While hockey and lacrosse equipment look similar on the surface, the differences prevent players from using the same equipment for both sports. Players in both sports wear gloves and helmets and use sticks, but participants in each sport use equipment specially designed for that sport. Lacrosse goalies also wear much different equipment than hockey goalies because the sports feature different rules in regards to this equipment.
Gloves
Hockey gloves contain enough padding to protect the hand and most of the wrist. A player should select a glove that reaches the bottom of his elbow pad, although many pros wear shorter gloves. Lacrosse gloves, on the other hand, have more flexibility because the player must have greater control of and range of motion with his stick. While you can use hockey gloves when playing lacrosse, you will likely notice the lack of flexibility. In addition, lacrosse gloves often feature a mesh palm, which provides better ventilation in the heat.
Sticks
Perhaps the most glaring difference between hockey and lacrosse equipment remains the stick because one sport uses a ball and one uses a puck, while taking place on different surfaces. A hockey stick features a blade at the end and comes with a wood, Kevlar, aluminum or titanium shaft. A lacrosse stick, conversely, features a webbed pocket surrounded by plastic at the end. These sticks come with a shaft made from aluminum or titanium.
Helmets
In hockey, all players must wear an approved helmet. In addition, many professional players wear a clear shield over their eyes called a visor. At the minor hockey level, all players must wear a full facemask in addition to a helmet. Lacrosse features its own helmets, which provide both head and facial protection. These helmets also provide additional ventilation because lacrosse players often play in high temperatures.
Goalie
A major difference in the two sports comes in goalie equipment. Hockey goalies can wear larger pads to protect themselves and their nets. Hockey goalies wear protective masks, a catching glove, a blocker, chest and arm protectors and thick leg pads. In field lacrosse, goalies wear only helmets, throat protectors, chest guards and gloves, while box lacrosse goalies get shoulder pads, leg pads and shin guards in addition to the field lacrosse padding.
References
- "Hockey the NHL Way: The Basics"; Sean Rossiter, et al.; 2006
- "Lacrosse for Dummies"; James Hinkson, et al.; 2010
- "Hockey for Dummies"; John Davidson, et al.; 2000
- Lacrosse.com: Cascade Pro7 Lacrosse Helmet
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