Equipment Requirements (Newcastle Village Minor Hockey Association)

Icon for Register Your Child Today
Register Your Child Today
Icon for Tournaments
Tournaments
Icon for Coach Resources
Coach Resources
Icon for Trainer Resources
Trainer Resources
PrintEquipment Requirements

HOCKEY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

  1. Helmet:
      • Helmets must have the CSA or HECC sticker of approval on at all times. (Removal of the sticker(s) invalidates the helmet)
      • Removal of the ear protector or guards and applying paint or stickers is considered an alteration of the helmet and invalidates the CSA or HECC certification.
    • Fitting Instructions
    • Helmets should fit the player's head snugly. Proper fit means that the helmet stays put and does not rattle if the player shakes his/her head from side to side.
    • The front of the helmet should fit just above the eyebrows.
    • The chinstrap should be fastened and secure the helmet to the head. The strap is secure if the helmet remains stationary when an upward pressure is applied to the front of the helmet and does not ride up the forehead.
    • Any helmet with a crack in the outer shell must be replaced.
    • The padding inside the helmet should be checked over time to ensure that it has retained its protective qualities. Check the padding by pressing the thumb into it. If it is resilient and retains its original form, it has maintained its protective quality.
  2. Facial Protection:
    • The facial protector must be CSA or HECC approved.
    • They can be made of metal wire, high impact polycarbonate (visor) or a combination of both.
    • Players who use a junior stick should check the spacing of the wire cage to the shaft of the stick. Some of the narrower shafts will pass through the openings in the cage & could result in injuries.
    • All cages should be checked to ensure the compatibility with the helmet. The cage should overlap the sides of the helmet & fully engage the helmet clips on the side when the player is wearing his helmet.
  3. Mouth Guards:
    • Mouth guards are mandatory for all players.
    • Dental injuries represent 80% of all insurance claims with the CHA.
    • The use of Mouth Guards helps reduce the chance of concussions.
    • It is further recommended that these guards be fitted by a dentist to ensure proper fit & protection.
  4. Throat Protection:
    • All players must wear a BNQ approved throat protector
    • The throat protector must be properly fastened around the neck in a manner such as to provide protection to the neck area at all times.
    • All goaltenders must wear a BNQ approved throat protector.
  5. Undergarments:
    • When choosing undergarments & socks look for materials with a 50/50 cotton/polyester blends for maximum ventilation & comfort.
    • Consider an arrangement that will be cool & comfortable under the equipment - encouraging moisture absorption and avoiding skin irritation.
    • Always wear a single pair of socks in your skates for best fit, comfort and protection from chafing.
    • Consider having spare sets in the hockey bag for days when you play multiple games.
  6. Athletic Support:
    • Supports are available in either a boxer short or jock / jill strap style.
    • Each style incorporates a plastic protective cup.
    • Support fit is according to the players' waist size.
    • Effective shock absorption is dependent on appropriate sizing of the protective cup.
  7. Shin Pads:
    • A properly fitted shin pad allows for maximum movement of the knee and ankle and effective coverage and protection of the knee and shin.
    • The cap of the pad should be centered over the kneecap.
    • The protective padding above this plastic cap should overlap with the bottom of the hockey pants by 2”.
    • With the skate open, the player should ensure that the bottom of the shin pad rests 1” above the foot and that the ankle movement (up and down) is not restricted.
    • It is now recommended that the skate tongue be positioned behind the shin pad for added protection.
  8. Hockey Pants:
    • Hockey pants are fitted according to waist size.
    • Pants should be fitted with the shin pads on to ensure that the pant leg overlaps with the upper padding of the shin pad by 2”.
    • Female players should fit the hips first then check the position of the leg & kidney pads.
    • Correct positioning of the rib, hip, thigh, and kidney padding ensures effective coverage and protection of these areas.
    • Padding on the bottom of the seat of the pants should cover and protect the tailbone. Proper fit is essential for maximum protection and unrestricted movement of the legs and trunk as well.
    • The player should be able to squat comfortably with the padding remaining in place for proper fit.
  9. Skates:
    • Skates should fit approximately ½ size smaller than street shoes.
    • When trying on skates wear a pair of socks the same thickness as those to be worn when skating.
    • Ensure that the socks are wrinkle free to prevent irritation and chaffing.
    • The laces should be loose enough to allow the foot to slide forward so that the tips of the toes press against the front of the skate. In this position, you should be able to place one finger between the boot and the back of the player’s heel.
    • Before lacing up the skate reposition the foot in the boot by banging the heel of the blade against the floor. When lacing up the skate the first 3 eyelets should be snug, the next three eyelets loose (to prevent constriction) and the last 2 to 4 eyelets very snug.
    • Fit of the skate is then determined by the width of separation between the eyelets on either side of the boot. This width should be 1 1/2'' to 2'' for proper fit. The skate tongue should be worn behind the shin pad to fully protect the lower shin.
  10. Shoulder Pads:
    • These pads offer protection to the shoulders, upper back, chest and arm area above the elbow.
    • The protective caps should be positioned on the top of the shoulders while the arm pads extend downward to meet the elbow pads.
    • There should also be a slight overlap at the back with the top of the pants. Proper fit is ensured if the player has good shoulder range while wearing his or her pads.
    • The player should be able to lift his or her arms above shoulder level without the pads digging into the neck.
  11. Elbow Pads:
    • The elbow pad offers protection to the elbow and forearm and should meet or overlap slightly with the shoulder pads and glove to afford maximal protection of the forearm and arm area above the elbow.
    • Some elbow pads are designed specifically for left or right arms. Ensure pads are placed on appropriate arms. To ensure proper fit place the donut ring inside the pad on the point of the elbow.
    • Fasten the Velcro straps securely so that the pad remains in place when the elbow is extended. Elbow movement should be free of restriction.
    • The elbow and forearm are protected from blows, falls, and slashing by rigid plastic moldings in the form of a cup over the point of the elbow and slash guard along the outside of the forearm.
    • It is important to periodically check the cup for cracks and the donut pad for its absorbing qualities to ensure that the pad is still able to protect this area.
  12. Gloves:
    • A properly fit glove should provide maximal freedom of movement and agility for easy stick handling.
    • Padding covers the upper surface of the finger, hand, wrist and lower forearm.
    • The elbow pad and glove should meet to provide protection to the entire forearm, wrist and hand from slashing.
    • The glove should be made of light flexible material.
    • Leather gloves may be durable but they are also heavy to wear and take longer to dry.
    • If buying used gloves, ensure that the palm and fingers are intact.
  13. Hockey Socks:
    • Socks hold the shin pads in place and should extend from the ankle to the top of the thigh.
    • Socks are tucked in the back of the skates & inside the garter belt or Velcro fasteners attached to the jock or jill strap.
    • Using tape or straps above the knee can cause friction and circulation problems if too tight. Care must be taken in this area.
    • Tape or straps below the knee should secure the sock and underlying shin pad.
  14. Practice Jersey:
    • NVMHAI game jerseys are not to be worn during practices; they are worn for games and special events only.
    • Every player requires a practice jersey that fits big enough to cover the upper equipment without restriction to the player.
  15. Hockey Stick:
    • To ensure the development of good stick handling techniques and puck control it is important to pick the right stick.
    • Sticks come in junior and senior sizing reflecting differences in shaft size and blade length. A junior stick with a straight blade is preferred. Senior sticks are larger and recommended for intermediate and older players who can control a heavier stick.
    • The proper length of the stick is measured with the player in street shoes. The top of the shaft should rest between the chin and mouth while the toe of the stick is on the ground. If the player is in skates the top of the shaft should reach just below the chin.
    • The stick may be made of wood or aluminum.
    • Younger players will tend to have greater puck control with lighter more flexible sticks.
    • The butt end or top of the shaft must be covered with tape or commercially made butt ends to prevent injuries.
    • Aluminum shafts come with a wooden plug, which must be inserted into the top of the stick and then taped.
    • When taping the blade of a stick start at the heel and work towards the toe.