Equipment

 

Equipment

 

“Full Equipment” is the minimum protection that your child will need before they are allowed to play or take a hockey class.  TIHC does not provide any protective equipment, although we may have some that you can borrow.  The following is a list of equipment (in the order they are dressed):

 

Jock/Jill pelvic protector

Shin guards

Hockey socks

Hockey pants

Elbow pads

Shoulder/chest pads

Jersey

Neck guard

Helmet with full face mask/cage

Mouthguard

Gloves

Stick

 

Most kids wear an ‘Underarmor’ type shirt or t-shirt and “compression” shorts, sweats or long-johns under the equipment.

 

Where do I get this stuff?  Do I have to buy everything new?

A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Keep in mind the equipment must fit properly to provide maximum protection.

Most kids can wear used equipment, hand-me-downs are extremely common.  The only usual exceptions are jock/jill protectors and mouthguards for obvious reasons.  Check with the team equipment manager or parents of older children who have already played. Watch for “swap meets” at ice rinks and call places like Play It Again Sports.  USA Hockey members receive special discounts on equipment purchased through Play It Again Sports retailers nationwide.

The best place to buy new equipment is at a genuine hockey store.  KO Sports in Canonsburg is one of the best in the area. Their staff is used to outfitting kids and can answer all your questions.  Stores like Dunhams or Dicks also carry hockey equipment but usually in a limited selection.  There are numerous sites on the internet that sell equipment.  Be sure to know exactly what size and style you are buying before purchasing since returns can be difficult.

 

Selection of hockey equipment

When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors:

1. Make certain the player is adequately protected
2. Be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. 

By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.

 

Skates — Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate.

Helmet — Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.

Facemask — Must also be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).

Mouthpiece — Required for all players.

Stick — Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.

Shin Pads — Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.

Jock (cup) / Jill (pelvic protector) — Essential protective equipment.

Gloves — Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility.

Shoulder Pads — Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.

Pants — Held in proper position by suspenders or belts. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.

Elbow Pads — Properly fitted so they do not slide.

For goaltenders, special equipment is necessary, such as: gloves (catching and stick), chest and stomach protector, goalie skates (with a protective shell), leg pads, and shoulder and arm protectors. The goaltender's equipment is especially important, so seek advice from a knowledgeable source.

 

Locker Rooms

Since the majority of the team consists of male players, they dress in the rink designated “team locker room”.  However, the number of female players continues to grow with every season!  The girls dress in a separate locker room and come in before the coaches make team announcements and position changes.  After a game, the girls listen to the coaches talk before undressing in their own locker room.  Locker room assignments are usually posted on a whiteboard at the rink.  Please ask a fellow parent or rink staff member for the designated girls locker room.

 

The “Smell”…and how to deal with it

Ventilation is key.  Don't leave the bag closed up in the back of the car until the next practice.  At a minimum open the bag to let the equipment dry out in the garage.  Taking everything out is an even better practice.

To kill the odor, try the following:  Mix equal parts Isopropyl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide.  Fill a spray bottle with the mix and liberally spray down the inside and outside the equipment and set it out to dry overnight.