Ice hockey is a fast-paced, high-energy game. Its a great way to make friends and get fit, but it can also cause serious injuries if youre not wearing the right equipment.
Youll need a set of ice skates that are the perfect size for your feet and laced up tight enough to keep you steady on the ice, but not too tightly that they hurt your feet or ankles. If youre not sure what size you need, try on several pairs until you find the one that fits your foot and feels right.
Your skates should also come with a steel or hard plastic toe cup and should be kept sharp so they perform well on the ice. If youre buying new, ask a pro shop to help you choose the best pair for your needs and playstyle.
Pucks – The puck is the standard rubber black disc that slides on the ice and is used for passing, shooting and scoring. They can be expensive but are a key part of the game.
Helmet – A helmet is a mandatory piece of equipment and should be certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). It should have a full facemask with a protective chin cup and a chin strap that is fastened properly.
Shoulder pads – These protective gears are padded and typically consist of a vest with front and back panels with velcro straps. They protect chest, ribs, solar plexus and shoulders against flying pucks and collisions with other players or the ice. They are not required in all recreational leagues (‘no-check’) and are mainly omitted for practice sessions not involving body contact, but they are virtually always worn during games.
Goal pads – These thickly padded leg pads cover the top of your skate, your shin and your knees, and incorporate additional padding on the inside of the legs to protect the knee joints when you drop into a butterfly. Theyre usually 11 or 12 in (279 or 305 mm) wide and are sized to fit the individual players legs.
Gloves – These protective gloves are made from leather with a thick padding linen that protects the hands and fingers from strong impacts. Theyre a must-have for any serious ice hockey player and are often more expensive than goal pads or pants.
Mouth guard – A mouth guard is an underrated piece of ice hockey equipment but is mandatory in many competitive youth leagues. These absorb a lot of the impact on your teeth if youre hit by a puck, so they can reduce the risk of serious dental and mouth injuries.
Jock/Pelvic protector – Specialty hockey jockstraps have a built-in cup that can protect sensitive groin areas from injury. They’re available in a variety of styles and are sometimes padded with foam or an athletic supporter for extra protection.
Socks – Long tube socks are also recommended to protect your legs from falls and shin scratches. They also help to keep shin pads in place and prevent cold feet from getting into your shoes.