This guide is intended to be used by parents,
coaches, trainers, and playerswhen selecting appropriate protective
equipment before stepping on the ice. The information below
should only be used as a guideline when purchasing hockey
equipment.
When purchasing hockey equipment, the most important
aspects to consider is that the equipment is of a suitable quality
and condition for the level of play and it is properly fitted.
When equipment is not of suitable quality and condition and
appropriately fitted, the player is exposed to injury.
When using hockey equipment please consider
the following:
A. The equipment is in proper condition.
If any piece of equipment is cracked or is structurally unsound,
it should be replaced immediately or properly repaired by a
professional. Equipment should be inspected often so that all
breaks can be recognized immediately and properly attended to.
B. The equipment fits properly. Equipment
should cover the entire area of the body that it is meant to
cover. Equipment should never be bought to grow into. This leaves
the player at risk of serious injury, as equipment that is too
big will slide away from the area that it is protecting.
C. The equipment is periodically examined
and properly maintained throughout its life span. All equipment
should be hung to dry after every game or practice. This reduces
deterioration in the equipment’s structure and quality.
Skate blades and holders should be completely dried immediately
after every game or practice. This will prevent deterioration
of the blade. Proper maintenance involves examining all equipment
frequently throughout its life span.
The following are guidelines that will assist
you when fitting and purchasing hockey equipment for your child
or self.
THE LIST OF REQUIRED EQUIPMENT -
This is the list of hockey equipment each player must wear to
be on the ice. Specific hockey undergarments and skate socks
are not requirements. These are optional. A Hockey Canada video
provides a quick introduction to hockey equipment and is visual
supplement to the next section. USA Hockey does not provide
a free video for hockey equipment.
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT: HEAD
TO TOE - Hockey equipment images are provided and how
to fit and use each item of hockey equipment is given.
HOW TO GET READY FOR HOCKEY
- The standard order of putting on hockey equipment is ordered
by image and number. There also are two videos to show how to
put on equipment. These are suggestions.
VIDEOS SHOWING HOW TO PUT
ON HOCKEY EQUIPMENT
1. How to Put on Hockey Equipment
2. How To Gear Up For Hockey
3. How to Lace Hockey Skates Properly
4. How to Tie Ice Hockey Skates 1
5. How to Tie Ice Hockey Skates 2
6. How to Put on Hockey Goalie Gear in the Proper Order
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT
VIDEO RESOURCES 1. How to Select a Hockey Helmet
2. How to Size a Hockey Helmet
3. How to Fit Hockey Pants
4. How to Select a Hockey Shin Guard
5. How to Size Shin Guards
6. Shoulder Pad Selection and Fitting
7. How to Select an Elbow Pad
8. Selecting the Right Hockey Stick
9. Hockey Stick Size and Flex
10. Selecting the Right Hockey Blade
Should be snug and remain in place when chinstrap
is properly fastened.
Helmet should fit just above the eyebrows.
Helmet MUST be HECC and CSA approved.
Never paint or add stickers as this weakens the
structure and removes CSA* certification.
Replace loose or missing screws immediately.
Check inside and outside of helmet for cracks
or deterioration and replace if necessary.
When fitting, a proper measurement should be taken
from the front of the helmet to the bottom of the
player's chin. Chin should fit comfortably into
cup of facemask.
Facemasks come in both cage and polycarbonate
visor styles and also in different types.
Type I – for players 10 years or older
(excluding goaltenders), denoted by a white
CSA sticker.
Type II – for players 10 years and under
(excluding goaltenders), denoted by an orange
CSA sticker.
Type III – for goaltenders of any age,
denoted by a blue CSA sticker.
Type IV – for players at the Major Junior
level and up, denoted by a yellow CSA sticker.
An internal mouth guard may be attached to the
facemask to protect the player’s teeth and
to help reduce the risk of concussion. It is recommended
that a dental practitioner fit the mouth guard.
All breaks or cracks should be replaced.
Check that mask is compatible with helmet.
Be sure to clean visor after every use.
Never cut or alter facemask.
Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often
used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding
and during sports.
An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist
tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not
restrict your breathing or speech.To care for your mouth
guard:
Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a
mouth rinse before and after each use and/or clean it
with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Occasionally clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water
and rinse it thoroughly.
Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container
to store or transport it. This permits air circulation
and helps to prevent damage.
Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures –
such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight
– to minimize distorting its shape.
Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear.
If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose
or causes discomfort, replace it.
Neck Guard (Throat Protector)
All players must wear a throat protector featuring
a certification label on it.
Should fit snugly and should completely cover throat
area.
Hang to dry after every use.
UNDERGARMENTS
Undergarments
Wear light fitting, cool, comfortable undergarments
during all games and practices.
When fitting all other equipment, the same undergarments
should be worn in order to get the proper sizing.
Wash after every use.
Sports Bra
Every female player should wear a properly fitted
sports bra to ensure appropriate support.
Skate Socks
Skate socks provide a thin, protective layer between
the foot and the skate.
Skate socks can be cropped at ankle length or reach
to the top of the skate boot.
The bestsocks are a polyester blend, usually mixed
with nylon or Spandex, so they dry quickly and maintain
shape.
An additional feature useful for outdoor skating is
buy socks with a moisture-wicking fabric that draws
sweat away from the foot so that cold air does not chill
the sweat cold on the feet.
SHOULDER, COLLAR BONE,
CHEST & BACK PROTECTION
Shoulder Pads
Should protect the entire shoulder joint throughout
a full range of motion.
Arm pads should extend to just above the elbow to
ensure full protection.
Back pad should meet the top of the pants.
For female players, a combination of shoulder and
chest protector gives added protection to the chest
area.
When lifting arms, pads should not dig into the neck
of the player as this may cause injury.
Check pads and straps regularly for damage.
UPPER ARM, ELBOW AND
FOREARM PROTECTION
Elbow Pads
When fitting, place the point of the elbow in the
circular area on the inside of the elbow pad and fasten
all straps properly.
The top of the elbow pad should meet the bottom of
the shoulder pad.
The bottom of the pad should extend down the forearm
and fit inside the cuff of the glove.
Check straps regularly and have any defective pad
or strap properly repaired or replaced immediately.
HAND AND WRIST PROTECTION
Hockey Gloves
Should fit the players’ hands snugly but not
too tight.
Glove should overlap the elbow pad through the entire
range of motion.
Padding on the back of the glove should absorb all
shock.
Check this by pressing on the back of the glove. The
player should not feel any pressure on the backside
of the hand.
Be sure that the palms of the gloves are always soft
and without rips or tears.
Always leave laces (if present) in the cuff.
Check gloves for damage frequently and repair or replace
immediately.
GROIN AND PELVIC AREA
PROTECTION
Jock/Jock Short or Jill Strap/Pelvic
Protector Short
This piece of equipment should be fitted according
to waist size and should feel comfortable for the player.
Tears, especially where the two leg straps attach
to the protective cup, should be properly repaired or
replaced immediately.
Protective cups come in sizes to suit all players.
HIP, THIGH, TAILBONE
AND KIDNEY PROTECTION
Hockey Pants
Fitting should be done with shin pads properly in
place.
Pants should slightly overlap the top of the shin
pad.
Pants are sized according to waist size.
Pants must completely protect the front and side of
the thigh, tail bone, hip and kidney areas throughout
the entire range of motion.
When fitting pants for females, fit hips first, then
check the length of the pant.
Regularly check for tears and irregularities in the
pants.
KNEE AND SHIN PROTECTION
Shin Pads (Shin Guards)
When sizing, wear loosely fitting skates in order
to get the proper length of the shin pad.
The cap of the shin pad should be centred on the kneecap.
The bottom of the pad should fit where the foot and
the leg meet at a 90-degree angle.
If the pad is too short, it leaves an unprotected
area above the skate will be exposed.
If the pad is too long, it will restrict movement
and create discomfort for the player.
Shin pads are sized in inches and come in both junior
and senior sizes.
Cracked pads should be replaced or properly repaired
immediately.
SHIN GUARD COVERINGS
Hockey Socks
Hockey socks are long, footless sleeves that run from
the player's ankles to their thighs.
They resemble thick and tight leg warmers with elastic
reinforcement at the ankles and top of the leg.
Hockey socks are generally made out of polyester or
a polyester blend and they are used to cover the shin
pads (shin guards).
ACHILLES TENDON, FOOT,
AND TOE PROTECTION
Hockey Skates
Before sizing skates, check the person's feet for
any irregularities, which would affect the size of skate.
Player should wear the same foot hosiery that they
would in a game or practice (i.e. socks, barefoot, etc.).
With the foot in an untied skate, have the player
push foot forward so that the toes touch the front of
the skate.
There should be one finger width space between the
player’' heel and the back of the boot.
Before lacing up the skate, have the player kick the
heel back in order to ensure a snug fit.
When completely laced, eyelets should be 1.5 - 2 inches
apart.
Never buy skates to grow into as this puts the player
at risk of injury and will inhibit their skating ability.
Laces should never be wrapped around the ankle as
this inhibits blood flow.
Blades should be completely dried after every use.
Skate guards should be used during transport or when
walking on non-ice surfaces.
Never dry skates over direct heat, as this may crack
and damage the composition of the skates.
HOCKEY STICK
Hockey Stick
In street shoes, the stick should reach between the
chin and the mouth of the player and just below the
chin when on skates.
Junior sticks should be used for younger players as
these sticks have features, which are more suitable
for this age group.
When purchasing a goalie stick, the blade of the stick
should be flat on the ice when the goalie is in a crouch
position.
Be aware of players’ personal preference when
purchasing a hockey stick.
GOALIE EQUIPMENT
Goaltender Equipment
Goal pads should always be fitted with goaltender
skates on.
Kneecap should be in the middle of the knee roll.
When completely fastened, the pads should extend
from the toe of the skate to four inches above the
knee.
Extra kneepads may be worn under the goal pads
for added protection.
Always dry and store pads in an upright position.
Check straps regularly.
Pants should fit the same as regular pants but
should be loose enough to fit belly pad inside.
Pants should be expected to be heavier than usual
because of their extra padding.
Belly pad should tuck in about two inches below
the belly button.
Upper body protection should cover collarbone,
chest, abdomen, and should extend down arms to the
wrist.
Goaltenders should wear special athletic support.
Blocker and trapper should fit to the hand size
of the player and should overlap arm pads.
Never warp the blocker as this
reduces its structural integrity.
Adapted from the Hockey
Development Centre for Ontario
HOW TO GET READY FOR HOCKEY
STANDARD
ORDER OF GETTING DRESSED FOR HOCKEY
#1
Undergarments
Sports Bra
Jock or Jock
Short
Jill Strap
(Pelvic Protector) or Jill Short
Skate Socks
Shin
Guards (Shin Pads)
#2
Hockey
Socks
#3
Hockey
Pants
#4
Hockey Skates
#5
Shoulder Pads
#6
Elbow Pads
#7
Neck
Guard (Throat Protector)
#8
Hockey
Jersey
#9
Helmet
#10
Mouth
Guard
#10
Hockey Gloves
#11
Hockey Stick
#12
VIDEOS SHOWING HOW TO PUT ON HOCKEY EQUIPMENTHow to Put on Hockey Equipment
(Suggestions: It is easier to put the elbow pads
on after putting on the shoulder pads. It is also easier
to tie skates after you put them on. ).
How To Gear Up For Hockey (Suggestion: It is easier to put tape on socks
to secure them right after you put the socks on).How to Lace Hockey Skates ProperlyHow to Tie Ice Hockey Skates 1 (Warning: Do not tie excess laces around the ankle and
do not use tape.Tie a double knot)How to Tie Ice Hockey Skates 2
(Suggestion: Ignore the beginning and pay attention
to the part about tying skates)How to Put on Hockey Goalie Gear in the
Proper Order
OBTAINING AND BUYING
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT
WHERE TO PURCHASE HOCKEY EQUIPMENT
There are brick and mortar and online stores where one can
buy new, clearance and used equipment such as Bauer, CCM,
Easton, Itech, Reebok, Warrior, Tackla, and Mission at low
prices.
1. Used Hockey Equipment
Places in New York such as Play
it Again Sports, Craigslist
New York (search: hockey equipment), and Amazon.com(Select Sports & Outdoors >Team Sports >
Hockey) sell used equipment. Parents also use Craigslist
New York to request used hockey equipment. Please
note: Please be careful when purchasing used equipment.
Be informed about quality and prices for new hockey equipment
since one can be taken for a ride with high prices at
these places. It is better not to pay a lot for beginning
hockey equipment until it is certain that your child has
more than a passing interest in ice hockey.
2. New Hockey Equipment
In the New York area, Westside
Skate & Stick, Modells,
Paragon
and Sports
Authority carry only new hockey equipment. Their
brick and mortar equipment inventories run out fast, especially
at Modells
and Sports
Authority and specifically with small hockey pants
and helmets as these items are the first to go and not
well stocked. Call before visiting a local store to ensure
they have youth size equipment.
At ice rinks, such as the Ice Hutch in Pelham, New York,
or the Ice Vault in New Jersey or Chelsea Piers NYC, Wonderland
Sports, there are Pro Shops/Hockey shops that
sell hockey equipment and the prices can be, are and/or
close to being exorbitant. Small sporting goods shops
tend to be high priced.
Store Hours:
10a.m. to 8p.m.
Sunday 11:00am to 7:00pm
Sports Authority
51-30 Northern Boulevard
Woodside , NY 11377
(718) 205-4075 http://www.sportsauthority.com
Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Holiday hours may vary.
Westside Skate & Stick
New York City
174 Fifth Avenue, Suite 504
(btw 22nd & 23rd St.)
New York, NY 10010-5930
Phone: 212-228-8400
Fax: 212-675-2147 http://www.westsideskate.com
Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
CLOSED MONDAYS
Wonderland Sports
Pier 61 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011
Trel: 212-824-4096
Fax 212-336-6197 http://www.wonderlandsports.net/
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 10:00am
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Purchasing Equipment On the Internet
There are good online hockey stores, but the main problem
is one cannot best fit the child by simply estimating or
guessing the right size and fit. Every child's body is different
and so are the equipment manufacturers. Also, having to
return too small, too large or ill-fitting equipment is
troublesome and costly. Some parents fit their kids at brick
and mortar stores and then find the same name, model, and
size online and order it. Here are some of the larger online
stores:
All of this equipment in the appropriate youth size for
5-10 year olds (Youth Size) can be purchased new for about
$175-$225 depending on how and where one shops. One can
obtain used equipment for half the cost.
Jersey and Socks These are not equipment per se but they are required.
Jerseys are provided by the program. Socks must be purchased.
DONATED AND LOANED HOCKEY EQUIPMENTDonated Equipment
Donated equipment costs nothing at all. Sometimes relatives
and friends have equipment that they will give you. Also,
the Parents Association has equipment that you can receive
and keep.
Loaned Equipment
The Parents Association tries to fully outfit all hockey
preppers and mites with protective equipment except mouth
guards, neck guards and jock and jill athletic support.
We usually run out of well fitting helmets, small pants
and small gloves, then shoulder pads. We have plenty of
elbow pads and shin guards. Some parents take what they
can get that fits well and then purchase new or used that
which is not available. We also have donated ice hockey
skates that can be used. However, we recommend that you
buy new skates.
The Park lends skates free of charge to hockey preppers.
However, these skates do not have proper ankle support
for ice hockey. We recommend that parents buy new hockey
skates. This is a good investment. New skates can be used
for ice skating as well as hockey and more suitable for
general skating than figure skates if one is going to
race around on the ice as most kids want to do if they
like it. A decent pair of tie up ice hockey skates for
a beginner (youth size) can cost between $29.99 to $49.99.
There is no need to buy more expensive skates. If
you do buy new skates, make sure they are sharpened before
you leave the store or before entering the ice.
Hockey skates are sold with flat, unsharpened blades.
Kids will not be able skate using unsharpened blades.
They will slip and slide on the ice and will be unable
to stand up on the ice. (See the skate guide below.)
Current Prices
Store prices are $5-$15 higher than normal before the
hockey season arrives. Since the hockey season is still
revving up. Prices should drop in late October as we come
closer to the holiday season. So now is a good time to
explore products and prices and then to obtain bargains
as they begin to appear.
This can be a lot of work and we are trying to take up
the slack by obtaining donated equipment.
If you need any help with this, please contact your team
manager.
BUYING AND SHARPENING
HOCKEY SKATES IN NEW YORK CITY
There are several places to buy hockey skates in NYC.
You can first shop online to compare prices for youth
tie up hockey skates with store prices to get an idea
of what to pay.
One you have selected a brand, a proper size must be
selected and a proper fitting made.
SIZING AND FITTING
Please do not buy skates that a larger than the child's
foot, so the child can grow into them. To size the skate
properly, use a foot measuring device to determine length
and width of the foot. For skate brands Bauer, CCM, Nike-Bauer,
Reebok, and skate sizes are usually one size to a size and
a half lower than shoe sizes (Shoe Size 3 = Skate Size 2
or 1.5). Easton is a half size down. Mission and Torpso
skates sizes are the same as shoe sizes. Fitting the skates
will determine what is best.
When the skates are tried on, please use socks that will
be used all the time so that the fit will always be the
same. Buying several pairs of the same sock is advised.
To fit the skates, have the skater place the feet in
untied skates, and push foot forward so that the toes
touch the front of the skate. This is best done by kicking
the toe of the boot on the ground. There should be no
more than a one forefinger width space between the heel
and the back of the boot. This method helps to overcome
size discrepancies found when using shoe or skate measuring
devices or guessing at shoe or foot size.
The feet in the skates should feel comfortable. While
in the store, have the skater walk around in tied up skates
to make sure there are no pressure points being pressed
on the sides, front and top of toes, ankles and heel.
Additional details on proper sizing and fitting and putting
on hockey skates can be found below:
WHERE TO BUY SKATES AND SKATE SHARPENING
It is important to buy skates where they will sharpen them
before you leave the store. All new hockey skates have flat
blades and cannot be used until a hollow with edges is made
by grinding. If you buy at store that does not sharpen,
you will have to trek to a store location that does so.
Here are links to an informative article and a video
on skate sharpening.
PLACES WHERE YOU CAN BUY AND SHARPEN SKATES
IN NYC
Below are stores where you can buy hockey skates and have
them sharpened.
Westside Skate & Stick
New York City
174 Fifth Avenue, Suite 504
(btw 22nd & 23rd St.)
New York, NY 10010-5930
Phone: 212-228-8400
Fax: 212-675-2147 http://www.westsideskate.com
This is a high end skate shop. They are the best in NYC
for skate sharpening. They sell pricey, high end skates
and hockey goods. Mention you were sent from Riverbank Hockey
and they will give a $5 discount on their excellent sharpening
when you bring skates there. You can also purchase the high
end Maximum Edge Profiling Service.
Store Hours:
10a.m. to 8p.m.
Sunday 11:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
Sharpening Cost: $10.
Paragon is pricey but usually has a sale on high quality
youth skates at the beginning of the season in September.
Skates purchased at Paragon may come with life-time free
skate sharpening. Please ask sales personnel. Sharpening
as a craft is not paramount here. The sharpening done
is enough to get an two edges to go on the ice.
Sharpening Cost:
New Hockey Skates - $15
Previously Sharpened Hockey Skates - $8
Pricey pro shop. Other stores have lower prices for the
same items. Sharpening depends on who does it. A few questions
to the person on duty about sharpening (using the info
in the articles about profiles, edges, rockers and so
on) will give you an idea of what quality sharpening will
be provided.
Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Holiday hours may vary.
Sharpening Cost: $3:00
High to moderate prices. Sharpening quality is unknown
and at three dollars the most one can expect is that there
are two edges. Manhattan stores may have sharpening. Please
call Manhattan stores to check if they have a sharpening
machine and if it is working.
Modells
Modells sells hockey skates but they do not sharpen. If
you have one close to you and do not mind going elsewhere
to have the skates sharpened, Modells is an option.
Riverbank State Park
The park will lend skates for free at each practice for
that session only. It is a hassle to do so on a congested
Saturday morning. Please know that these rental skates have
little or no ankle support for hockey skating. It simply
more convenient and cheaper in the long run if one attends
public session skating to buy tie up hockey skates
Non-rental hockey skates can be sharpened at Riverbank.
There is no charge for hockey participants. However, seasonal
park staff will sharpen them on one assigned day and time
only as determined by the Rink Director, Darcel Michel,
and only during the season and not before. Last season,
that day was Wednesday between 4:30 to 7:00 PM. This season,
that day and time has not been determined. To be used
for general sharpening only and is similar to Paragon,
and Sports Authority.
Sharpening Cost: Free
Good Luck!
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT VIDEO
RESOURCES
How to Select a Hockey Helmet How to Size a Hockey Helmet How to Fit Hockey Pants How to Select a Hockey Shin GuardHow to Size Shin Guards
Shoulder Pad Selection and Fitting
How to Select an Elbow PadSelecting the Right Hockey Stick Hockey Stick Size and FlexSelecting the Right Hockey Blade
