Required Ice Hockey Gear - The 13 Pieces of Equipment You Can't Live Without

So, you want to play hockey (or your son or daughter does), but you're not sure where to start. The first step is going to be purchasing ice hockey gear. This article goes over the basic ice hockey equipment requirements needed to get on the ice.

1. 
   Hockey Skates: Skating is the foundation for the game of hockey. If you can't skate, you can't play the game. So, it's important to get the best skates you can afford. Make sure to have them properly sharpened before you take the ice. You can buy skates new or used. Either is fine. Just keep in mind that you'll want to buy skates that are about one size smaller than your shoe size.


2. 
   Shin Guards or Shin Pads: There are two standard types of shin guards. One that has a strap that goes around your leg and velcroes onto the other side of the pad. Or, the type that has no strap and requires you to use hockey tape to get it to stay secured on your leg. It's a matter of preference. These are fine either new or used.


3. 
   Hockey Pants or Breezers: These are a pretty basic item. The better lines have good support for the tailbone and thighs. These are fine either new or used. Some of the styles will have suspenders to hold the pants up, others will have a tie at the waist to secure them. It's just a matter of what you like.


4. 
   Chest Protector or Shoulder Pads: For young kids (Mites through Squirts), mid-range shoulder pads are fine. But, once you are at a level that allows body checking, you're going to want pads with a lot of support at the shoulders and chest. This isn't an item you want to skimp on. Purchase the highest quality pads you can afford. New or used are both fine. Just check the integrity of the shoulder and chest areas on any used pads you are considering.


5. 
   Hockey Jock (shorts with built-in jock): This is pretty self-explanatory. There are actually two types of jocks available for hockey. The old school type (when that was all they had) and the new type of hockey shorts with the built-in slot for the jock to slip in. This is a matter of preference. Obviously, you're going to want to buy this item new.


6. 
   Mouth Guard (to protect your brain): A lot of people think the mouth guard is just to protect your teeth. While it does provide protection for the teeth, the main function of the mouth guard is to prevent a jarring hit to your brain. Never skimp on the mouth guard. Get a Shock Doctor, or have your dentist recommend a good orthodontist who can have one custom made for you.


7. 
   Neck Guard (optional with most associations): While this is an optional item in most leagues, the neck guard is becoming more and more popular as they keep replaying the NHL accident that shows what can happen when you take a skate to the throat. It's frightening enough to cause even the hardcore old-school hockey player to reconsider donning a neck guard.


8. 
   Elbow Pads: While the kids are young, mid-range elbow pads are fine. But, as they move into Peewee hockey (and above) you're going to want to put them in a quality pair of elbow pads. Make sure they are large enough to cover the entire elbow, as well as a portion of the forearm. These are fine to purchase new or used.


9. 
   Hockey Helmet: This is the one item I don't recommend purchasing used. Helmets take a lot of abuse in the upper levels of play and you never know how many hits a helmet has taken. So, always buy this item new. You can never pay too close of attention to protecting your head.


10. 
    Hockey Gloves: The hockey glove should feel like a large pair of winter gloves (a bit loose). The palm will be made of soft leather and the fingers will be a bit stiffer. These are fine to buy either new or used, however, make sure the palms are not worn through (which happens frequently with most players). Otherwise, you may get sent off the ice by the ref until you get it repaired.


11. 
    Hockey Stick: This is a piece of equipment that dozens of articles could be devoted to. There is a wood stick, a composite stick, and a two-piece stick. Those who love each type are loyal to their sticks. If you're just starting out, go with a wooden stick. It's less expensive and will get you in the game without a big cash layout. Also, for kids, there is virtually no benefit to an expensive graphite or composite stick. They don't have the physical strength to even utilize them correctly yet. If you have a left-handed player and aren't sure which way they'll shoot -- go with a straight blade. Within a short time you'll see which way they naturally shoot. It isn't unusually for lefties to shoot right (or visa versa).


12. 
    Hockey Jersey (usually provided by the team): This is an item you probably won't have to worry about. Teams typically provide the jerseys (although you'll have to pay for them).


13. 
    Hockey Socks (also usually provided by the team: Again, another item your team will provide to you at a charge. To keep your skates in good condition, always put your socks on before your skates. You would think people would instinctively know that, but they don't. Every season I see kids with their socks shredded by skate blades.

The above is just basic ice hockey equipment information to get you started. Hockey is the greatest sport in the world and it brings families together like no sport I've ever seen. My son starts his ninth year of travel hockey this season and it's never lost its charm to us.

How to Put on Hockey Gear

As one of the most popular sports of today, hockey has become an activity people are wanting to get in to. People of all ages are now strapping up their gear to play the game. The sport is seen as a great method of exercising because it is a lot of fun to play. First time participants, however, may find that gearing up for the game is very difficult. There is a very intricate order in which the equipment must go on. The following are orderly steps to successfully get geared up to play:

• Shin Guards: These are the first piece of equipment to go on. They cover the shins of the players legs to keep them safe from the puck. They are usually labeled left and right, so that you know which one belongs to which leg.

• Socks: These are not your normal socks. These are large socks that go over the shin guards. They are usually matched with the color jersey the player is wearing.

• Pants: The pants are a crucial part of the equipment. They are large in size and protect the player from all forms of danger on the ice. They go on over the shin guards and are filled with padding to help keep the player safe.

• Skates: Without skates, hockey would not be played. The skates need to be put on the right feet and must be tied tight but not too tight that the foot starts to cramp. Every player has their own preference on how tight they like their skates.

• Shoulder Pads: These protect the participant from body checks. They cover both of the shoulders and, depending on length of the shoulder pad, protect a portion of the chest and back. They have great important of safety on the ice.

• Elbow Pads: These protect the elbows and a portion of the forearm. Without this piece of equipment, the player would not last long on the ice.

• Helmet: A must have piece of equipment, the helmet protects the head and face. Today, most people are denied access to the ice surface if they do not have a helmet on. A helmet decreases serious injury dramatically.

• Gloves: The gloves are used to protect the hands. They are made durable enough to protect, yet they are also flexible enough to grip the hockey stick.

• Stick: This is used to give motion to the puck. It is needed to play the game; to pass and shoot.

If these simple steps are followed in order, participation of the sport will be more enjoyable. Remember to always wear every piece of equipment when out on the ice, as they all contribute to the safety of the player.