Beginner's Hockey Equipment Buying Guide

Equipment Levels

You may have seen some hockey equipment labelled things like “Elite” or “Competitive.” These are levels, and they can help gauge the type of equipment you’re looking at.

Elite-level hockey equipment is designed for professional or high-level competitive players who demand the highest performance and protection. This equipment is engineered using advanced materials and technologies to optimize performance while offering maximum protection.

Performance-level is designed for serious amateur or intermediate-level players who prioritize performance and durability. While not as advanced as elite-level gear, performance-level equipment offers solid performance and protection for competitive play.

Competitive-level is designed for recreational or lower-level competitive players who participate in organized leagues or regular play. This equipment offers basic performance and protection suitable for regular gameplay and practice sessions.

Recreational-level is designed for casual or beginner players who play for fun and exercise rather than for competitive purposes. This equipment offers basic performance and protection suitable for occasional play or recreational leagues.

As a developing or young player just starting out, you will likely only need Recreational or at most Competitive -level equipment.

Helmet

You can’t go on the ice for hockey without a helmet— and to keep yourself the safest you can, your helmet needs to fit properly. Essentially, you want it snug but not too tight; when you put the helmet on, it should be tight enough so it doesn’t move, but not too tight that it causes uncomfortable pressure points. Here are some things you’ll want to look out for when picking a helmet:

• A good way to gauge tightness is to make sure there is a comfortable gap between the helmet and your temples and ears . Additionally, the gap between the top of the helmet to your eyebrow should be about the size of one finger width.

• Make sure the helmet provides adequate coverage to protect the sides and back of your head. It should extend down to the base of your skull without obstructing your vision.

• When the chin strap is on, the helmet should stay in place without shifting or wobbling when you move your head from side to side. If the helmet moves excessively, readjust the fit until it feels secure.

• Don’t be afraid to ask a sales associate for help with fitting.

Skates

Having quality skates matters, but the highest-end models aren't always the best choice if they don't suit your needs. In fact, if you’re just starting, we suggest looking at Recreational or Competitive-level gear instead.

Developing players should avoid Elite-level skates, even though price-wise, they may look like the best option there is in terms of features. However, beyond fit and the cost commitment, Elite and Performance-level skates also tend to be stiffer than Competitive and Recreational skates. Greater stiffness can offer greater stride support to confident skaters, but they can be difficult to skate with and break in if you’re just starting out. If the skates aren’t comfortable, then your performance and enjoyment of the game will be greatly hindered.

For size, you want your toe to barely touch the end, but not too close that they scrunch up or have to bend to fit. The other element of skates is the volume . Most skates will be classified as “Regular” or “Wide,” and occasionally “Tapered.” Bauer’s volume classifications go by “Fits 1, 2, and 3,” but they still refer to the skate volume.

Entry-level skates feature softer boots, though some lower-priced options may lack replaceable blades or thermoforming capability. It’s a good idea to check with a sales associate to decide which skates will be best for your activities.

Kids’ skates have been evolving; many manufacturers are starting to implement extra adjustment systems into Youth equipment, so it can grow with your child. This shift can help make picking out the right fit skates much easier while also helping you save money on skate replacements.

It’s important to note that, for all players, skates will take some time to get used to . Skates require a breaking-in period for all players, with discomfort varying depending on the individual. This adjustment phase can occur immediately or after 30-45 minutes of play. The unpleasant sensation isn’t just exclusive to new players either— even experienced players may encounter discomfort. Your skates should soften up the more you play in them. The Hockey Shop can also take a look at your skates after you’ve had a few ice sessions and punch out any pressure points to lessen that discomfort.

Gloves

Gloves are occasionally overlooked but still some of the most crucial hockey gear. For gloves, protection is still important, but what you’re mostly focusing on is comfort.

Gloves that hinder movement can impede stickhandling and control, making gameplay frustrating. Competitive-level gloves offer a balance of protection, comfort, and style, often with various colour options available.

At the end of the day, gloves are based on preference. For the best results, it’s good to go to the store in person to feel the gloves in your hands when deciding. You want them to fit snugly, not too loose that they’re falling off, and not too tight where they hinder your hand movements.

It will be the same deal with kids— when shopping for gloves, it’s best for them to try the gloves that catch their eye and pick what’s most comfortable and fits best on their hand. Most Youth gloves come in an affordable price and include extra designs that kids will like.

Stick

Choosing a hockey stick can be complex, especially for beginners, but it doesn't have to be so intimidating. Consider your position on the ice: forwards usually prefer low kick sticks, while defensemen might opt for mid kick sticks for more power. This initial decision can help narrow down your options.

If you’re just starting, however, you can also just pick a stick that catches your eye design-wise— hockey sticks are another big preference, and if you don’t like your stick or how it looks, then you may have a harder time enjoying the game.

For kids, all Youth and some Junior sticks will offer the same or similar specs, so your child can pick the one that catches their eye. Youth sticks are all designed to help kids learn how to control their stick and feel the puck, and thus do not specialize in any position.

Protectives are just that: they are the pads that protect your body from impact, whether that be from the puck, other players, or the rink. This category normally includes shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and hockey pants. When selecting these items, prioritize fit, comfort, and budget.

Although parents may be tempted to purchase larger gear for their children to grow into, this can impede movement on the ice and compromise safety. Many manufacturers today have started to design their Youth and some Junior protectives with extra adjustable features, so the gear can grow with your child without the need for frequent replacements.

Like gloves, it’s a good idea to take your children to the store to try on equipment and determine their preferred gear. Youth-level gear from various manufacturers tends to be similar, making it easy for kids to choose based on what catches their eye the most.

Adults can go through pretty much the same process when picking out protectives— focus mostly on what’s comfortable and fits in your budget.

The following are some quick guidelines for picking the right protective equipment.

Shoulder Pads

Of course, shoulder pads should fit comfortably once all the straps are in plase. Ensure the tips of your shoulders align directly under the middle of the shoulder cap; for children, it's acceptable if the tips are under the inner half of the cap. This alignment will help orevent injuries to the clavicles, shoulders, and upper arms. The bicep guards should be positioned no more than halfway down the upper arm; incorrect placement can interfere with elbow pad fit.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads, especially for young players, can feel uncomfortable initially. Modern designs offer flexibility and protection from all angles, but this movement may feel like they aren’t strapped in correctly. This will be especially true if the pads don’t fit properly, and proper fit is crucial for maximum protection. After selecting the right size, ensure they're securely fastened at the center of your elbows. Test the range of motion for comfort, as the pads should neither shift nor restrict movement. For three-piece pads, the additional bicep pad should move freely.

Shin Guards

The guards should cover the entire shin area, with your knee comfortably in the knee cap, and they should stay secure without twisting or causing discomfort. Comfort is key, so they shouldn’t restrict movement or circulation when strapped in. While higher-priced options may offer more comfort features, they're not always essential for protection, especially for entry-level players. Consider how you'll wear them with your skates; if you’ll be tucking the skate tongue under, add an inch for the best fit.

Pants

Pants are all about comfort and mobility; they should be comfortable and snug around the waist, with the belt sitting above the hips. Make sure they're secure but not overly loose to prevent shifting when playing. Likewise, you don’t want them too tight either, or it could hinder mobility.

Jock/Jill/Garter Belt

A jock/jill protects the groin area, often integrated into baselayer pants or shorts with a garter belt. Whether you need a jock or jill will be dependent on the parts you are protecting; male parts will require a jock, whereas female parts will require a jill. Some older models will only include the jock/jill, but modern variations will conveniently be included in a bottom baselayer with a garter belt , which is a nice bonus. These combo pants will also usually have velcro rather than the clip mechanism, which is a more straightforward option for entry-level players of all ages.

A garter belt is either a separate baselayer or built in, with either velcro or straps that can help hold your socks up.

Stick Tape

Stick tape is always a good idea for all ages, and it’s highly recommended that you tape both the handle and blade of your hockey stick. How you tape it is entirely up to personal preference. For beginners, taping primarily serves to protect the stick, but beyond that, you have creative freedom however you wish to tape.

Jersey/Socks

Some teams will provide a uniform or a way to buy one, but it’s still good to have extras or a separate jersey and a pair of socks. It will obviously be most comfortable to get a uniform that fits perfectly, but if you have to decide between too big and too tight, too big might be better; you can always tuck your jersey in or roll your socks.

Socks today come in multiple versions: traditional knit/wool socks and sublimated/printed socks. Wool socks are softer and stretchier but more susceptible to wear and tear. Sublimated socks usually have more freedom in the design and colours and are tougher than wool, but that toughness also makes it harder for them to stretch. If you are using a velcro garter, there will be more space for the velcro to fit, whereas sublimated will have specific patches on the inside that can hold velcro.

Hockey gear can be a bit of an outlier— the highest price point might include the most features, but that may not necessarily mean the gear is best for you. As someone just starting out, you likely won’t be needing too many fancy features.

It’s best to pick the gear that fits you best, is comfortable, and sticks to your budget. You don’t need the highest-end protectives for the greatest protection for example. Gear that’s comfortable and fits your style is much more important when it comes to decking yourself out in hockey gear.

Higher-end equipment is generally harder to use and more niche, the biggest examples being skates and sticks. Once you play the game more, you’ll start to know and recognize more of the niche equipment that will work best for you.