From skates to sticks, discover the gear that keeps you safe and ready for action on the ice
When played for fun, ice hockey is an exciting yet physically demanding sport which requires certain gear to be safe and perform well on the ice. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, it's important to know what tools you need for leisure ice hockey so you can have fun and stay safe.
For ice hockey, skates have the most important piece of gear. They help skaters move quickly and easily on the ice.
An approved hockey helmet is important to keep your head safe from possible hits. It is important to find helmets that meet the safety standards set by groups such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Using a mouthguard not only keeps your teeth safe, but it can also lower the possibility of concussions by taking some of the force of a blow to the head. You can get over-the-counter mouthguards, ones that are custom made to fit, or ones that you boil and bite.
Shoulder pads are made to keep the shoulders, chest, and upper arm safe. They help cushion the blow and lower the chance of getting hurt in falls and accidents.
To protect your elbows from hits and falls, you need to wear elbow pads. Most of the time, they are made of hard plastic shells and foam covering.
When shopping for gloves, make sure they have extra padding in the places that get hit the most, like the back of the hand and fingers.
Shin protection has the purpose to protect your knees and shins from bumps, cuts, and puck hits.
Your hips, legs, and tailbone will be safe if you wear an apron or hockey pants. They give these places extra padding and support, which lowers the risk of getting hurt.
An underwear item that covers the groyne area is called a jock (for men) or a jill (for women).
Most hockey socks are made of a material that pulls wetness away from your feet to keep them dry.
A jersey or sweater is the team's outfit and helps the other players on the ice find you. Make sure to get one with the colours and name of your team on it.
Your hips, legs, and tailbone will feel better if you wear hockey pants or a girdle. They are necessary to keep these places safe throughout falls and collisions.
A neck guard is meant to keep your neck and throat safe from getting hurt by skate blades or sticks. It is an important piece of gear, especially for young players.
The stick is the main thing you'll use to move the puck and shoot. Sticks come in different lengths, blade shapes, and levels of flex.
Recreational ice hockey is a fun yet physically demanding sport that needs the right gear to keep players safe and have fun on the ice. It's important to buy good gear that fits well and protects you for a good experience. Having the right gear can make a huge difference in how well you play and how much you enjoy it generally, no matter how experienced you are.
