Shoulder pads protect the shoulders, collarbone, chest, spine and upper arm. The caps should sit squarely on top of the shoulders, and the front panel should reach down to meet the top of the pants when the player is standing.
Forwards often choose lighter, lower-profile pads for mobility; defence and players in contact leagues tend to want more coverage. Chest protector and shoulder pad name the same piece for skaters.
Fit check
- Shoulder caps sit on the point of the shoulder, not sliding toward the neck.
- The chest panel meets the top of the pants with little or no gap.
- Arms can reach overhead without the pads pushing into the helmet.
- Bicep guards meet the top of the elbow pads.