When a modern hockey team takes to the ice, they look like gladiators preparing for battle inside of a frozen arena. They are enveloped from head to foot in a protective suit that is the result of decades of tinkering and engineering. The gear consists of a helmet with a face shield or cage, shoulder pads/chest protectors, elbow pads, protective gloves, and heavily padded shorts and pants. The equipment is designed to protect the players from injuries sustained by collisions with other players and a flying puck.
The protective gear is lightweight and made of molded foam and resilient materials. It is also breathable, allowing the players to stay cool while still being protected from injury. Having the right gear can make the difference between playing for fun and being sidelined with an injury.
Purchasing high-quality hockey gear can be expensive, but it is essential to play the game safely. Parents can save money by purchasing second-hand equipment, but it is always best to buy new equipment for hygiene and safety reasons. Second-hand gear may have worn out padding or other compromised protective features, which can increase the risk of accidents.
As kids grow into teens and adults, they will need to adjust the size of their hockey gear to fit properly. It is best to invest in quality, well-fitting gear from the beginning so that it will last as long as possible. It is also wise to purchase a protective hockey bag that will allow players to carry all of their equipment with ease.
A good pair of gloves should be thick and soft enough to grip the stick, but also provide maximum protection from hits by other players’ sticks. The cuff of the glove should not extend too far up the arm, as it can interfere with the player’s ability to maneuver their stick and shoot the puck.
Kids should use a mouth guard to protect their teeth, especially when they collide with other players or a falling puck. It is a requirement for all players to wear one, and they can choose from boil-and-bite models sold at most sporting goods stores or spend more on custom mouth guards made by their dentist.
Neck guards are another piece of protective equipment that is available in a variety of styles and price points. Some are simply padded collars that prevent the puck from hitting the chin during a collision, while others have a padded neck cage to withstand blows from a stick.
Heavily padded shorts and pants are designed to protect the thigh, hip, pelvis, and tailbone from falls and collisions. The bottom of the pants and the knee joint are protected with shin guards, while the front of the leg is shielded by hockey socks. The shin guards are attached to the bottom of the pants with a specialized strap called a jockstrap (for boys) or jill (for girls).
A hockey goalie mask is essential for protecting the face from blows from other players’ sticks and from a puck that has been accidentally deflected into the net. They can be purchased with a plastic visor, a wire cage, or a combination of both.