Sydney Garrison asked:




Ice hockey is a fun and exciting game. In order to make sure that you are performing your best out on the ice, you will need to have the right gear. The basics of ice hockey are obvious, a stick, ice skates, a puck and protective gear. Knowing how to choose the right equipment is a little less obvious. As with most sports, you may want to select a less expensive version of some of this equipment until you decide if the game is for you. Once you are committed to ice hockey, then you can upgrade to more expensive gear.
The first piece of equipment to purchase is your hockey stick. It’s a great idea to purchase your first stick from a hockey equipment store. The size of the stick is going to be determined by your height. If you choose a stick that is too long or too short, you will be putting unnecessary stress on your body and your performance will be affected. A sales professional can help you determine the correct size so you can play your best. Pucks are relatively cheap and don’t come in different styles. You may find that you prefer one brand to another though, so perhaps purchase a few and try them out.

Your next purchase should be a pair of ice skates (if you don’t already own them). The most important things to look for in skates are sufficient ankle support and proper fit. Nothing can ruin a game faster than an injury.

Protective gear is easily the most important aspect of your gear. While it may not have as big an impact on your performance as skates or a stick might, it will keep you safe. And safety should be your primary concern. Hockey is a very hands on full contact sport. In order to give yourself the best protection, you will need a helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads and knee pads. A jockstrap is also a must have. Other optional accessories are protective girdles to cover the main part of your body, and hockey gloves. You may feel bulky and awkward with all of your gear on, however it is extremely important and you will get used to carrying around the extra weight.

Having the correct gear will ensure that you are the best, and safest hockey player that you can be! As you get more involved in the sport and more dedicated to it, you can invest in more expensive and higher quality gear that suits your changing needs.