Equipment Tips (Ancaster Minor Hockey)

PrintEquipment Tips
Equipment Tipsskates_01.jpg


Where to Buy Equipment
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Canadian Tire (across from Walmart)
1060 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON L9G 3K9
Phone: 905-304-0000
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg On Ice Hockey Performance (goalie equipment)
70 Hempstead Drive Unit C (off Nebo Rd) Hamilton, ON L8W 2E7
Phone: ((905) 574-4148
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pro Hockey Life (Stone Church Rd exit off Linc)
1779 Stone Church Rd. E Hamilton ON L8J 0B4
(905) 561-8989
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg SportChek (Meadowlands Power Centre)
Unit 2, 14 Martindale Cres Ancaster, ON L9K 1J9
Phone: (905)304-9234
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pro Stock Hockey
View website



Hockey Canada Equipment Tips

Hockey Canada Equipment Tips




A Guide to Fitting Hockey Equipment

This guide is published by the Hockey Development Centre for Ontario and the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund. 

When purchasing hockey equipment, the most important aspect to consider is that the equipment is properly fitted. When equipment is not suitably fitted, the player is exposed to injury.

This guide is intended to be used by parents, coaches, trainers and players when selecting appropriate protective equipment before stepping on the ice.

The information contained herein should only be used as a guideline when purchasing hockey equipment.

Three important factors should be stressed when evaluating hockey equipment:

(A) that the equipment is in proper condition
If any piece of equipment is cracked or is structurally unsound, it should be replaced immediately or properly repaired by a professional. Equipment should be inspected often so that all breaks can be recognized immediately and properly attended to.

(B) that the equipment is properly maintained throughout its life span
All equipment should be dried after every game or practice. This reduces deterioration in the equipment’s structure and quality. Skate blades and holders should be completely dried immediately after every game or practice. This will prevent deterioration of the blade. Proper maintenance involves examining all equipment frequently throughout its life span.

(C) that the equipment fits properly.
Equipment should cover the entire area of the body that it is meant to cover. Equipment should never be bought to grow into. This leaves the player at risk of serious injury as equipment that is too big will slide away from the area that it is protecting.

The following are guidelines that will assist the consumer when fitting and purchasing hockey equipment for themselves or their child.


Underwear
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Wear light fitting, cool, comfortable undergarments during all games and practices.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When fitting all other equipment, the same undergarments should be worn in order to get the proper sizing.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Wash after every use.

Jock (Jill) Strap
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg This piece of equipment should be fitted according to waist size and should feel comfortable for the player.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Tears, especially where the two leg straps attach to the protective cup, should be properly repaired or replaced immediately.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Protective cups come in sizes to suit all players.

Shin Pads
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When sizing, wear loosely fitting skates in order to get the proper length of the shin pad.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg The cap of the shin pad should be centred on the kneecap.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg The bottom of the pad should fit where the foot and the leg meet at a 90-degree angle.
  icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg If the pad is too short, an unprotected area above the skate will be exposed.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg If the pad is too long, it will restrict movement and create discomfort for the player.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Shin pads are sized in inches and come in both junior and senior sizes.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Cracked pads should be replaced or properly repaired immediately.

Pants
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Fitting should be done with shin pads properly in place.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pant should slightly overlap the top of the shin pad.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pants are fitted according to waist size.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pants must completely protect the front and side of the thigh, tailbone, hip and kidney areas throughout the entire range of motion.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When fitting pants for females, fit hips first, then check the length of the pant.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Regularly check for tears and irregularities in the pants.

Skates
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Before sizing skates, check the person’s feet for any irregularities which would affect the size of skate.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Player should wear the same foot hosiery that they would in a game or practice (i.e. socks, barefoot, etc.).
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg With the foot in an untied skate, have the player push foot forward so that the toes touch the front of the skate.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg There should be one finger width space between the player’s heel and the back of the boot.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Before lacing up the skate, have the player kick the heel back in order to ensure a snug fit.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When completely laced, eyelets should be 1.5 – 2 inches apart.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Never buy skates to grow into as this puts the player at risk of injury and will inhibit their skating ability.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Laces should never be wrapped around the ankle as this inhibits blood flow.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Blades should be completely dried after every use.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Skate guards should be used during transport or when walking on non-ice surfaces.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Never dry skates over direct heat, as this may crack and damage the composition of the skate.

Shoulder Pads
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Should protect the entire shoulder joint throughout a full range of motion.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Arm pads should extend to just above the elbow to ensure full protection.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Back pad should meet the top of the pants.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg For female players, a combination of shoulder and chest protector gives added protection to the chest area.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When lifting arms, pads should not dig into the neck of the player as this may cause injury and discomfort.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Check pads and straps regularly for damage.

Sports Bra
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Every female player should wear a properly fitted sports bra to ensure appropriate support.

Elbow Pads
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When fitting, place the point of the elbow in the circular area on the inside of the elbow pad and fasten all straps properly.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg The top of the elbow pad should meet the bottom of the shoulder pad.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg The bottom of the pad should extend down the forearm and fit inside the cuff of the glove.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Check straps regularly and have any defective pad or strap properly repaired or replaced immediately.

Gloves
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Should fit the player’s hands snugly, but not too tight.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg
Glove should overlap the elbow pad through the entire range of motion.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg
Padding on the back of the glove should absorb all shock. Check this by pressing on the back of the glove. The player should not feel any pressure on the backside of the hand.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Be sure that the palms of the gloves are always soft and without holes or tears.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Always leave laces (if present) in the cuff.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Check gloves for damage frequently and repair or replace immediately.

Throat Protector
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg All players must wear a throat protector featuring a BNQ* certification label on it.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Should fit snugly and should completely cover throat area.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Hang to dry after every use.

Helmet
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Should be snug and remain in place when chin strap is properly fastened.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg The front of the helmet should fit just above the eyebrows.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Helmet MUST be CSA* approved.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Never paint or add stickers as this weakens the structure and removes CSA certification.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Replace loose or missing screws immediately.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Check inside and outside of helmet for cracks or deterioration and replace if necessary.

Facemask
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When fitting, a proper measurement should be taken from the front of the helmet to the bottom of the player’s chin.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Chin should fit comfortably into cup of facemask.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Facemasks come in both cage and polycarbonate visor styles and also in different types.
Type I – for players 10 years or older (excluding goaltenders), denoted by a white CSA sticker.
Type II – for players 10 years and under (excluding goaltenders), denoted by an orange CSA sticker.
Type III – for goaltenders of any age, denoted by a blue CSA sticker.
Type IV – for players at the Major Junior level and up, denoted by a yellow CSA sticker.
icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg An internal mouthguard may be attached to the facemask to protect the player’s teeth and to help reduce the risk of concussion. It is recommended that the mouthguard be fitted by a dental practitioner.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg All breaks or cracks should be replaced.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Check that mask is compatible with helmet.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Be sure to clean visor after every use.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Never cut or alter facemask.

Stick
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg In street shoes, the stick should reach between the chin and the mouth of the player and just below the chin when on skates.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Junior sticks should be used for younger players, as these sticks have features which are more suitable for this age group.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When purchasing a goalie stick, the blade of the stick should be flat on the ice when the goalie is in a crouch position.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Be aware of player’s personal preference when purchasing a hockey stick.

Goaltender Equipment
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Goal pads should always be fitted with goaltender skates on.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Kneecap should be in the middle of the knee roll.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg When completely fastened, the pads should extend from the toe of the skate to four inches above the knee.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Extra knee pads may be worn under the goal pads for added protection.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Always dry and store pads in an upright position. w Check straps regularly.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pants should fit the same as regular pants, but should be loose enough to fit belly pad inside.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Pants are expected to be heavier than usual because of their extra padding.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Belly pad should tuck in about two inches below the belly button.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Upper body protection should cover collar bone, chest, abdomen, and should extend down arms to the wrist.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Goaltenders should wear special athletic support.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Blocker and trapper should fit to the hand size of the player and should overlap arm pads.
 icon-bullet-point-10x9.jpg Never warp the blocker as this reduces its structural integrity.

*Canadian Standards Association
*Bureau de normalisation du Québec


 

 

Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund

The Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund was founded to promote the prevention of eye, spinal cord and other debilitating injuries occurring in sports and recreational activities, through public education, research, development of prevention programs and the monitoring of the effectiveness of such programs.

Dr. Pashby is a world-renowned ophthalmologist who has been involved in sport safety issues for many years. He has published papers on sport safety in numerous
professional journals and delivered speeches on safety issues in sport throughout the world.

Through his untiring efforts it became mandatory for minor hockey players to wear CSA certified face protec- tors, eliminating lost eyesight among Canada’s youth hockey players. Having completed this project, Dr. Pashby has now turned his attention and expertise towards other catastrophic sports injuries.

Dr. Pashby has received many honours for his volunteer contribution in the sport safety field. He is also a member of the Order of Canada.

Although he is still actively involved, in 1990 the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund was created to help others carry on the work started by Dr. Pashby.

The Hockey Development Centre for Ontario would like to acknowledge the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund for its continuing support of projects such as “A Guide to Fitting Hockey Equipment”. Without their generous support, this initiative would not have been possible. Thank you Doc!