Last updated: Sep 15, 2023
Ice hockey requires a lot of player equipment to protect players from injury. It also requires a playing surface made of ice, which may be hard to find depending on where you live. Read on to learn about all of the equipment that is used in ice hockey.
Table of Contents
- List of Hockey Equipment
- Chin Straps
- Elbow Pads
- Garter Belts
- Gloves
- Goalie Equipment
- Goals and Cages
- Helmet
- Helmet Cages
- Visors
- Hockey Bags
- Hockey Jerseys
- Hockey Skates
- Hockey Sticks
- Jockstraps and Cups
- Laces
- Mouth Guard
- Neck Guards
- Pants
- Practice Jerseys
- Pucks
- Shin Pads
- Shin Tape
- Shoulder Pads
- Skate Fenders
- Skate Guards
- Skate Wraps
- Slash Guards
- Slide Boards
- Socks
- Stick Butts
- Stick Protectors
- Stick Tape
- Training Equipment
- Uniforms
- FAQ
List of Hockey Equipment
- Chin Straps
- Elbow Pads
- Garter Belts
- Gloves
- Goalie Equipment
- Goals and Cages
- Helmet
- Helmet Cages
- Helmet Visors
- Hockey Bags
- Hockey Jerseys
- Hockey Skates
- Hockey Sticks
- Jockstraps and Cups
- Laces
- Mouth Guards
- Neck Guards
- Pants
- Practice Jerseys
- Pucks
- Shin Pads
- Shin Tape
- Shoulder Pads
- Skate Fenders
- Skate Guards
- Skate Wraps
- Slash Guards
- Slide Boards
- Socks
- Stick Butts
- Stick Protectors
- Stick Tape
- Training Equipment
- Uniforms
Chin Straps
Chin straps ensure that a helmet is secure and in the correct position to protect a player’s chin and the area surrounding it. There are two straps on the side of a helmet that must be clipped on as well. If a chin strap is not buckled or not tight enough, the helmet will rock back and forth and not provide enough protection for a player to wear and be safe in.
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads are an essential piece of safety equipment. Whenever a player gets hit into the boards and falls hard to the ice, their elbows are protected from the impact of the ice or glass. There are various different brands and types of elbow pads that can be worn. Some common brands are Bauer and Warrior. Elbow pads vary in price depending on how much padding or cushion is present. The price range is anywhere from $40 to $150.
Garter Belts
Garter belts are basically suspenders. Garter belts are not worn very often in hockey, but the garter belt is used to make sure a player’s hockey pants do not fall and slide down their waist. The bottom of the garter belt clips onto the side of the pants, and the top straps are looped around the player’s shoulders (at the top of their shoulder pads). A player only wears a garter belt if their pants are loose. Garter belts are about $10 each.
Gloves
Ice hockey gloves are used by players to increase the grip strength on their sticks.In addition to increasing grip strength, gloves provide extra padding and protection against hand-related injuries on the ice. Some examples of potential hand injuries include falling your hands, getting slashed by another player’s stick, or getting hit by the puck.
Ice hockey gloves are like a typical winter glove worn on your hands. However, a player wears these gloves to have a good grip and solid control while holding their sticks. Furthermore, if a player is slashed during the course of a game, the gloves have padding and cushions that provide protection by absorbing the impact caused by the slash of a stick. Gloves range from $50 to $200.
Goalie Equipment
Goalie equipmentincludes helmets, chest protectors, neck guards, gloves, skates, sticks, blockers, and pads.This equipment is unique from equipment used by skaters, as goalie equipment serves a different function: stopping pucks from going into the net. Goalie equipment is larger than skater equipment, as goalies constantly are hit with the puck and need extra protection. The goalie stick is also very unique, as it is used for stopping pucks rather than scoring goals.
Goals and Cages
An ice hockey goal is the 4-foot by 6-foot target where players attempt to shoot the puck. Whenever the puck crosses the goal line (the red line on the ice that is between both front posts), it’s a goal. A player must shoot the puck into the four by six frame between the posts and under the crossbar. An ice hockey goal typically costs anywhere between $100 and $250.If a player wants a cheap goal for their backyard, a $100 net does the trick. However, if the owner of a rink wants a new goal for the ice rink, a more expensive net is the way to go.
Helmet
An ice hockey helmet is a vital piece of safety equipment in hockey. A helmet protects a player from getting hit in the head by a puck or by the shock of the boards, ice, or another player after a big hit or collision. A helmet protects a player from sustaining a concussion and can range in the price range of anywhere from $50 to $400.This is not a piece of equipment where saving the extra money is worth it.
Helmet Cages
An ice hockey helmet cage is used during youth and collegiate hockey. Most professionals in the NHL wear a half-visor shield or nothing at all to protect their face. A helmet cage is worn for protection purposes; it is composed of metal and has multiple screws around the face of the cage that will attach to helmets. Certain types of cages are constructed to fit specific types of helmets. A helmet cage or shield is approximately $50.
Visors
Helmet visors are often used by professionals and some competitive youth and collegiate players.Visors are an alternative to cages. While visors can sometimes fog up, there are products made to prevent this from happening. A visor is like a fishbowl and allows a player to see the ice with more ease. Many NHL players may decide to wear a half visor because it is safer.
Hockey Bags
A hockey bag is used for a player to carry and store their equipment.There are many different kinds and brands of hockey bags that come in different sizes. A younger player may want to use a hockey bag with wheels because the bag can get heavy. However, an older player may want to use a bag that has handles and can be carried over their shoulder. If you’re a goalie, you may want a bigger bag because your equipment requires more space. Most bags from reputable brands like Bauer and Warrior cost anywhere between $50 and $150.
Hockey Jerseys
An ice hockey jersey is worn over a player’s shoulder pads/chest protector and elbow pads.A jersey often has the name of the team on the front, with the name of the individual player and their number on the back. A team often has a home and away jersey (a light and a dark colored jersey to wear when at their home rink or an opponent’s rink). Jerseys signify the team a player associates themself with.
Hockey Skates
Skates are integral to the sport of hockey. The blades allow a player to have the ability to skate on ice. Skates vary in their comfort and protection and range anywhere from $100 to $1,000.High-level players usually buy skates north of $500 and have them molded to their feet.
Hockey Sticks
Ice hockey sticks are either composite or wooden. Professionals and competitive hockey players typically use composite sticks, while young amateurs and street hockey players may use wooden sticks. Sticks are produced by several different brands in several different sizes and flexes. They range in price from $30 to $350.
Jockstraps and Cups
Jockstraps are used in hockey to hold a cup. A cup is important because it protects the player from damaging sensitive groin areas. Often, jockstraps will have velcro attached to the bottom of them, depending on the type purchased. This can be beneficial because the socks can then attach and hold onto the velcro. Jocks are usually in the price range of anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on if the player wants velcro and on if they want the jock to be more like shorts or pants.
Cups are placed inside one’s jockstrap to protect a player from injuring their private parts. A cup is a necessity because it is dangerous to play a physical sport like ice hockey with no protection over those areas. Furthermore, if a player needs to block a shot with the puck coming at them quickly, it could cause permanent damage if the puck hits the wrong spot.
Laces
Many different types of laces exist for ice hockey skates, and players have their personal preferences. Cloth laces are generally soft and easy to pull and tie, but they break more often and can loosen up easily. On the other hand, waxed laces are rougher on the hands and harder to tie and untie, but they break less often and stay put together in a knot. Laces cost about $5 to $10 a pair.
Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are an underrated piece of safety equipment in ice hockey. Many different competitive youth hockey leagues require their players to wear a mouth guard, and the majority of NHL players wear one as well. Mouth guards make it so your teeth are better protected. Furthermore, if one is hit hard into the boards, the mouth guard can absorb a lot of the impact if one closes their mouth and bites down. This can prevent serious concussions and mouth injuries. Mouth guards vary in price depending on if they are custom-fit to a player’s mouth.
Neck Guards
Neck guards protect several different arteries in the neck. Ice hockey neck guards are an underrated piece of equipment. There have been many stories of how a player got hit in the neck with a stick or accidentally slashed in the neck by a skate, which led to permanent damage. Although it takes some time to get used to, a neck guard makes players safer and is now being required to wear in more and more youth hockey leagues.
Pants
Ice hockey pants are similar to goalie pants. Ice hockey pants protect a player’s lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Pants also have straps and laces that can be tightened to be held in place. They are also composed of excess layers of padding and cushion to ensure a player will not get hurt from a fall, hit, or puck. Pants run from $50 to $200.
Practice Jerseys
Ice hockey practice jerseys are usually simple. Unlike game jerseys with a player’s team name on the front, individual name on the back, and number on the back, practice jerseys normally just have a simple logo of a team on the front and are made in a variety of colors. Players on the same forward or defensive line are given the same color jersey, so when a team plays against each other for drills in practice, players know who is on their team and who is against them. Practice jerseys are usually given out to a player on a team for free.
Pucks
An ice hockey puck is the standard rubber black disc that is used to play the game. The rubber puck slides quickly on the ice, whether it be a pass or shot. Being hit by a puck can hurt a lot because a puck can travel up to 100 miles per hour.
Shin Pads
Ice hockey shin pads protect the player’s leg and knees from injury. Shin pads are necessary because the plastic shell of protection and cushion of the pad helps a player feel safe and secure when blocking a shot, taking a hit, or falling to the ice. They are also referred to as knee pads because they cover the kneecap in full and then go down the leg and tuck into the skate.
Shin pads stay in position on the leg when a player moves around the ice by using velcro straps and sometimes by wrapping clear tape around the pad (if necessary). Shin pads can cost anywhere from $75 to $200.
Shin Tape
Ice hockey shin tape can also be referred to as clear tape. Clear tape usually costs about $3 to $4 per roll and is used directly on the shin guard itself, or on top of the hockey sock covering the pad.Tape is wrapped around to make sure the shin pad will stay in place and not move around throughout the course of a game where a player’s legs are moving a lot.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads protect a player’s shoulder and torso.Whether it be a hit, shot block, or hard fall, the shoulder pad absorbs most of the shock from the impact. Straps are present on the arm sleeves and on the torso, which attach to a small piece of velcro. Shoulder pads usually range anywhere from $150 to $300.
Skate Fenders
Similar to an ice hockey skate wrap, which is placed on the ankle part of a skate, theice hockey skate fender serves a similar purpose and may be placed on the front part of the skate itself before taking to the ice. This provides the toes and front of the foot with an extra layer of protection if a shot must be blocked with their foot. Just like a player who has suffered an ankle or bone injury wears a skate wrap, players who have suffered broken bones in their toes or instep wear these after being hurt.
Skate Guards
Skate guards are placed on the blade of the skate whenever the skate is not in use.This is so the blade remains in its best possible condition and does not rust. There are two different types of skate guards: hard and soft. Hard skate guards allow a player to walk around and over surfaces that may be detrimental to the blade. Soft skate guards do not allow that. Soft skate guards cost approximately $10, while hard skate guards are closer to $20.
Skate Wraps
An ice hockey skate wrap may be placed on the ankle part of the skate itself before taking the ice. This provides the back of the foot and ankle with an extra layer of protection if a shot must be blocked with their foot or if a skate blade hits their ankle. Lots of players who have suffered broken bones in their feet or ankle injuries wear these after being hurt. Skate wraps can weigh a player down while skating. They are very uncommon to see these days and can cost over $100.
Slash Guards
Slash guards are worn on a player’s wrist right below the glove. They are worn to provide protection to a player if their opponent slashes them on the wrist. Most players find them to be unnecessary and only find them suitable if they have injured their wrist in the past. They are cheap and cost under $10.
Slide Boards
Slide boards are a slippery synthetic ice-like material that allows a player to improve their stickhandling. Slide boards are used in off-ice training sessions. Players often use these before games and in their free time to get better at moving the puck back and forth at a quicker pace. Slide boards can run anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the size and complexity.
Socks
Ice hockey socks cover the shin pad. To ensure they stay up and do not fall down, they are often velcroed to the jockstrap or wrapped around with clear tape. Each team has its own pair of home and away socks (often a pair of white socks and a pair of colored socks). Socks cost around $25 a pair.
Stick Butts
Stick butts are placed on the top of the stick. They are often unseen because a player normally tapes over it with grip tape or whatever tape they see fit. Stick butts are easy to replace, and the cork on the top of a stick is just like a cork in a bottle of wine.
Stick Protectors
Stick protectors protect a stick blade from wear and tear.A player will often use a stick protector when they are traveling to an away game in a packed car or on a plane. This way, they make sure their stick does not get hit or moved the wrong way and break. Stick protectors cost around $20 to $30.
Stick Tape
The top of a stick and the blade of a stick must always be taped.Many players prefer to use grip tape at the top because that is where their hands are. As far as the blade, stick tape comes in different patterns and colors. However, most players use white (to blend in with the ice) or black (to blend in with the puck). Like shin tape, stick tape is also $3 to $4 a roll.
Training Equipment
There are multiple training equipment products that aid in improving a hockey player’s shooting skills. These products include:
- Shooting targets
- Shooting radars
- Hockey stick weight
- Shooting tarp
- Indoor flooring tiles
- Hockey launchpad
Hockey players can advance their passing skills with the use of training equipment. This equipment includes:
- Hockey puck passer
- Indoor flooring tiles
- Hockey stick weight
- Puck catcher
Training equipment for stick skills will help hockey players enhance their efficiency when carrying the puck. These products include:
- Stickhandling trainer
- Indoor flooring tiles
- Slide boards
- Stickhandling trainer ball
Uniforms
Ice hockey uniforms include pants, a jersey, a helmet, socks, and gloves.All of these individual pieces of equipment help produce the full product and make a hockey player who they are.An identical uniform is worn by every player on a team so teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, and fans can tell which team a player is on.
FAQ
What equipment do you need in hockey?
According to the NHL Rulebook, all players must be equipped with the following: jersey, facemask, gloves, helmet, elbow pads, mouth guard, neck guard, thigh pads, shoulder pads, hockey stick, and skates.
What makes hockey equipment unique?
Hockey equipment is unique because it focuses on protection for the athlete while providing maximum mobility.Ice hockey is different from other non-contact sports because players come into contact with the puck, boards, ice, and other players often. This can do a lot of damage if your equipment isn’t durable, high-quality, or worn correctly. Depending on your player position, you may also need a different set of equipment. For example, hockey goalies need different pads, gloves, and protectors.
What is the most important ice hockey equipment to buy?
The most important equipment you’ll need are ice skates, gloves, a hockey stick, and pucks.At the bare minimum, you’ll want a helmet to protect yourself from serious head injuries. Depending on the kind of hockey you are playing and the level of competition, you may be required to purchase more protective equipment like a mouthguard, shoulder pads, and elbow pads. As a hockey goalie, you’ll need a helmet with a mask, neck protector, a blocker, goalie glove, and more padding as safety is the utmost concern.
How much is the total cost for ice hockey equipment?
If you are buying senior-level equipment from a store, you should expect to spend over a thousand dollars total on all the equipment.Hockey equipment costs vary widely though based on which pieces you purchase. On the cheaper side, if you buy only used youth equipment, you could get all the equipment needed for around $200. However, this price will rise if you buy higher-end equipment.
Pages Related to Ice Hockey Equipment List
I'm an avid ice hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport and its equipment. My hands-on experience with various pieces of gear, combined with a comprehensive knowledge of the game, allows me to provide valuable insights into the essential equipment used in ice hockey.
Let's delve into the details of the article, breaking down each concept mentioned:
1. Chin Straps:
- Essential for securing the helmet in the correct position.
- Two side straps must be clipped on to ensure a snug fit.
- Properly fastened chin straps prevent the helmet from rocking, ensuring player safety.
2. Elbow Pads:
- Crucial for protecting elbows during collisions or falls.
- Different brands and types available, with varying levels of padding.
- Examples include Bauer and Warrior, with prices ranging from $40 to $150.
3. Garter Belts:
- Suspenders used to prevent hockey pants from falling down.
- Clips onto the side of pants and loops around the player's shoulders.
- Worn when pants are loose, costing around $10 each.
4. Gloves:
- Increase grip strength on hockey sticks and provide hand protection.
- Offer padding against injuries caused by stick slashes or puck hits.
- Range in price from $50 to $200.
5. Goalie Equipment:
- Includes helmets, chest protectors, neck guards, gloves, skates, sticks, blockers, and pads.
- Larger and specialized for goalies to stop pucks from entering the net.
6. Goals and Cages:
- 4-foot by 6-foot targets where players shoot the puck to score.
- Prices range from $100 to $250.
7. Helmet:
- Vital safety equipment protecting the head from impacts.
- Prices range from $50 to $400, emphasizing the importance of quality.
8. Helmet Cages and Visors:
- Cages used in youth and collegiate hockey for facial protection.
- Visors, an alternative for professionals, allowing better visibility.
- Prices around $50 for cages.
9. Hockey Bags:
- Used for carrying and storing equipment.
- Different types and sizes, costing $50 to $150.
10. Hockey Jerseys:
- Worn over protective gear, indicating team affiliation.
- Typically have home and away jerseys.
11. Hockey Skates:
- Essential for skating on ice, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,000.
- Higher-level players invest in custom-fitted skates.
12. Hockey Sticks:
- Composite or wooden sticks used by different player levels.
- Prices range from $30 to $350.
13. Jockstraps and Cups:
- Jockstraps hold cups, essential for protecting sensitive areas.
- Prices range from $25 to $100.
14. Laces:
- Various types, with cloth and waxed options.
- Priced at $5 to $10 per pair.
15. Mouth Guard:
- Underrated safety equipment protecting teeth and preventing concussions.
- Varies in price based on customization.
16. Neck Guards:
- Protect arteries in the neck, becoming more common in youth leagues.
17. Pants:
- Similar to goalie pants, protecting lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
- Prices range from $50 to $200.
18. Practice Jerseys:
- Simple jerseys for practice, often given to players for free.
19. Pucks:
- Standard rubber discs used in the game, traveling at high speeds.
20. Shin Pads and Tape:
- Protect legs and knees from injury, with prices from $75 to $200.
- Tape used to secure shin pads in place.
21. Shoulder Pads:
- Absorb shock from hits, shot blocks, or falls, costing $150 to $300.
22. Skate Fenders, Guards, and Wraps:
- Fenders and guards provide extra protection for feet and ankles.
- Wraps protect ankles and feet from shots or impacts.
23. Slash Guards:
- Worn on wrists below gloves for protection, costing under $10.
24. Slide Boards:
- Synthetic material for off-ice stickhandling training, priced $50 to $500.
25. Socks:
- Cover shin pads, costing around $25 a pair.
26. Stick Butts, Protectors, and Tape:
- Butts placed on top of sticks, protectors guard stick blades.
- Tape used for grip and blade customization, costing $3 to $4 per roll.
27. Training Equipment:
- Shooting targets, radars, stick weights, tarps, flooring tiles, and launchpads for skill improvement.
28. Uniforms:
- Include pants, jersey, helmet, socks, and gloves, worn by all players for team identification.
29. FAQ:
- Lists required equipment according to the NHL Rulebook.
- Highlights the unique focus of hockey equipment on protection and mobility.
30. Cost of Ice Hockey Equipment:
- Varies widely, with senior-level equipment costing over a thousand dollars.
- Used youth equipment may be obtained for around $200.
Ice hockey equipment is crucial for player safety and performance, tailored to the unique demands of the sport. Whether it's protective gear, skates, sticks, or training equipment, each piece plays a vital role in shaping a complete and competent ice hockey player.
