HockeySize A first set of equipment is a long list and a real expense. This guide gives the order to fit it in, what should be snug, what can have some room, and where used gear makes sense.
The order
- Skates – the most important fit and the one not to compromise on. Correct size, no room to grow.
- Helmet and cage – fitted on the head, certified, not second-hand unless its history is known.
- Shin guards – fitted together with the skates so the tongue question is settled.
- Pants – fitted so the thigh pad meets the shin guard.
- Shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves – fitted as a set so there are no gaps along the arm.
- Stick – handedness first, then length in skates, then flex.
- Base layer, jock or jill, neck guard, socks, mouthguard, bag.
Snug or room to grow
Skates and helmet: correct size only. Gloves, elbow pads and shoulder pads: correct size, but a growing child can be at the top of the range. Pants and shin guards: can be sized at the larger end if the overlap with neighbouring pieces still works. Sticks: buy the right length and cut later.
Where used gear is fine
Skates, pants, shin guards, shoulder pads and gloves outlast a child’s growth and are good value used if the padding is intact and straps work. Helmets should be new or from a trusted source with a valid certification sticker. Sticks are fine used if not cracked.
Check the gaps
With everything on, get into a skating stance and raise the arms: no bare skin at the wrist, elbow, shoulder, waist, knee or ankle. Fix any gap by adjusting the neighbouring piece before buying something new.