As a new hockey parent or a new hockey player, you may have questions about which pieces of equipment that your child should have as they take to the ice. While the equipment will vary slightly with the age of the player, the core pieces of hockey gear are pretty much the same throughout. Of course, the quality will change (depending on age and skill level of the payer) and there is always high/mid/low end equipment that is available.
Any good hockey parent understands the need for proper protective equipment. This checklist is to be used as a guide for hockey parents (and players) to refer to when purchasing hockey equipment. While the list is extensive, there may be pieces of equipment that is mandatory for your association or program. Checklist is for reference only.
Definitive Hockey Equipment/Gear Checklist
This checklist, while intended for youth players, can also be used for new players who are looking to suite up for the first time. Optional items are marked as “optional” and are not necessarily needed (but may be recommended) for players. Our hockey gear checklist can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking the link below.
Hockey Equipment Checklist Visual
Here is a visual description of the core pieces of hockey equipment that all players should have.
As hockey parents, we know how expensive the sport is to play, and how expensive the equipment and gear is. The good news is that you can purchase used or new equipment that is affordable. Not every player needs a $400 hockey stick or a $1,200 pair of skates. Especially for younger players just starting out in the game, youth and junior prices of equipment can be affordable. You can always check out local hockey swaps for gear that was barely used and is at half the price. There are great programs such as Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart programs that can assist in offsetting some of the costs of getting your children involved in sports. Through the Hockey is For Everyone program, the NHL provides support for 26 official Hockey is for Everyone grassroots hockey organizations across North America, which have provided opportunities for more than 120,000 children to play hockey since 1998.
Hockey is a great game that can and should be enjoyed by all ages.