If your child is newly interested in the sport of hockey, it can seem intimidating at first. Not only is watching them put their skates on the ice for the first time nerve-wracking for many, but understanding and buying all of the proper gear can seem like an overwhelming job.
For many sports, little more than a pair of tennis shoes and a jersey are required to play. With hockey, however, there is a range of equipment necessary to help keep your child safe. This week’s MJ Total Hockey blog will help you break down all of the gear your child will need before they can play kids hockey.
Is your child interested in starting kid’s hockey or looking to develop their current hockey skills? MJ Total Hockey offers hockey training camps and online clinics. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help your child develop their hockey skills.
Read below for a comprehensive overview of all the gear your child needs to play kid’s hockey.
Safety First
When purchasing hockey equipment for your child, the most important thing to keep in mind is their safety. There are a few specific pieces of equipment that you should pay attention to in order to guarantee safety.
First and foremost, your child should always have a good helmet. If your child should fall or get checked, a solid helmet is necessary to protect them against a concussion or a more serious head injury. When shopping for a helmet, buy one that fits your child now — don’t get one that they can grow into. If the helmet is too loose on your child’s head, it won’t provide the proper protection. A good helmet is worth every penny to keep your child’s head safe.
Similarly, when shopping for skates, ensure that you get a pair that fits right now, rather than a pair they will have to grow into. Wearing skates that are too big can pose serious risks for your child’s ankles and can also increase their likelihood of falling more often. Not to mention, your child will not be able to properly develop their hockey skills if they are wearing skates that are way too big.
Keep Costs Down
Hockey requires a lot of expensive equipment and if you have a growing child, it can seem like a never-ending cycle of buying more gear and having to size up within months. The good news is that there are many second-hand options available for your child that can help you keep costs down and still allow your child to have all the gear they need.
When purchasing or receiving secondhand gear from other players, be sure to thoroughly inspect each item to ensure that they are still in good condition and aren’t compromised in any way. Be especially careful when looking for secondhand items such as helmets or skates, as they are what protects your child most and need to be in tip-top shape.
- Hockey Equipment Required to Play in a League
- Hockey Stick
- Skates
- Hockey Pants
- Shin Pads
- Mouth Guard
- Jock
- Practice Jersey
- Hockey Socks
- Helmet (With Full Cage)
- Neck Guard
- Hockey Gloves
- Elbow Pads
- Shoulder Pads
- Shin Pads
Get Shopping
While this list looks long and maybe even a bit scary, you can make shopping for hockey gear with your child a fun experience. Don’t be afraid to consult professionals and do your research before purchasing any hockey equipment. This could be something as simple as going to a hockey store to get your child’s skates properly fitted.
MJ Total Hockey offers a range of skills clinics and training camps, including online sessions. Whether your child is brand new to hockey and looking to get involved in the sport or has prior experience and wants to develop their skills, we are excited to help. Contact our team today to learn more about the kids hockey clinics and camps we offer.