Player Equipment (Hillcrest Hockey)

PrintPlayer Equipment

Here is a list of equipment requirements that are necessary in order to play hockey at Hillcrest and also play a crucial role in the prevention of injuries. We have also included some additional information about each piece of equipment to help you determine the right size and fit.

CSA Approved helmet and face cage
Mouthguard
BNQ Approved Throat/Neck Protector
Shoulder pads
Elbow Pads
Gloves
Jock shorts (boys) or Jill shorts (girls)
Hockey Pants
Shin Pads
Skates
Stick
Black or white hockey tape (for stick)
Clear tape (optional – use in holding socks and shin pads in place)
Hockey sweater and socks (provided by Hillcrest only after 3 weeks; bring a spare set the first few weeks)

Helmet

Only helmets bearing a CSA certified label may be worn. A helmet should never be painted, have stickers or decals affixed to the helmet as this may void the CSA manufacture warranty.

A proper fitting helmet is crucial – if too loose it may shift and if too tight, this may cause discomfort.
All screws in the helmet should be properly adjusted and tightened.

Face Mask

For all players a CSA certified face mask is required.

Not all face masks fit every helmet so check carefully before purchasing.
Ensure screws are securely tightened where they attach to the helmet.

Mouthguard

To be properly fitted as per instructions on package. Prevents concussions and teeth damage.

Throat Or Neck Protector

All players must wear a throat/neck protector with a BNQ certification logo.

The protector should completely cover the neck and upper chest area.

Shoulder Pads

The shoulder pads must protect the shoulder joint, collar bone, chest, back and upper arms.

Elbow Pads

The elbow pads should protect the entire elbow joint as well as parts of the upper arm and forearm.

A proper fitted elbow pad will allow the elbow to rest firmly in the cup. The donut shaped pad should suspend and protect the point of the elbow and the elastic should be snug but comfortable.

Gloves

Proper fitted gloves should be snug, but not tight, and the palms should be soft and pliable so that the player can easily grip the stick and be sensitive to the feel of the puck on the blade of the stick.

Padding on the back of the glove and in the thumb area should absorb shock.
Longer cuff gloves should be worn to protect the wrist and forearm area.
Compression should not be felt inside the glove when the back of the glove is pushed with the fingers.

Note: Shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves should adequately cover the chest and arm areas.

Jock Shorts (Athletic Support)

Fitted according to waist size. It should fit snugly but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.

Protective cups comes in men’s and boy’s sizes.
Boxer style includes Velcro that holds socks in place

Jill Shorts

Girls version of the athletic support it too is fitted according to waist size.

Boxer style includes Velcro that holds socks in place

Shin Pads

Shin pads proactive the shin area and knee cap.

Shin pads that are too big can slide out of position and reduce protection
Shin pads that are too small leave the lower shin area exposed and do not provide adequate protection for the kneecap area and sides of the knee.
Shin pads must cover the entire kneecap area, front and side.

Pants

Hockey pants should properly protect the kidneys, hips, front and thighs and tail bone.

If not properly fitted, they will not provide adequate protection.
The pants should fit to just above the knee.

Skates

In addition to being a functional necessity for the game, skates also provide protection for the foot and Achilles tendon.

Skate boots are manufactured in 3 basic styles: leather, nylon and plastic.
Proper skates are essential for players to develop effective skating skills.

Stick

When selecting a stick, don’t forget about youth sizes for younger players, these have smaller shafts and blades.

A proper sized stick should reach between the chin and mouth of a player in street shoes with the toe of the stick on the ground.
When wearing skates, a stick should reach just below the player’s chin
Regularly check sticks to ensure that there are no breaks or cracks in the shaft or blade, which should be smooth with no splinters.
The blade and the end of the shaft of the stick are to be covered to protect against injury.

Equipment Maintenance

Immediately after every game and practice, equipment should be hung up to dry or put in the dryer for 10 minutes. Never place leather equipment over any source of direct heat, as cracking will occur.
After every game and practice, wipe off skate blades and holders until they are completely dry. This will prevent rusting.
Skates should be left unlaced, with the tongues pulled down so warm air can circulate inside and evaporate moisture. If liners are removable, take them out to dry.
Regularly check your skate blades for sharpness (a sharp skate will plane a fine white shaving off your thumbnail); nicks (which can often be removed with a small wet stone); bends ( a bent or loose blade can often be detected by the squeaking noise it makes when gliding to a stop – this can be corrected by most skate sharpeners); rivets(ensure that all rivets which attach blade holders to boot are present and secure).
Visually inspect all equipment at regular intervals. Usually, a shoemaker can repair fabric tears and do patch stitching. If padding or other plastic is cracked, replacement parts can usually be purchased.