Equipment Checklists, Fit, and Dressing

Click the button below for a detailed fit guide for properly sizing equipment.

Click on equipment checklist images below to link to more information about each piece of equipment.
TIME TO SHOP FOR PLAYER GEAR
Listed below is a full equipment list for a young player.
- Jock / Jill
- Shin pads
- Socks (3 pair)
- Hockey pants
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Neck guard
- Jersey
- Skates
- Gloves
- Hockey stick
- Sock tape
- Stick tape
- Hockey bag
Optional Items
- Helmet fix-it kit
- Blister care
- Spare t-shirt & socks
- Rag
- Suspenders
Some companies have compiled beginner sets that include many of the equipment listed above. These sets can be an excellent way to start your shopping but check the quality and fit of the product. If your child is older or larger you may want to find more substantial gear. If you are one of the millions of Americans who shop on-line, you can go to cyclonetaylor , HockeyMonkey, etc for all of your hockey needs.
TIME TO SHOP FOR GOALIE GEAR
Listed below is a full equipment list for a young goal tender.
- Leggings/Tights
- Jock / Jill
- Socks
- Goalie Pants
- Goalie Skates
- Leg Pads
- Neck Guard
- Chest/Shoulder/Elbow Combo
- Jersey
- Blocker and Catcher (Trapper)
- Helmet
- Goalie stick
- Sock tape
- Stick tape
- Hockey bag
Optional Items
- Helmet fix-it kit
- Blister care
- Spare t-shirt & socks
- Rag
- Suspenders
If you are one of the millions of Americans who shop on-line, you can go to cyclonetaylor, GoalieMonkey, etc for all of your goalie needs.

Time to get Dressed

Are you still unsure of what to do once you do have all the equipment? The lists above are organized by dressing order. The first couple of times getting dressed may seem cumbersome and lengthy, but with practice it can be accomplished in under ten minutes. Below are How-to videos that will help show you how to put on your player/goalie gear in the proper order.
ADDITIONAL TIPS AND TRICKS
- A great way for your child to get used to dressing and moving in the bulky equipment is to practice dressing at home.
- Have your child learn to dress himself. Having dad or mom help is important to ensure that the equipment gets put on properly when they start playing, but the day will come when it is their turn to do it alone. That day will come quicker if you have more than one child playing!
- Pack a pair of socks and a t-shirt for after the game so your child does not have to wear and you don’t have to smell, sweaty, stinky clothes all the way home.
- Lay out the equipment or put it on a “hockey tree” for drying after each use. This is an excellent habit for your player to get into when they are young and it will prolong the life of their equipment.
- Buy stick tape in the bulk rolls. If you want to save money, this is the way to do it.

Options for Discounted Gear

MHA offers head to toe equipment rental for members for only $50 per season! The option for rental will show up when you register. Also, MHA has a Facebook Page for families to buy/sell/trade gently used/new equipment. Link to FB page below.
Additional places that sell used/new gear at discounted prices are Play it Again Sports, Sidelineswap, etc.
Second-hand equipment is usually “buyers beware” and equipment like helmets should not be used unless they have the stamp of the HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council Inc). The USA Hockey Junior Rule Book states “USA Hockey strongly recommends that all players and goalkeepers in all age classifications wear an internal mouthpiece, a HECC approved helmet and a HECC approved full face mask for all games and practices.”

Information about Helmets and Neck Guards


Time to Play

Skates need to be sharpened regularly. The length of time between sharpening is personal preference, but a parent can tell if a skate is dull by scraping the top of their fingernail over an edge. If the blade does not scrape the nail it is definitely time for sharpening. Most arenas and local hockey shops have skate sharpening services for a nominal fee.
There are some items that are not necessary equipment but are handy to have in the hockey bag. A rag to dry your skates will help prevent rust, and skate guards will protect the blades and your other equipment. A helmet fix-it kit is a good emergency precaution, as helmet screws and straps do go missing and your child will not be able to take to the ice without the repairs.
All of the equipment and registration fees may seem costly but when you have seen your child’s enthusiastic grin after they have made a play, you will know it’s money well spent. Now that you are #1 cheerleader and fan, it’s time to get YOUR mandatory gear. A good travel mug, a nice warm seat blanket, your camera, and noisemakers are must-haves for the arena. So rest up, you have got early morning games, thousands of miles of driving ahead, and a lot of photo opportunities to look forward to.



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