Topic Hub · Equipment
Hockey Helmets and Protective Gear
Protective equipment only works when it fits and is certified for your level of play. Learn how to choose and fit helmets, face protection, pads, gloves, pants and neck protection.
Play Safer With Gear That Fits and Is Certified
Hockey is a collision sport played with sticks, sharp blades and a hard rubber puck. Protective equipment reduces the risk of injury, but only when it is the right size, worn correctly and certified for the level you play. Many leagues set minimum equipment requirements, especially for youth players.
These guides explain how each piece of protective gear should fit, what certification labels such as HECC and CSA mean, and when equipment should be replaced. No equipment can prevent every injury. Follow your league’s rules and the manufacturer’s instructions, and consult a medical professional about any head injury.
What You’ll Learn in This Hub
- How to fit a hockey helmet properly
- Helmet certifications: HECC and CSA
- Full cage versus visor versus half shield
- Choosing shoulder pads
- Choosing elbow pads
- Sizing shin guards
- Choosing hockey gloves
- Hockey pants versus girdles
- Neck guards and cut-resistant gear
- Mouthguards, jocks and jills
Related reading: fitting gear for growing kids is covered in Youth Ice Hockey Development, and helmet care and replacement in Hockey Equipment Maintenance.
Articles
Hockey Helmets and Protective Gear: All Articles
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