ice hockey equipment

Tips For Fitting Ice Hockey Equipment

The type of equipment you buy is important but the fit of that equipment is the most important aspect because well fitted equipment will keep you safe. Here are some tips for fitting ice hockey equipment correctly.

The first thing to remember that if any piece of your equipment appears damaged, has a crack, or doesn’t appear sound, you need to replace it right away. You never want to take the chance that your equipment fails and you become injured!

There are several pieces of hockey equipment that you need to ensure fit correctly.

Jock Strap Your jock strap needs to be fitted according to your waist size and it should feel comfortable when worn. Cups are available in sizes to fit all players. Should the cups become damaged you need to replace your jock strap.

Shin Pads You need to have your skates on when fitting shin pads. The shin pad cap should be centered at the kneecap and the bottom of the pad needs to fit where foot and leg meet at a 90 degree angle. The shin pad should not rub or catch on your skate but it should also not leave your leg exposed. Replace cracked pads.

Skates When fitting skates wear the same type of socks that you’d wear on the ice. Push your toes forward and check that there is a 1 finger width between your heel and the boot back. Now push your foot back into the correct position and lace up to check fit. Never buy skates with the idea that you’ll grow into them because you won’t get the proper ankle and foot support and injuries could occur.

Shoulder Pads For full protection the arm pads need to extend to just above the elbow and the back pad should meet your pants. Lift your arms and make sure the pads don’t dig into your neck because this can be really uncomfortable and it can lead to an injury.

Elbow Pads The top of your elbow pad needs to meet the bottom of your shoulder pad and the bottom of the pad needs to extend down your forearm and fit inside your glove.

Gloves Your gloves should fit snug without being too tight and they should come over your elbow pads. The padding on the back of the glove is designed to absorb the shock so be sure it’s adequate. You should not feel any pressure on the back of your hand. Check your gloves often. If they are showing signs of wear, torn seams, or other damage it’s time to replace.

Helmet Your helmet should be snug enough to remain in place. Ensure you helmet is CSA approved. Do not paint or modify your helmet in any way. Before and after each use check for damage and replace if needed.

Facemask When fitting a facemask make sure you take a proper measurement. You chin needs to fit comfortably into the cup and it may have an internal mouth guard attached. There are different types of visors available and there are 4 different classes of CSA approved facemasks to choose from.

Stick It’s important that your stick fit properly. It should reach to just below the chin when you have your skates on. The type of stick you choose is a personal preference. Check your stick before each game for damage. Replace if necessary.