Hockey 101: Required Equipment

Hockey 101 is our ongoing series introducing the great sport of hockey to new players and the parents they drag to the rink for the first time.  Every conversation I have about hockey with a newbie centers around the cost of equipment.  I always say the same thing in response "It's not the equipment that costs a lot of money, it's the ice time!"  The required kit just keeps a little player safe while they are out on the ice, so don't sweat the cost.

Having said that, you could spend hundreds of dollars on a stick if you chose to do so.  For a new hockey player, it is not necessary to buy new equipment.  Many rinks have free (or nearly so) starter kits available.  In the Chicago area, we have Play It Again Sports, where you can pick up second hand gear for about half of the cost of new equipment.  Even buying all new equipment, a first time hockey player can get on the ice for less than $275.  A little bit of comparison shopping on the internet can net a prudent buyer new gear for not much more than the used stuff.

Here is a list of equipment required by USA Hockey:

• Helmet - get one that comes with a full cage (all helmets and face masks must be HECC certified)
• Mouth guard - I like the type that comes with a loop to connect the mouth guard to the helmet
• Neck guard - protects the neck from a cut by a skate blade
• Hockey skates - for new skaters, go with entry level skates that fit properly
• Shoulder pads - bigger (as in bulkier, more coverage) is better
• Elbow pads - make sure the pads do not slide around
• Shin guards - make sure the pads do not slide around
• Hockey pants with suspenders
• Supporter and cup - get the loose short style jock with velcro for holding up hockey socks
• Hockey gloves - should go all the way up to the elbow pad
• Stick - starters should go with a wooden stick, cut to length

Although not required, throw in a cheap Itech bag to hold all of this ... stuff.  In addition, the following apparel is typically worn on the ice:

• Jersey - covers shoulder and elbow pads
• Hockey socks - covers shin guards

I recommend buying a new helmet and skates, and getting everything else used (except maybe gloves, have you ever smelled used gloves?  ewww).  When buying used, make sure everything is in good condition so that it holds up for at least a season.  If you would like to see pictures of all of the above, visit Hockey Giant's excellent "How to buy ..." site:

http://www.hockeygiant.com/hockey-giant-buying-guide.html

If your little skater is under the age of 6 or 7, buy "Youth" sized gear.  Older kids should go with "Junior" sizes.  When in doubt, go to your rink's pro shop or the nearest Total Hockey store and try on a few different brands.

So why DO they sell hockey sticks that cost hundreds of dollars?  A basic driving force behind all expensive hockey gear is the "gear head".  Some players love the gear almost as much as they love the game.  So go right on past the cardboard cut-out of Sidney Crosby holding a titanium flexcore something or other, and grab a good ol' Sherwood.