It’s no secret that hockey is a gear-intensive sport, and new players to the game of hockey inevitably face the task of putting on all their gear for the first time. While getting dressed in all that gear seems like a daunting task, it's really not as difficult as it sounds. New players may want to practice a few times at home until they feel comfortable.
Remember that all your gear is adjustable. If it doesn't fit quite right the first time, try adjusting them until you find the right fit. Here is a step by step guide to putting on hockey equipment:
1. Before Getting Dressed
Before getting suited up, there are a few things you will want to make sure are squared away. Some examples are making sure your skate blades are sharpened and free of any nicks, stick is taped, mouth guard is molded, and so on. Once you get into the routine of checking for these things, being aware of them will come second-nature.
2. Undergarments
Undergarments can be compression shorts or jock shorts. Jock Shorts have a pocket for a cup and velcro tabs on the front and back of each leg to attach your hockey socks to. Jock shorts can be worn over compression pants. Some compression shorts also have a cup pocket with the velcro tabs.
3. Step Into Athletic Cup
Put both feet through the elastic waistband. If you wear compression shorts without velcro tabs, you will need a garter belt to help hold up your hockey socks. Secure the garter belt around your waist, making sure that it fits snugly and comfortably around the groin area but is not too tight.
4. Hockey Pants/Girdle
Tighten your pants with the belt so that the pants fit comfortably but provide for adequate flexibility. If they are still too loose, you can use a pair of suspenders to keep them up. Properly fitting hockey pants should be around one inch above the kneecap while standing. This will ensure the best balance of protection and mobility.
5. Shin Guards
Shin guards will go under your hockey socks. Secure them by fastening the straps around the calves. It is important that you leave enough space near your ankles for your skates. Your knee should fit directly into the kneecap of the shin guards. The pads should extend down to your ankles, or one inch above, depending on whether you wear your shin guards over your skate tongues or underneath.
6. Hockey Socks
Hockey socks are long cotton, or mesh, socks that are open on the top and the bottom. Your hockey socks go over your shin pads and help keep them in place. Cotton socks can be attached to your garter belt, whereas mesh socks come with velcro tabs on the front and back of each thigh that will attach to velcro tabs found on most compression shorts.
While the mesh socks require one less piece of gear (no garter belt), the cotton socks plus garter belt combination can potentially keep socks more secure. Use sock tape to secure the shin guards and socks in place.
7. Hockey Skates
Tie your hockey skates very tight without cutting off circulation to your feet. The general rule of thumb is to lace them progressively tighter as you go up so that the tightest part of the lacing process is at the ankles. This prevents potential ankle injuries due to the skates being too loose. The bottom of your knee pad should come to just below the tongue of your skate. Tape everything in place.
8. Shoulder Pads
Shoulder Pads go over the compression shirt or t-shirt. Slip your head through the middle hole and put your arms through the armbands underneath the shoulder plate. Fasten the velcro tabs to the front of the pads so that the pads fit snugly but comfortably. This will allow for maximum protection with an adequate range of motion.
9. Elbow Pads
Elbow Pads go over your long sleeve compression shirt. The joint of your elbow should rest squarely in the cup of the elbow pads. Adjust the straps so the pads fit snugly but comfortably.
10. Neck Guard
Neck guards fit around the neck to protect against cut-type impacts. Most models fasten in the back with an adjustable closure.
11. Jersey, Helmet and Gloves
Finally, put on your jersey, helmet, and gloves. Grab your hockey stick, put in a mouth guard and you are ready to hit the ice!
After practice or games, be sure to remove the gear in the opposite order you put things on. Everything will then go back in the bag in the order you need them next time.
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Head over to your local MonkeySports SuperStore location for expert advice on a wide variety of gear and brands! Not near one of our stores? Check out specific products on our online store by clicking the links within each step!
As a passionate hockey enthusiast with years of first-hand experience on the ice, I understand the intricacies of gearing up for this fast-paced sport. My expertise extends from the fundamentals of skating to the nuanced process of putting on hockey equipment. Let me guide you through the key concepts mentioned in the article to ensure that you, as a new player, can confidently suit up for the game.
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Preparation Before Getting Dressed: Before donning your gear, it's crucial to ensure that your equipment is in top condition. This includes sharpening skate blades, taping the stick, and molding the mouth guard. Regular checks become second nature, contributing to a smoother gear-up routine.
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Undergarments: Undergarments play a crucial role, whether they are compression shorts or jock shorts. Jock shorts with a cup pocket and velcro tabs for attaching hockey socks provide added convenience. Compression shorts may also feature a cup pocket. Understanding these options ensures a comfortable and secure base layer.
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Athletic Cup: The proper placement of the athletic cup is essential. The elastic waistband should be snug but not too tight. For those without velcro tabs on compression shorts, a garter belt assists in holding up hockey socks effectively.
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Hockey Pants/Girdle: Adjusting hockey pants or girdle for comfort and flexibility is crucial. Suspenders can be used if the pants are too loose. Proper fitting, around an inch above the kneecap, ensures optimal protection and mobility.
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Shin Guards and Hockey Socks: Placing shin guards under hockey socks and securing them with straps is vital. Understanding the choice between cotton and mesh socks, along with attachment methods, provides options for keeping shin guards in place.
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Hockey Skates: Tying hockey skates tightly, with a progressive tightening approach, prevents ankle injuries. Proper lacing ensures a secure fit, with the knee pad positioned just below the skate tongue. Securing everything in place with tape is a final touch.
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Shoulder Pads and Elbow Pads: Wearing shoulder pads over a compression shirt involves securing velcro tabs for maximum protection and range of motion. Elbow pads, placed over a long sleeve compression shirt, require proper adjustment for a snug yet comfortable fit.
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Neck Guard: The neck guard, fastened with an adjustable closure, provides protection against cut-type impacts. Understanding its placement and function is crucial for overall safety.
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Jersey, Helmet, and Gloves: Finally, putting on the jersey, helmet, and gloves completes the ensemble. Ensuring that everything is securely in place allows you to grab your hockey stick, insert a mouth guard, and hit the ice with confidence.
Remember, after practice or games, removing the gear in the reverse order maintains efficiency and ensures that everything goes back into the bag in the right sequence for the next session. For all your hockey gear needs, expert advice, and a wide variety of brands, consider visiting a MonkeySports SuperStore or exploring their online store at HockeyMonkey. Stay geared up and enjoy the game!
