Potential for injury exists in any sport, but the hard collisions, fast pucks and sharp blades found in hockey pose special risks to players. For this reason, many leagues require players to wear protective gear to minimize the chance of serious injury. If you're not sure what types of equipment are required by your league, contact the directors or consult a league manual.
Helmets
Helmets protect players from head injuries. In any quickly moving sport, collisions and falls can lead to serious problems, such as concussions and brain trauma. But most sports take place on softer surfaces, such as dirt or grass. Hockey players, on the other hand, compete on hard ice, so even a casual fall can lead to serious injury. An effective hockey helmet will have a full face mask to protect a player from flying pucks and flailing sticks. Chin straps keep the helmet secure during vigorous game play.
Padding
It's important to buy shoulder, elbow, knee and shin pads that are designed specifically for hockey players. Don't use safety gear from other sports, such as football or soccer, because these might not provide adequate protection. Hockey pants, or breezers, provide further protection to the lower body above the knees. They should be roomy enough to allow full range of motion.
Hockey Gloves
When hockey players compete for the puck, it's common for sticks to flail around wildly, which can hurt a player's hands. Hockey gloves protect the hands from damage. Proper fit for hockey gloves is important because a player must be able to manipulate a hockey stick deftly while still protecting knuckles and wrists from other players' sticks.
Other Safety Gear
Goalies wear special leg protection and helmets to guard themselves against high-speed pucks. For all positions, athletic support, such as a cup, is important to prevent injury to the groin region. Some types of hockey undershorts incorporate athletic support. A neck protector can help minimize the chance of injury to the throat. Mouth guards minimize the damage received from a blow to the chin or head, and protect the lips, cheeks and tongue.
Considerations
Players with heavy padding perspire much during a game, so it's important to clean hockey gear thoroughly to prevent infection and to minimize smell. If you can't clean a piece of equipment in a washing machine, disinfect it with antibacterial wipes or spray cleaners. Replace any safety gear that breaks or shows signs of wear.
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