So you're getting into ice hockey - maybe it’s you, maybe it’s your kid, whatever. Either way, you’ve probably figured out that this isn’t a “grab a ball and go” kind of sport. There’s gear.
A lot of it.
And honestly? That gear does matter. Not just so you don’t get hurt (although, yeah, also that), but because having the right stuff makes learning way less frustrating.
Here’s the lowdown. No fluff. Just what you need and what to look out for.
Skates: If These Suck, It’s Over
Let’s just start here, because if your skates are wrong, everything else kinda falls apart.
- Fit is... well, it’s the whole thing. You want them tight enough to stop your foot from sliding, but not like “ouch, my toes are dying” tight. There’s a balance.
- If you’re just starting out, don’t get stiff, pro-level skates. Beginner ones are more forgiving. Trust me, your ankles will thank you.
- Some skates can be molded with heat. It’s weird, but it works. Worth it if you're gonna be on the ice a lot.
- Blades? Gotta sharpen them. Not every time, but every 6–8 hours on the ice or so. If you're sliding all over, they’re probably dull.
Break them in a bit before your first game. Wear them around the house if you have to. It helps.
Helmet: Not Up for Debate
I don’t care how cool you think you look out there: no helmet = no play. Especially if you’re still figuring out how not to faceplant mid-turn.
- Look for a sticker - CSA or HECC certified. No sticker, don’t buy it. Simple.
- Cage or full visor = smart move. Especially early on.
- Adjust it so it stays in place. Wiggle test it. If it moves too much? Tighten it.
- Replace after a big hit or, after no more than five years. They don’t last forever.
It’s your brain. You need to protect it.
Stick: The One You’ll Blame for Everything
Too long, too stiff, too weird? Suddenly it’s the stick’s fault when your shots suck (and sometimes that is indeed the case).
- While you’re standing on skates, the stick should hit around chin height.
- Beginners usually want a lower flex, like 50 to 60. Easier to bend, easier to shoot.
- Composites are light and snappy. Wood is heavier, more durable, and cheaper. Depends what you're into.
You’ll end up trying a few before you find your stick. That’s just how it goes.
Gloves: So You Can Still Text After Practice
Your hands take more hits than you think - sticks, pucks, people, boards. Gloves help, but they shouldn’t feel like boxing gloves.
- You want protection, sure, but you also need to move your wrists.
- Break them in off the ice. Throw them on while watching Netflix or whatever. Makes a difference.
- Palms are usually the first to go. If they’re ripping or wearing thin, time to replace.
And yeah, smelly gloves are a rite of passage. Air them out. Please.
Pads: Not Cute, But Necessary
Pads don’t get the love they deserve. Until you catch a puck in the shin and realize - oh, that’s why people wear this stuff.
- Shoulder pads should cover your collarbones, chest, and upper back. Not too bulky or you’ll hate them.
- Elbow pads for the elbows (pretty obvious, right?). But also a chunk of your forearm. Secure straps are key.
- Shin guards: from just under the knee to the top of your skate. If there’s a gap? You’re doing it wrong.
- Bigger isn’t always better. Oversized gear slips around and actually protects less.
- Dry everything after practice or games. Otherwise, it's a bacteria city - and it’ll smell like it.
Base Layers & "Forgotten" Stuff (Don't Skip These)
This is the stuff nobody talks about, but it absolutely matters.
- Base layers: Helps with sweat, rubbing, etc. Some have cut protection as well.
- Mouthguard: Protects your teeth, maybe helps with concussions too. Get one that fits right or you’ll hate it.
- Athletic cup: Yes. Just...yes. Don’t skip this.
- Neck guard: Especially for kids - it’s often required, and honestly, not a bad idea for adults either.
You don’t think you’ll need this stuff until you really, really do.
Gear Maintenance: The Part Everyone Ignores Until It’s Gross
Even the best gear turns into garbage if you treat it like garbage. Take care of your stuff and it’ll last longer and smell less like a wet dog.
- Never leave gear in your bag, wet, after a game. Take it out. Every time.
- Wipe down your skates and helmet. Moisture = rust = bad.
- Check your gear once in a while. Loose straps, ripped padding, broken clips - fix it now, not during a game.
Hockey gear isn’t cheap. Might as well get your money’s worth.
Final Thoughts: You’re Gonna Fall, But That’s the Point
You don’t need pro gear. You don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need stuff that fits, keeps you safe, and doesn’t fall apart when you actually start playing.
And yeah, you’re gonna mess up. You’ll trip, wipe out, maybe even hate it for a minute. But if the gear’s doing its job? You’ll bounce back, laugh it off, and get back in the game.
That’s hockey.
