To determine what size shoulder pads you should get for hockey, you’ll need to know your chest measurement in inches along with your height or weight.
For your chest measurement, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your chest, just under your arms, making sure to wrap the tape measure around your back. Then, use this measurement along with your weight or height to determine your shoulder pad size. Use the sizing charts below for reference.
Keep in mind, this measurement does not account for personal preference. You may have to try on different brands in different fits to find out which shoulder pads feel right to you. We’ll talk more about fit profiles and adjusting your pads below.
If you’re still not sure which shoulder pads are right for you, check out our related Pure Hockey Shoulder Pad Buying Guide for more information, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you for a full assessment from our staff.
Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart
Every brand can have slightly different sizing, which is used as a general guideline to help you choose your hockey shoulder pads. If you know the brand you want, we offer manufacturer sizing charts below for Bauer, CCM, and Warrior.
Bauer Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart
Shop our full selection of Bauer hockey shoulder pads.
| Senior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Weight | Chest |
| Medium | 14+ | 130lbs - 170lbs | 38" - 42" |
| Large | 15+ | 150lbs - 190lbs | 40" - 44" |
| XL | 15+ | 170lbs - 209lbs | 42" - 46" |
| XXL | 15+ | 190lbs - 229lbs | 44" + |
| Intermediate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Weight | Chest |
| Medium | 11-13 | 79lbs - 99lbs | 28" - 32" |
| Large | 13+ | 99lbs - 150lbs | 32" - 40" |
| Junior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Weight | Chest |
| Small | 8 - 10 | 53lbs - 68lbs | 24" - 26" |
| Medium | 10 - 11 | 66lbs - 79lbs | 26" - 28" |
| Youth | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Weight | Chest |
| Small | 3-5 | 31lbs - 42lbs | 20" - 22" |
| Medium | 5-7 | 40lbs - 53lbs | 22" - 23" |
| Large | 7-9 | 51lbs - 64lbs | 23" - 25" |
CCM Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart
Shop our full selection of CCM hockey shoulder pads.
| Senior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | Chest |
| Small | 14+ | 5'2" - 5'6" | 34" - 38" |
| Medium | 14+ | 5'6" - 5'10" | 37" - 41" |
| Large | 15+ | 5'10" - 6'2" | 40" - 44" |
| X-Large | 15+ | 6'0" + | 43" - 48" |
| Junior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | Chest |
| Small | 9 - 10 | 4'2" - 4'6" | 24" - 30" |
| Medium | 10 - 11 | 4'6" - 4'10" | 26" - 32" |
| Large | 11 - 12 | 4'10" - 5'2" | 30" - 35" |
| Youth | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | Chest |
| Small | 3-5 | 3'4" - 3'7" | 23" |
| Medium | 5-7 | 3'7" - 3'10" | 23" - 25" |
| Large | 7-9 | 3'10" - 4'2" | 24" - 28" |
Warrior Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart
Shop our full selection of Warrior hockey shoulder pads.
| Senior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | |
| X-Small | 13+ | 5'0" - 5'6" | |
| Small | 14+ | 5'3" - 5'9" | |
| Medium | 15+ | 5'6" - 6'0" | |
| Large | 15+ | 5'9" - 6'2" | |
| Junior | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | |
| Small | 9 - 10 | 4'3" - 4'9" | |
| Medium | 10 - 11 | 4'6" - 5'0" | |
| Large | 11 - 12 | 4'9" - 5'3" | |
| Youth | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Age | Height | |
| Small | 3-5 | 3'3" - 4'1" | |
| Large | 7-9 | 3'8" - 4'5" | |
How are Hockey Shoulder Pads Supposed to Fit?
Hockey shoulder pads should have a snug fit, with the tips of the shoulders sitting squarely under the shoulder caps. The shoulder pads should not restrict movement or interfere with the elbow pads. The collarbone area should be covered, and the midsection straps should be snug but not overly tight.
When trying on a pair of shoulder pads, test your range of motion by swinging your arms around or faking a few shots. You’ll want to make sure the pads are comfortable and don’t move around too much.
In general, hockey shoulder pads come in a few fit profiles that can suit different positions or playing styles. A traditional fit tends to be bulkier but more protective for a physical grinder, while a contoured fit is closer to the body and more streamlined for a speedy winger. A tapered fit is the middle ground between the other two profiles, with a higher-volume upper half that slims down into a lower-volume bottom half, suitable for players who equally prize power and agility.
Bauer, CCM, and other major manufacturers have developed their shoulder pads with these different fit profiles and playing styles in mind. For example, the Bauer Vapor and CCM Jetspeed lines feature more anatomical, lighter-weight shoulder pads for players who emphasize speed and mobility. The Bauer Supreme and CCM Tacks lines, on the other hand, feature bigger and more protective shoulder pads for defensem*n and other physical players.
Are you in the market for a new pair of shoulder pads? Shop our full selection of hockey shoulder pads online, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you.
If you’re shopping for other gear, too, check out our full library of hockey equipment buying & fitting guides so you can purchase with confidence.
As a dedicated hockey equipment enthusiast with extensive knowledge of the sport and its gear, I can confidently guide you through the process of determining the right size shoulder pads for hockey. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in fitting and selecting the appropriate protective gear for players.
When it comes to choosing the correct size for your hockey shoulder pads, the article rightly emphasizes the importance of knowing your chest measurement, along with either your height or weight. The method described for measuring your chest involves wrapping a soft tape measure around the widest part of your chest, just under your arms, ensuring the tape measure wraps around your back. This accurate measurement is a crucial starting point for finding the right size.
The article then introduces sizing charts for popular hockey shoulder pad brands such as Bauer, CCM, and Warrior. These charts provide a comprehensive breakdown of sizes based on factors like age, weight, height, and chest measurements. It's crucial to note that sizing may vary slightly between brands, emphasizing the need to consult the specific manufacturer's sizing chart.
Furthermore, the article wisely notes that personal preference plays a role in the selection process. Despite having the right measurements, individuals may still need to try on different brands and fits to determine which shoulder pads feel comfortable and provide the desired level of protection.
The concept of fit profiles is introduced, explaining that hockey shoulder pads come in different fits to suit various positions and playing styles. Traditional fits are bulkier and more protective, contoured fits are streamlined for speed, and tapered fits strike a balance between power and agility. Major manufacturers like Bauer and CCM design their shoulder pads with these profiles in mind, tailoring their product lines to cater to specific player preferences and positions.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide covers the essentials of choosing the right size hockey shoulder pads, providing sizing charts, fit profiles, and valuable tips for ensuring a proper fit. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, understanding these concepts is crucial for selecting gear that enhances both performance and protection on the ice.
