A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Hockey Practice Gear

Hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports. It requires a lot of stamina and strength. In order to get the best performance possible and stay safe, you should have all of the essentials, such as the right clothes and protective gear.

Practice Jersey

Speaking of essentials, one of the most important parts of the practice gear is the jersey. It’s the base of the outfit that will keep your game jersey in great shape. There’s a big variety of high-quality, comfortable practice hockey jerseys on the market. However, it’s important to choose the right brand. Someone reliable with a lot of satisfied customers and good reviews.

It might seem appealing to buy a cheap, low-quality option, but this is not a good idea. It’s better if you invest a couple of dollars more, this way you get quality and longevity. Otherwise, you might have to replace it in just a few practice sessions. The first thing to get right is the fit. This is an important factor that’s key to comfort.

One great indicator is the range of motion it allows. It shouldn’t restrict any movement or feel tight in some areas. It should be loose-fitting but not too loose so it hangs around too much. Keep in mind that it should fit the shoulder pads and other protective gear underneath. Always check the sizing chart of the brand you’re buying from, and if you’re not sure which size to get contact the seller and they can help you make a decision.

Materials matter as well. Choose fabrics that are breathable and lightweight. The ones that allow airflow and prevent over-sweating are perfect. It’s important that you stay cool and comfortable while on the ice. If they’re moisture-wicking and fast-drying, you’ll barely feel the sweat during practice or a game.

Don’t overlook durability. The practice jersey should be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. Look for double stitching and reinforced seams. When it comes to colour and design, there’s plenty to choose from. You can match it with the colours of your favourite team or fully customize it as your own. And last but not least, always prioritize function over fashion.

Pants and Jocks

Hockey pants are made to protect your hips, front thighs and tailbone. These three areas are at high risk while playing because there will be a lot of falls, hits, slashes and shots. They’re made of three main components: a shell, foam padding, and stretch material. The shell is made of nylon. If the shell is thicker, the pants are better and will last longer. Some designs even have zippers between the thigh and hip area.

The padding should be incorporated in at least five areas, on both hips, both thighs and on the tailbone. The padding should be thick, so don’t compromise on this element. Good pants will also have padding between the hip and thigh pads. The stretch fabric is on the underside. It provides mobility and long strides. Plus, it helps with breathability which, just like with practice hockey jerseys, can make you feel more comfortable.

The pants’ waist should be snug enough to prevent them from falling down while on the ice. You can wear suspenders if you like a looser fit. When your legs are straight, the bottom of the pants should reach between the top and middle of your kneecap. Other variations may result in mobility restrictions and failure to protect you.

To test out the fit, do a few stretches in several directions. If it feels too tight in some places, those aren’t the right pants for you. Taking care of the pants isn’t hard. Dry them out immediately after use or wash them and check for rips and damage. If you notice some, fix them as soon as possible (if fixable) and they can last for a decade.

Socks

Hockey socks have several purposes: to keep you warm, to hold the shin pads in place, and to provide some extra protection during practice. Most of them will reach your thigh and won’t have any feet. They’re often worn with undergarments or a girdle and attached to them with Velcro. The best sock material is a 50-50 blend of cotton and polyester. This gives you breathability and durability in one. The thickness will depend on the material they’re made of. One great tip for keeping them as new as possible is to wash them in the machine inside out. When it’s time to dry, just lay them out flat.

Stick

The hockey stick might be the most recognizable piece of gear in this sport. It can differ in material, size and flex. The size options are youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The one you choose mainly depends on your age. When it comes to length, measuring is easy. While standing straight, place the stick between your feet and lean it on your body. If it reaches your nose, you’re good to go. Just like the hockey practice jersey, the stick can be made of different materials.

The main ones are wood, Kevlar, fibreglass, graphite, carbon or a combination of some. If you’re a beginner, a heavier stick will do a better job. The flex matters as well. A more flexible stick means more accuracy and more puck speed. Some players find the grip very important. A non-grip stick is smooth and will give you more control over it. The grip stick on the other hand is textured and sticky, and will prevent your hands from sliding when you sweat.

Skates

The hockey skates will influence your stability, confidence and performance so it’s important to make the right choice. They’re made of synthetic materials and are mostly lightweight. Don’t compromise on quality because each component they’re made of is designed to protect a certain part of your foot. The most important things are size and fit. They usually go one size smaller than the regular, everyday shoes you wear. However, this is not a strict rule and can depend on the manufacturer. Always try them on before buying and make sure they fit you perfectly.

Helmet

You can’t play hockey without a helmet. It’s crucial for your safety because there will be a lot of falls and bumps. You can choose one with a visor or without it. The visor or a cage isn’t a must but it sure increases your safety.