Hockey Apparel -Ice Hockey Gear & Protection
Ice Hockey is so much more than just getting the puck
from one end to the other.
There are a lot of falls, checks, and boarding
in ice hockey which requires the right hockey apparel and protective gear. Ice hockey gear keeps you safe and at less of a risk for injuries
during play. If you play in a league, your league will determine the minimum
protective gear you must have, however, in some cases you can choose to wear
more than the minimum if you would like.
Helmet – Helmets come in a variety of different models, shapes, and features.
For higher leagues, the recommendation are helmets with face plates. However,
this type of helmet is ideal for any ice hockey player, because it not only
provides protection for the head, but also the face.
Goalies are typically required to wear special helmets with a cage. Goalies face
pucks, depending on the level of player, in excess of 100 miles per hour in some
cases, this requires additional protection. All helmets should have foam inside
for limiting the shock of a fall or hit, and should fit well, without moving
once properly adjusted.
Shoulder pads – Shoulder pads look something like football pads. These pads,
even though may extend to providing slight protection for the back or stomach,
are essentially there for shoulder protection. When buying shoulder pads, you
want to make sure the pads fit square over your shoulders. The type you get
should depend on the level of play. Adult players need thicker models, while
children, who really are not involved in much bodily contact need only worry
about cheaper and thinner ones, for protection from falls.
Elbow Pads – Elbow pads are essentially the same as shoulder pads, only that
they protect your elbow. These should fit snugly, stay in place, and provide
protection of your elbow in case of a fall on the ice.
Gloves – Gloves are very important in the game of hockey. They protect your
hands from the ice, puck, and even ice-skates. There have been many instances of
hand injuries do to ice skates and their blades. Ice skate blades have to be
very sharp and can easily take a digit off without gloves. Goalie gloves are
slightly different, no very different. The goalie gloves have to be thick and
large. One is known as a glove and the other is known as a blocker. The glove is
generally webbed, and is used for catching the puck. The blocker is worn on the
other hand and used for blocking the puck. These have added protection due to
the speed and impact of the puck to the hand.
The above ice hockey gear are just a few of the many aspects of protective gear
for hockey players. Other gear includes pants, shin guards, and mouth guards.
When playing the game of ice hockey, you want to ensure that you are not only
have a good time, but you are also well protected from the many events that
could occur.
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