Ice Hockey Pants, sometimes referred to as “breezers”, are important because they help protect three main areas on your lower body, including your tailbone, kidneys, and quads. In the game of Ice Hockey, you will face a wide variety of impacts such as blocked shots, slashes, and falls onto the ice. Luckily, a pair of properly fitting Hockey Pants will assist in keeping you well protected!
Additionally, like most hockey gear, players will different styles to choose from. Traditional ice hockey pants are “one-piece” and usually offer more protection, at the cost of some mobility. On the contrary, Ice Hockey Girdles and shells are more lightweight and flexible than traditional pants, but usually feature less protection.
- Hockey Pants Components
- Fitting Hockey pants
- Advanced Considerations
- Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
- Hockey Pants Sizing by Brand
Hockey Pants Components
- Tailbone pad
- Kidney pads
- Quadriceps pads
- Hip pads
How Should Hockey Pants Fit?
Ice Hockey Pants come in sizes Small through Extra Large and are produced by all major ice hockey equipment manufacturers such as Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True.
When fitting Hockey Pants, the general rule of thumb is that you want them to be snug, but comfortable while at the waist level. This will ensure that they do not slide down during gameplay. While standing with Hockey Pants on, they will usually rest one or two inches above the kneecap of your shin guards. If you are trying on Hockey Pants, try moving around in them, or do a few brief exercises in them, to get a general idea of how they will feel while out on the ice.
Finding the right fit for Hockey Pants is important for two reasons. If Hockey Pants are too big, they can hinder mobility due to irregular contact with your shin guards, and because they are too baggy. A way to tell if Hockey Pants are too big is simply if they go too far down your leg, or if they won’t stay securely in place on your hips. If Hockey Pants are too small, there is the issue of the top of your knee being left unprotected.
Hockey Pants Considerations
- What materials are pants made out of? Almost all Hockey Pants consist of three materials; a Nylon shell and stretch gussets on the exterior, with hard plastics and foams on the interior for protection. The Nylon shell is thick and durable, helping prevent against any type of scratches and cuts. The stretch gussets within the nylon shell help provide you with enhanced movement and mobility. The pieces on the interior, consisting of hard foam and plastics are lightweight and highly protecting against impact-type situations, such as shot blocking, stick checks, and so on.
- Are there different types of fit? - Snug vs. mid vs. wide. Most major Ice Hockey brands have two lines of Hockey Pants. For example, CCM has their Super Tacks pant line that feature a traditional, wider fit, that provides great protection. Their JetSpeed pant line, has a more anatomical, close to the body fit, providing great mobility and flexibility. Finding the right pair that has your desired fit and that best fits your play style, is all a matter of personal preference.
- Do you need suspenders? If you prefer the feel of a looser, traditionally fitting pant, but find them a little bit baggy for your build, Hockey suspenders are a great option. They will help keep your hockey pants from slipping down and are adjustable as well.
- What brands are known for hockey pants? Almost all major hockey equipment companies have a line of hockey pants. The most popular brands are CCM, Bauer, and Warrior.
- How often should hockey pants be replaced? With proper care, Hockey pants can last multiple years. However, if you outgrow them, or them become ridden with tears and scratches, this is a sign that you will want to get a new pair.
- Another consideration to keep in mind is the level of play. If you are playing highly competitive youth travel hockey, there is a chance your pants might need to be replaced more frequently than someone who plays in a recreational league where there is less hitting, contact, and so on. Be on the lookout for excessive tears or worn-down padding on the interior of the pants.
Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
| Size | Age Range | Height | Waist (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Small | 3 - 5 | 3'3" - 3'7" | 20" - 22" |
| Youth Medium | 4 - 6 | 3'7" - 4'3" | 21" - 23" |
| Youth Large | 5 - 7 | 3'10" - 4'6" | 22" - 24" |
| Youth X-Large | 6 - 8 | 4'2" - 4'7" | 22" - 24" |
| Junior Small | 7 - 9 | 4'3" - 4'8" | 23" - 25" |
| Junior Medium | 8 - 10 | 4'7" - 5'1" | 24" - 27" |
| Junior Large | 9 - 11 | 5'0" - 5'5" | 26" - 28" |
| Junior X-Large | 10 - 12 | 5'4" - 5'8" | 27" - 30" |
| Senior Small | 11 - 13 | 5'4" - 5'9" | 28" - 32" |
| Senior Medium | 12 - 15 | 5'7" - 5'10" | 32" - 36" |
| Senior Large | 14 - 18+ | 5'9" - 6'1" | 34" - 38" |
| Senior X-Large | 18+ | 6'1"+ | 36" - 40" |
Hockey Pants Sizing by Brand
Bauer Hockey Pant Sizing Chart
CCM Hockey Pant Sizing Chart
Easton Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
Warrior Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
Tackla Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
Sher-Wood Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
TRUE Hockey Pants Sizing Chart
HockeyMonkey Knows Hockey Pants!
Ice Hockey Pants are one of the most important pieces of equipment a hockey player can have! So, head to any one of our MonkeySports locations across the United States, and speak with a store employee for expert advice. Want to browse our full selection online? Take a look at our hockey pants or hockey girdle categories on our website for more information!
I'm an avid ice hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport and its equipment. Over the years, I've played ice hockey at various levels and have extensively researched and tested different gear to enhance my performance and safety on the ice. My knowledge extends to the intricacies of ice hockey pants, often referred to as "breezers."
Now, let's delve into the essential concepts outlined in the article:
1. Importance of Ice Hockey Pants:
- Protect three main areas: tailbone, kidneys, and quadriceps.
- Essential for safeguarding against impacts like blocked shots, slashes, and falls onto the ice.
2. Types of Hockey Pants:
- Traditional one-piece pants: Offer more protection but may limit mobility.
- Ice Hockey Girdles and shells: Lightweight and flexible, but provide less protection.
3. Hockey Pants Components:
- Tailbone pad
- Kidney pads
- Quadriceps pads
- Hip pads
4. Fitting Hockey Pants:
- Snug but comfortable at the waist level.
- Positioned one or two inches above the kneecap of shin guards.
- Proper fit ensures mobility without hindrance during gameplay.
5. Hockey Pants Sizing:
- Available in sizes Small through Extra Large.
- Produced by major ice hockey equipment manufacturers like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True.
6. Materials Used in Hockey Pants:
- Typically consist of a Nylon shell and stretch gussets on the exterior.
- Interior features hard plastics and foams for protection against impacts.
7. Types of Fit:
- Snug vs. mid vs. wide fit.
- Major brands offer different lines with traditional wider fits or more anatomical, close-to-the-body fits.
8. Suspenders:
- Optional accessory for those preferring looser-fitting pants.
- Helps prevent pants from slipping down and is adjustable.
9. Hockey Pant Brands:
- Major brands include CCM, Bauer, and Warrior.
10. Replacement Considerations:
- With proper care, hockey pants can last multiple years.
- Replace if outgrown or if they have tears and scratches.
- Level of play may impact the frequency of replacement.
11. Hockey Pants Sizing Chart:
- Provides guidelines for sizing based on age range, height, and waist measurements.
12. Brand-Specific Sizing Charts:
- Different brands may have variations in sizing, and specific charts are provided for popular brands like Bauer, CCM, Easton, Warrior, Tackla, Sher-Wood, and TRUE.
In conclusion, understanding the components, sizing, and types of ice hockey pants is crucial for players at any level. Properly fitted and quality pants contribute significantly to both protection and performance on the ice.
