Equipment

Below is a list of equipment your player will need:

• Helmet with full face mask
• Neck Protector
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey Pants
• Shin Pads
• Hockey Socks
• Jock with Garter/Jill with Garter (There are many “shorts” models with Velcro for socks too – a good option)
• Hockey Skates
• And… of course... a hockey stick – until your player figures out which way they shoot, a straight blade is the best for new players.
• And don’t forget a hockey bag to carry all of your gear as well as a water bottle!

Brands? Where to buy? Where do I get all of this stuff? How much does it cost?

There are many good brands out there, including Bauer, CCM and Warrior to name a few. A few critical things to keep in mind as you shop is that your new player won’t have as much wear and tear on their equipment as a High School player would and your new player is likely to grow and change sizes multiple times over the next three to five years.

Used equipment can be a great option as you explore a new sport, but keep in mind that well-fitting equipment and a good pair of skates are keys to success as your player learns to skate.

Some local options for equipment include:

• Play It Again Sports
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Pure Hockey
• The Pro Shop at South Windsor Arena

A limited amount of equipment is also available for purchase at Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. In addition, a number of online options, including totalhockey.com and hockeymonkey.com, are available and can provide a savings opportunity should you know the size and brand you are looking for.

A complete set of hockey equipment may cost anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on the brands and models you wish to purchase. Some brands offer a learn-to-play package in which you can purchase the bulk of your needs as a block set – keep your eye out for sales and advertisements.