Equipment Guide
This section provides a list of equipment required to play hockey and links to a video and a guide from Hockey Eastern Ontario. We encourage you to review this information prior to investing in equipping your child with equipment - be it new or used. Equipping a child properly to play hockey is a key aspect of ensuring a healthy and safe environment for all players.
Equipment Checklist
Here is a list of equipment for parents and children new to hockey. Remember, proper fitting gear is the safest for your young superstar. If unsure of the fit of any piece of equipment, consult a knowledgeable salesperson at your local sporting goods store.
Stick - A spare stick should be readily accessible in case of breakage during a practice or game. A general rule of thumb for stick length is; measure to the nose without skates on and chin with skates on. The end of the stick shaft must be taped so this end cannot penetrate the spaces in the helmet face mask.
Helmet - Helmets and facemask are mandatory in minor hockey. A proper fit ensures maximum protection. Look for the CSA certification label prior to purchase.
Skates - Priorities here should be value and comfort. Skates should feel comfortable right out of the box, and the blade should be stainless steel or carbon. A common mistake is to buy skates a size or two bigger than they need to be, hoping that junior will get an extra year out of them. Take advantage of local stores trade in policy for kids skates.
Shoulder Pads - A combination of foam and plastic padding with a good fit.
Elbow Pads - These short pads begin at the bottom of the shoulder pads on the players' arm and should extend to the top of the gloves.
Shin Pads - Covering the knee and shin area, these mainly plastic pads should extend from the bottom of the hockey pants to the top of the skate boot.
Gloves - Look for a good fit that allows your child to grip their stick. A single layer of foam inside the glove, coupled with coverage to the middle of the forearm is suggested.
Pants - Hockey pants provide your child with added protection against shots, sticks and falls. If the pants fit well, they will not affect your child's mobility on the ice.
Jersey - The BMHA will provide house league home and away sweaters and one sweater at the IP Level. A practice jersey may need to be purchased.
Tape - Required for taping the 'handle' and blade of the stick. Many players use clear tape for keeping their socks in place as well.
Protective Cup - Also known as a 'jock' or 'jane', boys should wear a cup and girls should wear a pelvic protector. Protect the 'next generation'.
Neck Guard - A requirement for all minor hockey players. These lightweight devices assist in lessening the chance of a skate blade cutting a player's neck. All neck guards require a visible BNQ label.
Hockey Socks - Used to cover the shin pads.
Mouth Guard - A mouth guard is no longer mandatory while on the ice, but still an effective option to help to prevent concussions as well injuries to the mouth, teeth and tongue. It's highly recommended that players U13 and over use a custom fitted mouth guard.
Hockey Bag - Required for lugging all the above mentioned gear back and forth from the house to the rink.