How should a hockey uniform fit on a hockey player. How to choose hockey equipment for a child? What is children's hockey equipment made of?
Hockey is a tough game in which not only technical but also power techniques are used to fight for the puck. The risk of injury while playing or training is very high. Collisions with other players, puck hits, hits with a skate blade and stick are dangerous.
Only high-quality, properly selected equipment can protect the player from injuries. You need to think about buying it first. Every hockey player should know how to choose hockey equipment: not only price and quality are taken into account, but also some other parameters. The choice must be approached with all responsibility, because the health and sometimes the life of an athlete depends on it.
How to choose the right hockey equipment
Equipment for hockey consists of basic and additional elements of protection. The main ones include gloves, elbow pads, helmet, shields, armor and shorts. Additional features include straps for protectors, groin shells, braces for shorts, neck protectors, etc.
To ensure safety, you need to choose each element correctly.
Rules for choosing hockey equipment:
- Gloves. Fingers should bend without difficulty, the product should be comfortable, durable and light. It is advisable to choose models with length adjustment - they can be customized to fit other elements. Measure the distance between your fingertips and bottom elbow pad, there should be no gap between the glove and the elbow pad.
- Elbow pads. They consist of several parts, are upholstered on both sides, the main element is a hinge with a protective cup for the elbow. Measure the distance from the top edge of the cuff to the bottom of the protector, choose a model that covers the arm along the entire length. Elbow pads should be comfortable, securely fastened and not interfere with movements.
- Helmet. Measure the circumference of your head and check how snug it fits your head. The distance from the eyebrows to the edge of the helmet should be 20-30 mm, it should be comfortable and not hang on the head.
- Shields. Used to protect the knees and shins, they must be hinged, have a softening lining, protection under patella and calf. Measure the distance from the top edge of the ridge to the middle of the cup. Measurements must be taken while sitting.
- Shell. Protects chest and back. Measure your bust and choose the model according to your size. There should be no gap between the elbow pad and the biceps protector, contact should not cause discomfort.
- Shorts. Shorts protect the hips, lower back and coccyx from injuries, they are equipped with plastic lining. Made from high strength nylon. You need to select shorts by size, preferably with a fitting.
All protection elements must be securely fastened and not cause discomfort during the game. There should be a minimum distance between them; these should be high-quality, durable and lightweight products, selected according to individual parameters.
GENERAL RULE: when choosing a protection, make sure that there are no gaps between the elements of the protection, such as: shorts should overlap the cup of the knee by approximately 2 - 3 cm or more in the standing position, the biceps protection of the bib should overlap the protection of the triceps of the elbow pads, the length of the protection the wrists of the elbow pads should be up to the cuffs of the gloves, etc.
PLAYER BIB
To determine the size of the bib, you need to measure the circumference chest.
| BABY YTH | JUNIOR JR | ADULTS SR | ||||||||
| US size | Yth. S/M | Yth. M/L | Jr. S | Jr. M | Jr. L | Sr. S | Sr. M | Sr. L | Sr. XL | Sr. XXL |
| Breast volume, cm | 56 - 66 | 61 - 71 | 66 - 76 | 71 - 81 | 76 - 86 | 86 - 97 | 97 - 107 | 102 - 112 | 107+ | 107+ |
| Height, cm | 100 - 125 | 115 - 140 | 130 - 140 | 135 - 145 | 140 - 150 | 150 - 175 | 170 - 180 | 175 - 185 | 180 - 190 | 185 + |
ELBOW PADS OF THE PLAYER
To determine the size of the elbow pads, you need to measure the length from the bottom edge of the bib bicep guard to the cuff of the glove.
SHIN PROTECTION (PLAYER SHIELD)
To determine the size of the shin protection, it is necessary in a sitting position to measure the length from the middle knee joint to the top of the skate boot.
PLAYER SHORTS
To determine the size, you need to measure the circumference of the waist. Remember, the length of the hip guard should be long enough to cover the top edge of the knee guard, and the back guard should cover a quarter of the length of the back from the waist.
GLOVES OF THE PLAYER
Existing traditional system sizes has been established for a long time (measuring the distance in inches from the fingertips to the cuff of the elbow pad), but it is currently not correct and does not take into account the latest trends in lengthening the cuffs of the elbow pads and the fact that the cuffs of the gloves are getting shorter. Only fitting can guarantee right choice. Use the size chart for sizing only. To do this, measure the distance between your fingertips and the lower edge of the elbow pad. Determine the approximate size from the table. The choice of gloves and elbow pads are interconnected - the gap between the cuff of the glove and the edge of the elbow pad should be minimal. When choosing gloves with a shortened cuff, use extended elbow pads or special wrist protection. Don't choose gloves that are too tight in the hope of breaking them in - you'll need some freedom in your fingers and palm, and the gloves shouldn't restrict movement. When choosing the material of the top, consider the intensity of training, the possibility of replacing the material of the palm. The leather upper is more durable and designed for heavy use, while the polyester upper is lighter and fits the hand more precisely.
| Glove size | Size, inches | Size, cm |
| BABY YTH | 8” | 20 |
| 9” | 23 | |
| 10” | 25 | |
| 11” | 28 | |
| JUNIOR JR | 12” | 30 |
| 13” | 33 | |
| ADULTS SR | 14” | 36 |
| 15” | 38 |
HELMETS AND MASKS OF THE PLAYER
In order to provide the proper level of protection, a hockey helmet must be properly fitted and fitted to minimize helmet movement and maximize protection. When choosing a helmet for the initial fitting, use the size chart indicating the head circumference. Adjust the size of the helmet to fit your head by loosening the side bolts. The helmet should sit tight enough and not move with sudden movements of the head. Be sure to fasten the side bolts after fine-tuning. The depth of the helmet must be sufficient and its position on the head must be correct for maximum protection. The helmet should sit on the head so that the lower edge of the helmet is 1.5 cm above the line of the eyebrows. Adjust the length of the chinstrap so that it makes light contact with the chin. When using the mask, adjust the length of the strap so that the chin guard rests exactly on the chin and the top side edges of the mask fit snugly into the locking tabs. The tension of the belt must be such that it does not allow the mask with the helmet to move.
The size of EFSI hockey skates is the same as the size of regular shoes. The size of children's skates is selected taking into account the growth of the child's foot during the season, but no more than one size. Determine the size using a special ruler and proceed to the careful selection of skates. Remember, the boot of the skate should sit on the leg as tightly as possible, your skating in the future depends on this. Put the skate on a simple sock, move the foot as far back as possible and lace up the boot. It is important to perform this shift and lace up the boot during the fitting - the heel should go 5 - 7 mm back. If you feel that the heel moves too easily, try a smaller size skate. Get up from your chair and walk around on the rubber mat. You should not feel any longitudinal or transverse play in the boot, it should sit tight on the leg, but at the same time the leg should be comfortable, with your toes you can feel the toe cup with inside but don't get hung up on it.
| Foot length, cm | Skates EFSI | Eurosize | Foot length, cm | Skates EFSI | Eurosize |
| 162 | 26 | Y8 | 242 | 37 | 5 |
| 170 | 27 | Y9 | 248 | 38 | 5.5 |
| 178 | 28 | Y10 | 254 | 39 | 6 |
| 186 | 29 | Y11 | 260 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 194 | 30 | Y12 | 266 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 202 | 31 | Y13 | 270 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 210 | 32 | Y13.5 | 278 | 43 | 9.5 |
| 214 | 33 | 1.5 | 286 | 44 | 10 |
| 220 | 34 | 2 | 294 | 45 | 11 |
| 226 | 35 | 3 | 306 | 46 | 11.5 |
| 234 | 36 | 4 | 314 | 47 | 12 |
GOALKEEPER HELMET
Put the helmet on your head so that the upper edge of the facial cutout is 1-1.5 cm higher than the eyebrows. The helmet should fit snugly on your head, eliminating any shifts or play. The sweat-proof strip must be securely attached to the inside of the helmet. The back of the helmet must be adjusted with the straps to ensure a secure fit. When choosing a helmet for the initial fitting, use the size chart indicating the head circumference.
BIB GOALKEEPER
The sleeves of the bib must reach to the hands to eliminate gaps in the equipment between the sleeves of the bib and the goalkeeper's gloves (trap and blocker). To determine the size of the bib, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the chest.
| BABY YTH | JUNIOR JR | ADULTS SR | ||||||||
| US size | Yth. S/M | Yth. M/L | Jr. S | Jr. M | Jr. L | Sr. S | Sr. M | Sr. L | Sr. XL | Sr. XXL |
| Breast volume, cm | 56 - 66 | 61 - 71 | 66 - 76 | 71 - 81 | 76 - 86 | 86 - 97 | 97 - 107 | 102 - 112 | 107+ | 107+ |
| Height, cm | 100 - 125 | 115 - 140 | 130 - 140 | 135 - 145 | 140 - 150 | 150 - 175 | 170 - 180 | 175 - 185 | 180 - 190 | 185 + |
BLOCKER AND TRAP GOALKEEPER
For proper fit of the blocker, you should choose the size so that the glove is exactly on the hand or slightly larger (but not more than 0.6 cm). The goalie snare should provide a snug, comfortable fit on the arm, with no wobble or play.
GOALKIE SHIELD
The main parameter in choosing the size of the shield is its overall length. The total length of the pad is made up of two measurements: A. Height from instep to mid-knee B. Desired height from mid-knee to hip. Measure the leg in a half-bent position (without shoes) and add the parameters A + B.
| Shield size, inch | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 |
| Size A + B, cm | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 |
| Height, cm | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 |
GOALKEEPER SHORTS
Properly sized shorts should allow freedom of movement, but should not dangle or twist around the waist. To determine the size, you need to measure the circumference of the waist.
Hockey equipment is something that no one, even a novice hockey player, can do without. When choosing equipment, it is important to consider not only its price and quality, but also the correct selection, because your health depends on this choice.
Rules for choosing hockey equipment
The main elements of a hockey player's equipment are: a helmet, gloves (gaiters), a bib (shell), elbow pads, shields (shin protection) and underpants (shorts). Each of the items of equipment must be comfortable, reliable and have proper fit. Additional equipment includes neck protection, braces for hockey shorts, groin protection (shell or shell), although wait, this is probably still the main element of protection, without which it is better not to go out on the ice, who knows he will understand, belts for shin protectors, wrist protection, mouth guard and so on.
Helmet
To select a helmet, you need to measure the circumference of your head. Today, almost all manufacturers produce helmets with the ability to adjust, but still, the selection of a hockey helmet must be carried out according to the following criteria:
- tight fit to the head, the distance from the edge of the helmet to the eyebrows should be approximately 2 cm;
- be sure to try on helmets from different manufacturers, choose the one in which you will feel most comfortable;
- The helmet should sit securely and tightly with a small gap on the head.
Gloves
Hockey gloves are designed to protect the player's hand and wrist. Your fingers should bend easily. You can choose gloves with length adjustment, which allows you to adjust them to the rest of the equipment.
Most firms make gloves with a thermoforming wrist, thanks to which they quickly sit on the hand. External surface made of polyurethane (gloves with such a surface are used by professionals) or textiles. The inner side of the leggings is sewn from genuine leather.
- measure the distance between the lower border of the elbow pad and the fingertips;
- choose a model so that there is no gap between the glove and the elbow pad;
- if you prefer short gloves, then the elbow pads should be long.
Breastplate (shell)
Bibs provide back protection shoulder girdle and chest. They are equipped with front and back protectors and padded shoulder pads. Hockey shells vary in terms of protection, lightness, price and appearance. A quality bib should provide maximum protection and mobility.
- measure the volume of the breast and choose the necessary model according to the size;
- make sure that there is no gap between the elbow pad and the lower border of the bicep protector;
- choose a model so that contact with the elbow pad does not interfere with movement.
Elbow pads
Elbow pads often consist of several parts, which necessarily include an elbow joint with a cup for the elbow. Upholstery can be both on the inside, and on both sides. The elbow pad should sit comfortably, bend freely and be securely fixed on the arm.
- measure the distance from the top of the cuff of the glove to the lower border of the protector of the biceps of the shell;
- choose a model that will cover the hand from the glove to the shell;
- if you purchased shortened gloves, then you should buy elongated elbow pads.
Guards (shin protection)
Shields are needed to protect the knee and lower leg. Shields must be hinged, which greatly increases their reliability. To soften the blow, they are trimmed with special materials. Professional hockey pads also feature popliteal protection and reinforced calf protection.
- measure the distance from the top of the skate to the middle of the kneecap;
- Measurements must be taken in a seated position.
Briefs (shorts)
Hockey shorts protect the coccyx, lower back and hips from injury. Equipped with special plastic shields and lining. Most attention is paid to the protection of the lower back.
The material from which hockey shorts are made is a special nylon, which has increased wear resistance. Shorts should be comfortable, reach to the knees and protect the kidneys and lower ribs.
Children's hockey equipment every young novice hockey player will need. Hockey stores in Minsk offer to buy the necessary things. But before buying inventory, they are determined not only with the size, but also with the configuration and parameters of the products.
What is children's hockey equipment made of?
The purpose of hockey equipment is to protect the child from possible bruises, falls and injuries on the ice. The composition of the standard set consists of:
- helmet
- bibs;
- elbow pads;
- shields;
- gloves
- T-shirts, shorts, underwear.
Separately, special equipment for the goalkeeper is sold, since it must have a bandage, a goalkeeper's trap. And, of course, all athletes must be equipped with skates and clubs.
Protecting the face
A helmet is an important piece of equipment in hockey, so choose it carefully. The main rule is that the product should sit tightly, but not pinch the head. The front part is usually located 2 cm above the eyebrows.
You need to choose a helmet depending on the shape of your head. Many companies make helmets suitable for players with oval heads. Products from the brands Reebok, Bauer, Easton are suitable for children with a round shape.
To protect the face, masks in the form of nets (usually made of stainless steel) are used.
Bandage and armor
Breastplate - equipment that helps protect the chest, shoulder joint, waist. The bib is fixed on the sides of the sternum and around the shoulders.
The bandage prevents inguinal injuries. The standard model of the product is a body-shaped shell with a belt (elastic) and 2 straps. The bandage should have a built-in belt for the leggings. Well-known brands create body underwear with an additional shell and gaiter fixation, which allows you to buy three items in one.
Elbow pads and pads
Elbow pads - protection elbow joint at the moment of collision, fall. For the correct selection of the size of this piece of equipment, they are repelled from the open area between the uniform on the elbows and the bib.
Both adult and children's hockey equipment consists of shields that protect the knee and shin at the time of falls, from cuts by the sharp part of the skates. It is easy to pick up shields: they must correspond to their length (the unit of measurement is an inch).
There are 2 versions of the shields - wide and narrowed. The wide ones are used so that they fit on top of the boot, provide reliable protection. The option is considered narrowed when the tongues of the skates are obtained from the outside, and the shields are closed from above by the leggings. It is up to the young players themselves to decide what form of pads to buy.
Gloves
The second name of gloves is leggings, they help in protecting the wrist, the back of the hand, and fingers. Product size is its length in inches. When choosing leggings, pay attention to how it sits on the limb. Fingertips should not touch the glove. The best option is for the cuff to slightly cover the lower fragment of the elbow pad. good glove one that does not restrict movement, does not interfere with the retention of the club.
Criteria for choosing skates
Having put on skates, the child should feel that the heel is tightly planted, the model is comfortable. It is better to sit down, fix the skate with the blade to the floor, pull the heel back in one movement, until it stops. Then they lean forward, push off so that the fingers drop back a little. If the product squeezes, the size does not fit, you need to choose other shoes.
Skates for children are usually bought half a size larger because the foot will still grow.
hockey sticks
The stick is not an element of protection, it is used by hockey players to dribble the puck. Products come in 3 types: INT, YTH and JR (they are formed depending on the age of the player). Models are of different rigidity, height. The level of hardness (Flex) shows how flexible or rigid the product is.
A simple choice of stick length - it is bought if it reaches the athlete's nose when he is not skating or touches the chin if he is skating. If there is no suitable length, it is better to purchase a longer one and shorten it yourself.
Hockey underwear
A classic underwear is a jumpsuit with a zipper on the stomach. But they buy separate options: shorts, tights, T-shirts with different types sleeves. Socks are chosen so that they do not sit loose, this will provoke the appearance of corns.
T-shirts are chosen large, loose, they are worn over hockey uniforms. Usually players have three types of jerseys: training, away and home. On the back indicate the number of the hockey player. The color is chosen one for the whole team.
Hockey stores from the TAM.BY catalog offer you children's hockey equipment from leading manufacturers, which will allow the player to feel comfortable in it.
Size chart of hockey pads (knee and shin protection):
| Height (centimeters) |
Calf length (centimeters) |
US size | Size (inch) |
| up to 110 (children) | 20 - 23 | Yth S | 8" |
| 110 - 120 (child) | 23 - 25 | Yth L | 9" |
| 120 - 130 (junior) | 25 - 28 | Jr S | 10" |
| 130 - 140 (junior) | 28 - 30 | Jr M | 11" |
| 140 - 150 (junior) | 30 - 33 | Jr L | 12" |
| 150 - 160 (junior) | 33 - 36 | Jr XL | 13" |
| 160 - 170 | 36 - 38 | S | 14" |
| 170 - 180 | 38 - 41 | M | 15" |
| 180 - 190 | 41 - 43 | L | 16" |
| over 190 | >43 | XL | 17" |
| over 190 | >43 | XXL | 18" |
Size chart for hockey shorts:
| Waist (centimeters) |
US size |
| 53 - 55 (child) | Yth S |
| 55 - 58 (child) | Yth M |
| 58 - 61 (children) | Yth L |
| 61 - 66 (junior) | Jr S |
| 66 - 71 (junior) | Jr M |
| 71 - 76 (junior) | Jr L |
| 76 - 81 | S |
| 81 - 86 | M |
| 86 - 91 | L |
| 91 - 96 | XL |
| 96 - 102 | XXL |
Hockey gaiters (gloves) size matching table:
Hockey bib size matching table:
| Breast volume (centimeters) |
Height centimeters) |
US size |
| 56 - 66 (children) | 100 - 125 | Yth S / Yth M |
| 61 - 71 (children) | 115 - 140 | Yth M / Yth L |
| 66 - 76 (junior) | 130 - 140 | Jr S |
| 71 - 81 (junior) | 135 - 145 | Jr M |
| 76 - 86 (junior) | 140 -150 | Jr L |
| 86 - 97 | 150 - 175 | S |
| 97 - 107 | 170 - 180 | M |
| 102 - 112 | 175 - 185 | L |
| 107+ | 180 - 190 | XL |
| 107+ | 185+ | XXL |
Hockey elbow pad size chart:
| Length from bicep to bib to the top of the glove (centimeters) |
Height (centimeters) |
US size |
| 18 - 20 (children) | 100 - 125 | Yth S / Yth M |
| 20 - 23 (children) | 115 - 140 | Yth M / Yth L |
| 23 - 27 (junior) | 130 - 140 | Jr S |
| 25 - 28 (junior) | 135 - 145 | Jr M |
| 26 - 30 (junior) | 140 - 150 | Jr L |
| 30 - 33 | 150 - 175 | S |
| 33 - 36 | 170 - 180 | M |
| 36 - 38 | 175 - 185 | L |
| 38+ | 180 - 190 | XL |
Rules for choosing the size of a hockey helmet:
The helmet should sit on the head so that, tightly fitting to the head, its edge is a finger's thickness above the eyebrows.
Rules for choosing the size of hockey pads:
Measure the length of the lower leg from the middle of the kneecap to the top of the skate (better to measure while sitting). Calf size is the primary selection parameter, height is secondary.
Rules for choosing the size of hockey shorts:
From below, the shorts should reach the knee, and from above, they should cover the kidneys and lower ribs.
Rules for choosing the size of hockey gloves (gaiters):
When choosing gloves, pay attention to the absence of a gap between the elbow pad and the glove. Hockey players who prefer short glove designs should opt for long elbow pads.
Rules for choosing the size of a hockey bib (shell):
Breast volume is the primary selection parameter, height is secondary. When choosing a shell, pay attention to the absence of a gap between the lower border of the bicep protector of the shell and the elbow pad. But, at the same time, the biceps protector should not intersect with the elbow pad - this will hinder movement during the game.
Rules for choosing the size of hockey elbow pads:
To measure data for the chart, bend your arm and measure the length of your upper arm/forearm from the bottom of the carapace bicep protector to the top of the glove cuff. When choosing protection, pay attention to the absence of unprotected places between the lower border of the protector of the biceps of the shell and the elbow pad, as well as between the elbow pad and the glove. Hockey players who prefer short glove designs should opt for long elbow pads.
