NEW PLAYERS GUIDE
EQUIPMENT 101
Hockey equipment is expensive. While its tempting to go out and buy the most expensive gear, and the stuff that the NHL players wear, focus on fit, function and budget friendly. Used equipment is always a great option, as your child will likely grow out of it long before it's lifespan is up.
EQUIPMENT SIZING
Hockey equipment sizing varies by item, but generally, you'll need to measure your body and compare it to manufacturer-specific size charts. Key areas to measure include waist, chest, height, and hand circumference for items like pants, shoulder pads, helmets, gloves, and shin pads. For skates, aim for a snug fit, about 1-1.5 sizes smaller than street shoes. If you ever have a question about equipment ask your coaches. They should have insight on general sizing, quality, and details especially around skates and sticks.
Helmets
Should fit snugly, with the helmet sitting level on your head and the front edge above your eyebrows.
Shoulder Pads
Ensure they cover your collarbone, chest, and abdomen, extending to the wrist.
Elbow Pads
Measure from the middle of your forearm to the middle of your bicep, ensuring it overlaps with your shoulder pad and glove.
Gloves
Measure the circumference of your dominant hand at its widest point (across the knuckles) and the length from your middle finger to your wrist.
Shin Pads
The kneecap should be centered in the shin pad cup, and the pad should extend down to the top of your skate.
Pants
Measure your waist and compare it to manufacturer charts, ensuring they overlap the shin pads by 1-2 inches and are snug but comfortable at the waist.
Skates
Fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes, with your toes lightly touching the toe cap and minimal heel lift.
Sticks
When standing, the stick should reach between your chin and nose. On skates, it should be around your chin. If you have questions about what stick flex, size, or age to purchase consult your coach.
Specific Considerations
Youth, Junior, and Senior
Sizing differs between these categories, with junior sizing generally being larger than youth and smaller than senior.
Goalie Pads
Sizing is more specialized and based on a combination of skate size, instep to knee measurement, and desired thigh rise. Make sure to ask a professional either via Goalie Coaches, other goal tenders, or at a specialty store.
Fitting in Person
It's highly recommended to try on equipment in person, especially skates and pants, to ensure a comfortable and protective fit.
Overlap and Coverage
Ensure adequate overlap between different pieces of equipment, such as shin pads and pants, and that protective areas are fully covered.
Adjustability
Many items, like pants and shin pads, have adjustable features to fine-tune the fit.
Break-in Period
Some equipment, particularly skates, may require a break-in period to conform to your foot.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR CHILD FALLS IN LOVE WITH HOCKEY
In short, FUN!!! Hockey is fun and that's todays only goal. We'll be dividing your kids into groups of similar skill levels for an hour of station based fun. We'll be playing games, doing obstacle courses and ending with some cross-ice scrimmages. These stations are similar to the station based practices we use for our 8U programs and beyond.
TIPS FOR NEW HOCKEY PARENTS
1. SKATE, SKATE AND SKATE SOME MORE.
Don’t worry much about puck skills when you’re beginning. The most important skill you can ever develop in hockey is skating. Oftentimes, parents get caught up in the kids who can do more with the puck, but you don't want to get caught up so much with that early on. Don’t compare your player to the kid who can do a lot with the puck. Watch the kids who are skating the best — those who are balanced, who are accelerating, who are using their edges the most. Those children usually end up being the better players in a couple of years when they develop the stick and puck skills.
2. DON’T FEEL PRESSURE TO BUY THE FANCIEST EQUIPMENT.
Like anything else, marketing sells. But, for new parents, get the equipment that is appropriate for your child at that time. New parents don't need to worry about an expensive stick. Worry about better skates and protective equipment, especially a helmet. For now, get the things that fit the best and are protective, and that allow your child to be most comfortable on the ice. The more comfortable they are, the more enjoyment they will have. In a couple of years, when it really matters, you can start investing in higher-level equipment. The development of your child, both physically and mentally, will help determine when it's appropriate to buy the more expensive, higher-level equipment
3. DON’T WORRY FOR ONE SECOND ABOUT BEING THE BEST OR WEAKEST.
We’d rather kids be the best at 20 years old than at 6 years old. For a newbie, it doesn't matter if you are good or bad. It matters if you are having fun, enjoying your time and getting better.
4. INVEST IN: A WARM PAIR OF SHOES, GLOVES AND A TRAVEL MUG THAT KEEPS COFFEE HOT. AND DO YOUR BEST TO BE AT THE RIGHT RINK AT THE RIGHT TIME.
If your child gets the hockey bug, you’re going to be on your feet standing near the glass for a few years trying to keep warm. All three of the items mentioned above are important! When traveling to new rinks, find out where the rink is ahead of time. In the Pittsburgh area, there may be multiple rinks in the same town, so make sure you know where you're going. And do your best not to arrive only five minutes ahead if you can. We understand that everybody is so busy and time management is a major issue, but if you can give your child at least 15 minutes to get ready for a skate/practice, the experience will be better
OUR DEVELOPMENT MODEL
