The following is a list of equipment that is needed 1) to play hockey in the North York Knights Hockey Association and 2) to prevent injuries to players. We have included some additional information about each piece of equipment to help determine the right size and fit as well as a few recommendations for the maintenance of a player’s equipment.
- CSA approved helmet and complete face guard/cage
- BNQ approved throat and neck guard
- shoulder pads
- elbow pads
- hockey gloves
- hockey pants
- jock/jill protector with Velcro strap/shorts
- shin guards
- hockey socks
- skates
- stick
- water bottle (sharing of water bottles is not recommended)
- black or white hockey tape for the stick
- clear tape (optional – to hold socks and shin guards in place)
- hockey sweater and socks (provided by the Knights)
FITTING CONSIDERATIONS
1. Helmet – only helmets bearing a CSA certified label may be worn. A helmet should never be painted, have stickers or decals affixed to the helmet as this may void the CSA manufacture warranty. A proper fitting helmet is crucial – if too loose it may shift and if too tight it may cause discomfort. All screws in the helmet should be properly adjusted and tightened.
Face Mask – for all players a CSA certified face mask is required. Not all face masks fit every helmet so check carefully before purchasing. Ensure screws are securely tightened where they attach to the helmet.
Mouth guard (Optional but recommended for Select players) – to be properly fitted as per instructions on package. Mouth guards prevent concussions and teeth damage.
2. Throat or Neck Protector – all players must wear a throat/neck protector with a BNQ certification logo. The protector should completely cover the neck and upper chest area.
3. Shoulder Pads – shoulder pads should protect the shoulder joint, collar bone, chest, back and upper arms.
4. Elbow Pads – the elbow pads should protect the entire elbow joint as well as parts of the upper arm and forearm. A proper fitted elbow pad will allow the elbow to rest firmly in the cup. The donut shaped pad should suspend and protect the point of the elbow and the elastic should be snug but comfortable.
5. Hockey Gloves – properly fitted gloves should be snug, but not tight, and the palms should be soft and pliable so that the player can easily grip the stick and be sensitive to the feel of the puck on the blade of the stick. Padding on the back of the glove and in the thumb area should absorb shock. Longer cuff gloves should be worn to protect the wrist and forearm area. Compression should not be felt inside the glove when the back of the glove is pushed with the fingers. Shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves should adequately cover the chest and arm areas.
6. Hockey Pants – Hockey pants should properly protect the kidneys, hips, front and thighs and tail bone. If not properly fitted, they will not provide adequate protection.
7. Jock (Athletic Support) – Fitted according to waist size. Protective jocks come in boxer (shorts) style that includes Velcro to hold socks in place. Jill Strap – Girls version of the athletic support is also fitted according to waist size. Protective Jill comes in boxer (shorts) style that includes Velcro to hold socks in place
8. Shin Guards – shin pads protect the shin area and knee cap. Shin pads that are too big can slide out of position and reduce protection. Shin pads that are too small leave the lower shin exposed and do not provide adequate protection for the kneecap area and sides of the knee. Shin pads must cover the entire kneecap area, front and side.
9. Hockey Socks – supplied by the Knights and match team jersey. However, to prevent wear during the year (i.e. holes), use a different pair of socks for practices.
10. Skates – in addition to being a necessity to play the game, skates also provide protection for the foot and Achilles tendon. Properly fitted skates are essential for players to develop effective skating skills.
11. Stick – when selecting a stick, look for youth sizes for younger players, as these have smaller shafts and blades. A proper sized stick should reach between the chin and nose of a player in street shoes with the toe of the stick on the ground. When wearing skates, a stick should reach just below the player’s chin. Regularly check sticks to ensure that there are no breaks or cracks in the shaft or blade. The blade and the end of the shaft of the stick are to be covered by white or black tape.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Immediately after every game and practice, equipment should be hung up to dry for at least 20 minutes. Never place leather equipment over any source of direct heat, as cracking will occur.
After every game and practice, wipe off skate blades and holders until they are completely dry. This will prevent rusting.
Skates should be left unlaced, with the tongues pulled down so warm air can circulate inside and evaporate moisture. If liners are removable, take them out to dry.
Regularly check your skate blades for sharpness (a sharp skate will plane a fine white shaving off your thumbnail); nicks (which can often be removed with a small wet stone); bends (a bent or loose blade can often be detected by the squeaking noise it makes when gliding to a stop – this can be corrected by most skate sharpeners); rivets (ensure that all rivets which attach blade holders to boot are present and secure).
Visually inspect all equipment at regular intervals. Usually, a shoemaker can repair fabric tears and do patch stitching. If padding or other plastic is cracked, replacement parts can usually be purchased.