Whether your child plays hockey in an organized league or on weekends with friends, having the right equipment can prevent a serious injury. Because hockey can become rough, young players should wear as much equipment as possible whenever they take the ice. Purchasing the exact safety equipment that your child needs will ensure that you have done everything in your power to keep your child safe.
Skates
Your child cannot play ice hockey without skates, so you will want to look into this equipment immediately. Hockey Canada reports that skates generally fit about one-half size smaller than your shoes. Your child must break these skates in before wearing them, so have the child walk around the house wearing the skates with skate guards.
Gloves
Gloves protect the player's hands from errant skates, pucks and sticks. Hockey Canada recommends finding a lightweight material such as Kevlar because this will maximize the amount of movement that your child has with the gloves, while still providing protection. Dry the gloves out after each use to prevent the palms from cracking.
Helmets
Find a helmet that fits snugly on the child's head because you do not want the helmet to have room to slip off. According to USA Hockey, all helmets must have HECC approval before a player can wear them. While your child will not need an HECC approved helmet for playing with friends, it will provide added safety.
Facial Protection
Protection for the face can prevent major injuries. Hockey Canada requires its players to wear a wire cage, a polycarbonate shield, or a combination of the two.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads provide a significant amount of protection for the elbow and the rest of the lower arm. According to NHL.com, your elbow pads should reach the top of your glove because you have a high likelihood of receiving a slash in this area.
Stick
No player can play hockey with a stick. Hockey Canada suggests choosing a stick that reaches between your child's chin and mouth when wearing shoes. Children should use junior sticks because they have thinner shafts, which allows for easier control.
Shoulder Pads
A player's shoulder pads protect the shoulders, chest and back. NHL.com states that you should check for gaps between the shoulder pads and the elbow pads when looking for a good fit.
Pants
Hockey pants protect the player's thighs, hips, ribs, kidneys and tailbone. According to Hockey Canada, parents should ensure that all of these areas have coverage when purchasing this equipment.
Shin Pads
Shin pads protect the shins, knees, and in some cases the back of a player's legs. NHL.com recommends purchasing shin pads that will provide coverage to the top of the skate.
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