The first thing that probably comes to mind when considering the sport of hockey is getting out on that ice with hockey skates strapped to your feet. Maybe the padding you see covering a player’s entire body might be the next thing you think about. But when it comes to actually joining up in the sport and knowing what hockey equipment it is you need to purchase, there’s a little more to consider. And yes, while that list does include hockey skates and proper padding, there are some other, less obvious things you’ll need to budget for as well. Read on for more.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Yes, you’ll need ice hockey skates. There are a number of different brands to choose from like Bauer, CCM, Easton, Reebok and more. Dealers like Player’s Bench can explain to you what kind of fit you need in each boot, as well as inform you about proper maintenance methods; including proper breaking-in time and how often you need to get your blades sharpened. Player’s Bench also carries everything you’ll need to play the game and more, so you can get all your gear in one location. You will be able to get an expert opinion from their helpful staff on all the hockey equipment you’ll need to get in the game.
On top of skates, you’ll need the body gear. Instead of being one piece of equipment, you can break this down into several separate parts (as you will see in the store you visit to purchase them, whether in person or online). You’ll need to look for gloves, hockey pants, shin pads, elbow pads, and shoulder pads. You’ll also need a helmet with either a full cage or face shield. And then there are other items needed such as hockey socks (which are specifically made to cover the shin pads), either a garter belt or tape to help hold up the hockey socks, a protective cup (for men), and a mouth guard is also recommended to protect your teeth during play. Your own personal water bottle can also be a good idea, plus you’ll need a bag to carry all your gear in.
Lastly, you’ll want to look into purchasing some pucks and a hockey stick of your very own. Hockey sticks come in a variety of different colors and designs, so this part of the equipment purchasing process can actually be quite fun. Overall, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct gear to properly protect yourself and be comfortable at the same time. Learn about the items you like, try out some different options, and get ready to have some fun!
Looking for hockey equipment online to help you save time and money? Consider Players Bench as we are a top online hockey store and offering great prices and excellent customer service on hockey skates, hockey sticks and more.