Whether you’re a seasoned player, a newcomer to the ice rink or a hockey enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered what equipment is essential for a hockey player.
From head to toe, hockey players need to be outfitted in the right gear to stay safe and perform their best.
In this article, we’ll explain the essentials of a hockey player’s wardrobe and the important protective gear they need to wear.
So let’s grab our skates and explore what hockey players wear – from helmets to skates and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Hockey players wear protective gear such as helmets, shoulder and elbow pads, mouth guards, and jockstraps or pelvic protectors.
They also wear skates, jerseys, and hockey socks.
The goalies also wear additional protective gear such as goalie masks, chest protectors, leg pads, and special goalie gloves.
In cold weather, some players may choose to wear an extra layer of clothing like a hoodie or a jacket.
Helmet
Hockey helmets are essential for ensuring the safety of the player on the ice.
The helmet is designed to protect the head from impacts, particularly those from pucks, sticks, and other players.
The helmet is made of a hard plastic outer shell and is lined with thick foam padding for additional protection.
It is also designed to fit snugly around the head and fasten securely with a chin strap.
The inside of the helmet is often lined with a sweat-wicking material, which helps to keep the player cool and dry.
Additionally, many hockey helmets come with built-in face masks for additional protection.
These masks are often made of metal wire and are designed to protect the player’s face from pucks, sticks, and other impacts.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are essential equipment for hockey players, as they provide protection against falls and collisions with other players.
They are designed to fit securely on the shoulders and help to absorb the impact of contact.
Shoulder pads should be fitted correctly to ensure they provide maximum protection and mobility.
The shoulder pads typically include some form of padding, such as foam or plastic, along with adjustable straps that help to keep them secure.
Hockey shoulder pads come in a variety of sizes, from junior to adult, to ensure a proper fit.
When selecting a pair of shoulder pads, it is important to consider the age of the player, their body type, and the level of protection they need.
It is also important to remember that shoulder pads should not interfere with the player’s ability to move quickly and freely on the ice.
Elbow Pads
Hockey players wear elbow pads to protect their arms and elbows from hard falls and other impacts with the ice or other players.
These pads are usually made of a durable, impact-resistant material such as hard plastic or leather.
Elbow pads come in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be worn either over or under the jersey.
Elbow pads should fit snugly around the elbow and provide adequate protection without restricting movement.
Hockey players should also choose elbow pads that are comfortable and won’t slip down during play.
When purchasing elbow pads, it is important to ensure that the pads fit correctly and that they provide the necessary level of protection.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are an essential piece of safety gear for hockey players of all levels.
They are designed to protect the shins from contact with a puck, stick, skate blade, or any other object that might cause injury.
They wrap around the shin and feature padding and hard plastic plates to absorb the impact of a hit.
Shin guards come in different sizes and levels of protection, depending on the level of play and the age of the player.
Most shin guards have adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
The straps should be adjusted so that the shin guard fits snugly against the shin, and the knee should be covered by the lower edge of the guard.
Hockey players should also wear shin guards underneath their socks, and they should be placed in the correct position to provide maximum protection.
Gloves
Hockey players wear gloves for protection and to give them better control over their hockey sticks. They are designed to be lightweight, flexible and durable, and often feature reinforced areas to protect against cuts and bruises. The gloves also feature a built-in wrist guard to protect against falls and collisions. Some gloves also provide extra padding in the palms and fingers for better grip and shock absorption. Hockey gloves typically come in three different styles: full-finger, half-finger, and three-finger. Each style of glove offers different levels of protection and comfort, and it is important for players to choose the right one for their needs. Full-finger gloves are best for players who want the most protection, while half-finger gloves are better for players who need more dexterity. Three-finger gloves are a good choice for players who want a combination of protection and mobility.
Jersey and Hockey Pants
When it comes to the equipment hockey players wear, their jerseys and hockey pants are essential.
Not only do they provide an essential layer of protection against falls and collisions, but they also serve to identify the team they play for.
Hockey jerseys are lightweight and usually made of polyester or other breathable materials.
They are designed to be form-fitting so that players can move freely and not be weighed down by bulky fabric.
Hockey pants are usually made of thicker, more durable materials such as nylon or polyester.
They provide additional padding against impact and are designed to be flexible enough for a player to move quickly and easily.
Hockey pants are usually secured by suspenders or a belt and come in a variety of colors and styles depending on the player’s team and preference.
Hockey Skates
When it comes to hockey players gear, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the hockey skates.
Hockey skates are designed specifically for the sport and are essential for players safety and performance.
Hockey skates are typically made of lightweight, durable materials and feature a stiff boot to provide support and stability when skating.
The blades of hockey skates are usually made of high-carbon steel, which is designed to provide maximum grip and control on the ice.
Hockey skates also feature a contoured footbed to help the player maintain proper form while skating.
It is important for hockey players to have properly fitting skates that are comfortable and provide adequate support.
When selecting a pair of hockey skates, it is important to consider the type of hockey you will be playing.
For players who play in a recreational or competitive league, a mid-level skate with good support and comfort is usually best.
For professional players, higher-end skates with advanced features such as a lightweight boot and reinforced ankle support are ideal.
It is also important to remember that hockey skates should be fitted properly in order to ensure the best performance and safety.
Hockey skates are an essential piece of equipment for any hockey player and should be taken into consideration when selecting gear.
With the right pair of skates, hockey players can ensure they have the best protection and performance on the ice.
Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment for any hockey player.
Not only do they protect the teeth and lips from direct impacts, they also reduce the risk of serious injuries to the jaw and neck.
They are designed to absorb shock and reduce the severity of any blows to the face.
Mouth guards come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be found in most sporting goods stores.
Most mouth guards are made of a soft plastic that conforms to the shape of the mouth, providing a comfortable fit.
For maximum protection, some players prefer to wear a custom-fitted mouth guard, which is designed specifically for their mouth and provides a better fit.
Additionally, some mouth guards are designed with an extra layer of protection that covers both the upper and lower teeth.
This added layer of protection can further reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision.
Final Thoughts
With the right hockey equipment, players can feel safe and secure while playing the sport they love.
From helmets and shoulder pads to hockey skates and mouthguards, being properly outfitted with the right gear is key to a successful and safe hockey experience.
So make sure to get the right protection – it can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the game and staying safe.