What Equipment Does My Child Require?

Hockey Equipment

Here is a complete list of equipment required by all players (including first year Initiation players). Equipment is to be worn at both practices and games. Equipment need not be new, but whatever your child wears ought to be in good condition and fit properly.

It is especially important that skates be the right size and sharpened regularly during the season. The frequency of sharpening is different for different players but typically after 5-7 hours of ice time, you are advised to check their skates.

- CSA-approved helmet with wire face guard or full plastic face shield, not a visor Note: Original earpiece must be intact and no additional decals or stickers may be affixed

- Mouth guard - Mandatory

- BNQ-approved throat protector (bib-style recommended) For goalies, a rigid plastic throat protector attached to the helmet

- Shoulder pads

- Hockey shorts with velcro sock attachments or hockey suspenders

- Elbow pads

- Hockey jersey for practices (game jerseys are provided by SMHA but they are not to be used at practices)

- Wrist guards (recommended but not mandatory)

- Hockey gloves

- Hockey shorts with integrated protective cup

- Hockey socks (One pair of socks is provided by SMHA. SMHA socks are also available at local hockey stores)

- Shin guards

- Under all this, long underwear or whatever the player is comfortable wearing

- Properly sized skates

- Stick of appropriate length. A good gauge is to have the player stand up in his/her skates, holding the stick upright. The end of the shaft should come to nose level. First-time players may like to try a straight blade until the find out whether they want to shoot right or left.

- Fabric tape for the stick. A taped knob on the end of the shaft keeps the hand from slipping off. The butt end of the stick should have enough tape on it that it won't go through the openings of the cage.

- A screwdriver and extra helmet screws are handy

- A hockey bag to put all this stuff in.

Note to Hockey Development parents: Canadian Tire sells a starter hockey set, pretty much everything you need in a bag ready to go.  Might makes things a bit easier.
 

Important things to remember:

1. Kids cannot go on the ice without both a neck guard and a mouth guard.
2. Make sure the equipment fits properly. If it doesn't, it won't protect and your child will struggle unnecessarily.
3. A stick should come up to your child's chin on skates. If you don't know which way your child shoots, most stores offer straight sticks that will be sufficient until they decide for themselves.
4. Skates that are too small may result in sore and cold feet.
5. Blade Sharpening:
   • New skates do not come sharpened, so get them done before first ice.
   • Frequency of sharpening depends on frequency of use. (~ once per 4-6 ice times).
   • If your child walks on concrete without guards, their skates will need to be sharpened immediately.