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Need Help?What Equipment Do You Need For Hockey? Checklist + More
Ready to get out on the ice and play your best? Whether you’re new to hockey or have been playing for years, having all the proper hockey gear is key to playing safely. Keep reading to learn all about the essential hockey gear and equipment you need before you hit the ice.
Key Takeaways
- Download a complete hockey equipment list so you know exactly what you need to play and stay safe!
- Discover the ice hockey essentials that every hockey player needs to play the game.
- Learn about the ice hockey protective gear that you’ll need to start playing, especially if you plan to join a league or team.
- Check out appropriate ice hockey clothing to wear during practices, games, or pick-up games with friends.
- Find out which ice hockey accessories you need to protect your gear, stay hydrated at practice, and more.
Hockey Uniform Parts Checklist
Ice hockey newbies and seasoned players alike need the right gear to protect them on the ice. At Academy, you’ll find everything you need to get started and/or upgrade last season’s gear! Check out our full checklist of equipment for hockey you’ll need before heading to the rink:
Looking for something specific? Jump to the ice hockey essentials, hockey protective gear, or hockey clothing and accessories:
Ice Hockey Essentials
Hockey has a few pieces of equipment we consider essentials. These are the basics you’ll need to stay protected as you skate on the ice, hit the puck, and score that epic goal!
Hockey Stick
Hockey sticks serve as a dynamic extension of a player's skill, offering a strategic balance of flex, curve, and grip to deliver powerful shots and precise control on the ice. Crafted for performance, these sticks are a crucial component in a player's arsenal, translating skill into on-ice dominance.
- The stick affects your control, power, comfort, and overall performance on the ice so you shouldn’t just go out and get any old stick.
- It needs to be the right length, type, and flex for your position and skill level.
Expert Tip:
Not sure which hockey stick you need? Learn how to choose a hockey stick and more.
Hockey Skates
Ice hockey skates propel players across the rink with precision. They feature razor-sharp blades that bite into the ice for maximum maneuverability and control.
- Hockey skates are stiffer and offer heavy-duty protection, which you’ll need to play.
- When trying on unlaced boots, your foot will sit farther forward. As you lace them up, your foot will move backward to the proper position.
Expert Tip:
Want to learn more about how to size a pair of hockey skates? Check out our hockey skate size charts and expert tips so you skate in comfort and with the best performance possible!
Hockey Helmet
A hockey helmet acts like a strong shield for your head — better protecting you from any bumps and hits during the fast and exciting nature of the game.
- The helmet's design allows for quick and easy adjustments. This enables players to achieve an optimal fit and ensures minimal distraction during gameplay.
- The NHL and most leagues and/or divisions require helmets while practicing or playing.
- They should fit properly and be approved by the appropriate league.
Hockey Protective Gear
Hockey takes place on a hard ice rink. Sharp, pointy skates fly over the glossy surface. Your competition may even shove you against the rink walls. For all of these reasons, protective gear in hockey is essential for every player — no matter the division or player’s experience level. To stay as safe as possible on the ice, you’ll need the following:
Shoulder Pads
Hockey shoulder pads are the defensive linchpin for players! They provide crucial protection against checks and impacts during the game.
- Engineered for both safety and agility, players can wear them and navigate the rink while the pads absorb hits.
- These pads offer reliable and long-lasting protection through the rigors of many games and practices.
Hockey Gloves
Most players should wear hockey gloves. They offer two specific benefits to players: impact protection as well as warmth on the rink.
- Gloves offer players better gripping on their hockey sticks to improve stick control and accuracy.
- They also protect players from opponents’ stick slashes, hard falls on the ice, as well as pucks that fly toward them.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads help protect the elbow arm area: the joint, lower biceps, and forearms. Materials, quality, and durability typically scale into better quality the older the players are since those divisions often have higher contact.
- Elbow pads can still be a great idea for younger players to wear given that pucks fly through the air and falls do happen.
- You’ll find elbow pad caps in two materials: hard and soft.
- Soft caps give the most mobility at the expense of better protection, while hard caps offer better protection on the ice.
Shin Guards
Hockey shin guards are extra durable to protect against fast shots, flying pucks, and contact with other players. Some feature removable liners that you can remove for added comfort.
- Shin guards protect players through impact absorption, which reduces the force and helps to reduce lower leg injuries.
- You’ll find that shin guards have adjustable straps that keep the pads secure during rigorous practice and gameplay.
Other Protective Gear
Jockstraps or compression shorts that include a cup protect male players while in high-contact games or practices.
Mouth guards help protect your teeth while you play. For the best face protection, also consider wearing a helmet with a facemask
Expert Tip:
Each league and level has different requirements for the protective gear needed. Always check with your coach or league to make sure you have everything necessary.
Ice Hockey Clothing
From a quick practice to the big game, you’ll need a few staples of hockey clothing to wear under your other gear. These pieces not only serve as extra layers of padding for you. They also help you keep warm! Be sure to grab these items:
Practice Jersey
When you’re at practice or want to play a quick game with friends at the rink or outdoors, practice hockey jerseys are the answer! For team play, practice jerseys have a more multi-purpose function.
- Coaches can better identify the players on the different opposing practice teams when scrimmaging.
- Players can coordinate different color practice jerseys to make it easier for others to identify certain positions (e.g. forwards, defensemen, etc.).
Hockey Pants
Despite what you may initially think when you hear about hockey pants, these breezers only cover the body from the waist to the knee. They have padding to better protect hips, thighs, and the tailbone against sudden impacts or injuries.
- Hockey pants are shorter to allow players to have better, easier movement on the ice.
- The CCM hockey pants have a sweat-wicking PE foam that helps players stay dry and comfortable.
Knit Socks
Knit socks are a hockey player’s staple for game day! You’ll find that these socks usually come in either a cotton blend or a polyester construction.
- CCM’s knit socks are 100% polyester material and are essential for moisture control and breathability on the ice.
- Players wear knit socks over shin pads for added security during the game.
- You can also secure them using a garter belt for an even more secure fit.
Ice Hockey Accessories
Depending on your age, division, playing experience, and commitment to the game, you’ll also need a few extra hockey accessories. These pieces can help keep more target areas of your body protected and/or make it easier to haul all of your gear:
Garter belts help keep your socks up and shin guards in place. You simply put the belt around your waist like a regular belt and fasten the hanging clips to your socks.
Players can wrap hockey tape around the handles or blades of their hockey sticks to improve their grip and stick control.
Pucks come in different styles: from standard to weighted for training. Keep a few handy so you won’t be stuck skating around without one.
Fill up a water bottle with ice-cold water or an electrolyte drink before heading to the rink so you can sip in between shots.
A good-quality hockey bag will make it easier to carry the weight and reduce strain on the back. You can find wheeled options, carry options, and backpack options to fit your preferences.
Have Fun Out There!
Now that you have a complete hockey equipment list, all you have to do is go shopping to get yourself or your child ready to play! Shop hockey equipment and accessories at Academy to find everything you need to step out on the ice, stay safe, and have fun.
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