for gloves that offer a balance of protection, mobility, and breathability to keep your hands comfortable and secure. Also make sure there’s adequate cuff protection for your wrists.
- Shin Guards: Shin guards protect your shins and knees from slashes, pucks, and impacts with the boards or other players’ skates. Invest in shin guards that offer full coverage and ample padding.
- Hockey Pants: Hockey pants provide protection for your hips, thighs, and tailbone, shielding you from falls and collisions on the ice. Choose pants that fit comfortably and offer reinforced padding in key areas to minimize the risk of injury. Try these on in-store!
- Skates: Skates are essential. Invest in skates that fit properly and offer good ankle support. If your foot is done growing, then sometimes it truly is important to focus on quality of fit, rather than price. You often get what you pay for with skates. Like some other gear, please try these on in-store. You’ll save yourself from future headaches.
- Stick: Your hockey stick is your primary tool for shooting, passing, and puck handling. Choose a stick that suits your playing style and preferences, considering factors such as flex, curve, and blade pattern.
- Protective Cup / Pelvic Protector: Last but certainly not least, a protective cup / pelvic protector is essential for safeguarding your groin area from injury during gameplay. Choose one that fits securely and provides adequate protection without compromising comfort or mobility. You can wear these a few different ways, so take time to check out your options.
- Other Recommended Equipment:
- Mouthguard: Mouthguard is protect your teeth, jaw, and mouth from impacts and collisions. This is required for youth hockey, and is highly recommended for adult hockey.
- Cut-Resistant Gear: Please consider cut-resistant gear such as neck protection, wrist protection, and socks. It may be a freak accident that a player gets cut by an errant blade, but why not do your best to protect yourself from that risk. It’ll save parents a lot of stress, and for our adults here — there’s always work the next morning.
- Jersey / Socks / Underwear: Find yourself a well fitting practice jersey that fits comfortably over all of your gear. Get a pair of hockey socks that will help hold your shin guards in place. Lastly, just think about what you want to wear under your gear. I wear a long-sleeve sweat wicking shirt from Under Armor, and a pair of compression pants that are swear wicking. It works for me, but may not work for you. Don’t be afraid to tinker around — especially after you get a feel for how hot you get on the ice.
Making sure you have all the gear helps remove any unease you may have about getting hurt somehow on the ice. Hockey is a fast sport with hard collisions. It is crucial to make sure you have the gear you need to be safe, perform well on the ice, and most importantly to have fun.