Checklist
Player Equipment Checklist
Being a rookie is easier with a list. Here is the full kit for a skater, in the order it goes on, with the one fit check that matters most for each piece. Print it, or keep it open on your phone in the change room.
- Jock or jill with cupGoes on first, under everything. Snug, and the cup sits in place. Fit guide
- Hockey socks and garterHold the socks up over the shin pads; many jocks have the tabs built in. Fit guide
- Shin padsKnee centred in the cup, bottom edge at the skate tongue. Fit guide
- Hockey pantsBottom overlaps the shin pad; kidney guard covers the lower back. Fit guide
- SkatesToes brush the cap, heel locked in. Sharpened before the first skate. Fit guide
- Shoulder padsCaps on the point of the shoulder, chest panel reaches the pants. Fit guide
- Elbow padsPoint of the elbow in the centre of the cup. Fit guide
- Neck guardCovers the throat, required in Canadian minor hockey. Fit guide
- JerseyLoose enough to go over the shoulder pads without pulling them.
- Helmet with full cageCSA-certified, not expired, one finger above the eyebrows. Fit guide
- GlovesCuff meets the elbow pad; fingertips near the ends. Fit guide
- StickChin to nose in skates; flex about half body weight, softer for kids. Fit guide
- Mouth guardRecommended for every player, and required in some leagues.
- Bag, tape, skate guards, water bottleTape the stick blade; guards for walking only. Fit guide
For a young player, fit each piece for this season rather than buying big to grow into. Loose protective gear moves out of the way at the moment it is needed.