Must-Have Hockey Protective Gear and Benefits from Using It

Did you know that the first indoor hockey game happened in 1875? It was held at Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Quebec. This is a sport with a lot of history. By being around for so long, it changed and evolved. So did the training and safety gear. It was improved so the players are safer and more comfortable on the ice. The protective gear is probably the most important part of the equipment, and it has to fit the player correctly, otherwise they risk a chance of injury.

Neck Guard

It may not seem like an obvious one, but the neck guard is a very important piece of protective gear. It’s designed to keep the neck and the throat area injury-free during the game. Oftentimes flying pucks and sticks can cause some serious damage on the ice. It’s crucial that you invest in a durable and high-quality hockey neck guard from a reliable manufacturer that has plenty of experience and many satisfied customers.

The first things to consider when buying are the size and fit. It’s essential if you want to get the most out of it in terms of protection and performance. Make sure it fits snuggly and it’s properly aligned with your body shape. Avoid anything too tight or too loose. It will just make you uncomfortable and you’ll lose focus during the game.

Next, is material. This piece of protective gear can be made of foam, Kevlar or plastic. All of them are lightweight materials that won’t strain your neck. They’re strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The bib type can be attached or detachable. Which one you get depends on your personal preferences. Choose the one that suits you the best.

There are three main types of neck guards. The first one is a wrap-around guard. It has a very simple design; you just wrap it around your neck. The enclosure is usually made of Velcro. This is a comfortable and flexible option that provides a lot of protection because it’s made of cut-resistant materials.

The second type is the bib-style guard. Besides the neck, these guards also cover a part of your back and chest. It’s good if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection or if you’re a goalie. The third type is the long-sleeved base layer shirt. Even though these guards are the most expensive, they’re also the most comfortable. Plus, they come with features such as moisture wicking, odor control or wrist cut protection.

Helmet

There are many sports in the world that require some type of headgear and hockey is not an exception. Wearing a helmet on the ice is a must. There’s no going around it if you want to stay safe. This is a sport that involves a lot of falls, bumps and hits and it’s not a good idea to do it bareheaded.

Hockey helmets come with visors or without visors. Visors and cages aren’t mandatory, but they sure help in keeping you more protected. They can save you the trouble of getting stitches or doing some dental work. A helmet with a cage is heavier, but you’ll feel more confident wearing it. Visor helmets are lightweight and will give you good visibility. No matter which one you get, make sure it matches with your hockey neck guard.

Shoulder Pads

This is not a mandatory piece of gear, but having your upper body protected in never a bad idea. Your shoulders, spine, bicep, ribcage and collarbone are all in this area and they’re all fragile parts of your body. The shoulder pads are made of mid and high-density foams and plastics. To keep everything in place, manufacturers often use Velcro straps.

This is another piece of protective gear that should fit you seamlessly, just as the hockey neck guards. It should fit comfortably on your shoulders, covering your ribs and collarbone. Don’t worry if your stomach isn’t covered completely, your pants will do this. If you feel that the size isn’t right, don’t buy it. Go for another model or another brand until you find the right one.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads are very useful, especially if you’re a beginner. You’ll fall a lot and oftentimes your elbows will take the full force of the fall. To avoid any damage and injury, it’s best to invest in good elbow pads. They’ll give you more confidence and make you more daring and willing to try new moves. They’re made of plastic and high-density foam to give you the most protection. Choose a pair that fits nicely, nothing too loose or too tight. Adjustable straps are always welcomed.

Gloves

Durability, strength and fit are the three main components of a good glove. The ones you buy should have all three, so you feel safe and comfortable in the pitch. The right pair of gloves will protect your hands and give you a good grip on the hockey stick. Look for a pair with reinforced palms because you’ll come in contact with ice, boards and walls. Your pals, fingers and knuckles should have a lot of padding to absorb impact.

Mouth Guard

A mouth guard won’t help you win the game, but it will sure help you stay safe and keep all your teeth intact. It’s also not the most comfortable piece of gear you’ll have on yourself, but you can get it custom-made. This will give you the perfect fit and lots of protection.

Benefits of Using Protective Gear

We can’t stress enough how important protective gear it. The number one benefit of wearing it is the protection it provides. Human bodies are fragile and prone to injury, especially in tough and energetic sports like hockey. Protecting your head, neck, arms and legs is key to having a long and healthy career.

The proper safety gear will make you feel comfortable on the ice. This is a tiring sport, and it can get very hard very fast. But having the right pieces will give you comfort around your arms, legs and head and motivate you to push even more. It also boosts your confidence and helps you improve your performance. By feeling safe you’ll want to give more, try your best and become the best.