Hockey is a fast, thrilling game that is fun to play. However, because of its speed, it is a sport with intrinsic hazards and it is therefore important that properly fitted equipment be worn on the ice at all times. All equipment should be fitted to the player’s present size. Attempts to buy equipment oversized so the player will grow into it can be hazardous as improperly fitted equipment may not offer adequate protection and can itself become a hazard. It is important that the player try on every piece of equipment to ensure an appropriate fit. Equipment should be inspected regularly throughout the season to ensure that it continues to fit properly and has not deteriorated or become damaged.

Rental Equipment

A limited supply of rental equipment will be available through the club and will be administered by the Equipment Manager. These would include helmets, breezers (pants), shoulder pads, shin pads, elbow pads and gloves. All new skaters in the club Ice Mite program will have first priority to rent equipment. Next priority will be for those skaters who were new in the club Ice Mite program the previous year. Next priority goes to those new skaters in the club’s Mite program. After the needs of the above have been met, all others may request rental of the remaining equipment. All renters must complete an Equipment Rental Agreement and maintain the equipment in good repair. They will be assessed the full cost for any loss or permanent damage requiring replacement or repair. Goalie equipment can also be rented for summer camps. This equipment must also be returned on time and in good condition.

Equipment Requirements, Selection, Fitting and Care

 Team Colors

When purchasing equipment, you should be aware that the club colors are purple, white and black. Helmets can be either white or black. Breezers should be black . Socks should have a combination of the club colors and are available in both home and away colors through the concession stand. See Dress Code.

Jersey Program

Team home and away game jerseys are required to be purchased through the club for all levels except the Ice Mites. To defray the cost of these jerseys, only one jersey needs to be paid for during the skater’s first year with the other jersey payment due the next year. The club welcomes any sponsors who would be willing to pick up the cost of the jerseys for a team.

Team jerseys that are club property are to be kept clean and in good repair throughout the season and are to be returned immediately at the end of the season to the team rep. They should only be worn for games and scrimmages.

Helmet and Mask

The hockey helmet and mask must be CSA approved and have the CSA sticker on them. Both the helmet and mask come in junior and senior sizes. Most young players require the junior size for proper fit. Both the helmet and mask should be of the same brand name.

The helmet must be snug to prevent rotation, with the adjustment secure and the chinstrap securely fastened at all times. The front should extend down to within one finger width from the eyebrows with the chin resting firmly on the mask cup. An oversized helmet can lead to unnecessary injuries. Helmets should be inspected at least once a month to ensure that screws and fasteners have not become loose or fallen off.

No paint, adhesives, cleaners or chemicals should be used on the helmet as they can cause shell or liner damage. Over time, shell and liners will deteriorate depending on use, care and maintenance. Liners should be inspected monthly and replaced if the foam or internal attachments have broken down. Shells that are cracked or deformed should be discarded.

Shoulder Pads

These should have molded plastic caps to cover the shoulder joints, with protective shock absorbing materials covering the shoulders, upper arms and biceps areas. The shoulder pads should fit snugly with the caps right over the shoulder tops and with each section of the pad conforming to the body shape. Pads should have adjustable body straps.

Elbow Pads

These come in various sizes. When properly fitted, there should be no gap between the shoulder pad and the glove. The pad should not slip out of place when the arm is straightened.

Gloves

They should have molded plastic thumb protectors and cuff rolls with protective padding covering the wrist, thumb and fingers. The glove should fit snugly and have sufficient pliable palms to permit the player to respond to the feel of the stick.

Hockey Pants (Breezers)

Hockey pants should fit loosely around the player’s waist. A good rule of thumb is that the player should be able to slip a fist through the waist area. Pants should reach the top of the knee and cover the kidney area and the lower ribs. They should have molded plastic hip, kidney and tailbone pads, plus protective foam padding in all critical areas.

Suspenders

Suspenders are used to hold hockey pants up if a belt is not used. They allow complete freedom of movement at the waist.

Garter Belt and Supporter/Cup

A garter belt can be used to hold up hockey socks when they are worn. Some players choose to hold up their socks by wrapping tape around the top of the socks. Athletic supporters/cups are necessary for proper protection. Both the garter belt and the supporter/cup are available in a range of sizes for various waist measurements.

Shin Guards and Straps

Shin guards come in various lengths. A properly fitted shin guard will not ride up above the knees, which reduce protection to the calves and knee joints when the knee is flexed. The shin guard should provide continuous protection from the top of the skate to the top of the knee and bottom of the pants. Shin guards should offer a well-padded “hinge” area between the shin and kneecap with strong molded plastic shin and kneecaps. Shin pad straps or tape should be used to prevent shin guards from shifting position.

Skates

Skates are often not the same size as shoes. To properly fit the skates, only light socks should be worn. With laces only loosely in place and the foot tapped as far forward as possible, there should be only one finger-width (or pencil width) between the heel and the counter (the support area in the heel of the skate). Skates should have counters made of strong plastic, adequate ankle support, and substantial padding at the ankle, heels and tendons. Skates should be laced snugly. Blades should be sharpened regularly, especially after skating on natural or outdoor ice.

Stick and Tape

The lower hand with which the player grasps the stick is the way the player shoots. If it is the left hand, then the player requires a left handed stick. Sticks come in a variety of different materials such as wood, aluminum and graphite composite. Use of the different types of sticks and the curve in the blade is a matter of personal choice. Beginners stick handle better with a straight blade. The length of the stick should extend vertically from the floor to somewhere between the bottom of the chin and the bottom of the nose (without skates on). Tape is often used to protect the blade of the stick from water and to provide a grip surface at the top of the shaft.

Throat Protector (Neck Guard)

Because there are no official standards and specifications for neck guards in USA Hockey or WAHA, neck guards are not required to be worn at any level. Neck guards can, however, offer significant injury protection from sticks and skates to the throat area. Neck guards should be fitted to ensure that they are snug and do not impede the movement of the player’s head and protect the vulnerable areas.

Mouth Guards

All players, including goaltenders, in the Peewee, Bantam, and Girls 10 & under through 19 & under, are required to wear a colored (non-clear) mouth guard and which must be attached to the facemask or helmet. Mouth guards will not be required if a dentist indicates, in writing, that the mouth guard would be injurious to the proper growth of the teeth. Because of the issue of proper fit and growth factors in younger children’s mouths, USA Hockey, WAHA & SYHA does not require mouth guards at the other levels. However, mouth guards can offer protection for the teeth and from concussions and it is recommended that the mouthpiece be form fitted by a dentist.