Before the start of a new hockey season, it’s always
important for players to go through their gear, examining its condition and
deciding what can be reused in the coming season, what needs to be repaired,
and what needs to be replaced. This is especially important for young players,
who often outgrow equipment and gear quickly.
Fitting Tips
Obviously, every piece of equipment needs to fit and fit
properly. Improperly fitted safety gear can pose a serious risk to young
players on the ice. Fortunately, there are some simple tips for assessing
proper fit:
l Make
sure all safety/protective equipment, such as shoulder pads and shin pads, meet
at some point or overlap. If they don’t touch, they’re too small and are
leaving areas unprotected!
l Make
sure shin pads are sitting slightly above the foot to allow for movement during
play.
l Pants
should come to the middle of the knee when standing.
l Helmets
need to rest just above the eyebrows while masks need to rest on the chin and remain
still when hit.
l Toes
should fit comfortably in skates without cramping or curling
Repair Advice
Obviously, there’s no cure for outgrown equipment. It will
have to be replaced. Some pieces of gear, however, can simply be repaired,
which is nice for parents whose budgets are already stretched to the limit! In
general, any simple, small problems, such as tiny holes, missing screws on
skates, or pulled threads can be fixed relatively easily. Giving gear a
thorough cleaning- some professional services will even do this for you- can
also liven it up and make it look better, so that your little player doesn’t
have to feel embarrassed on the ice.
Trade and Sell!
As mentioned, hockey gear and equipment can get pretty
pricey. That’s why it’s wise to trade and sell where you can, instead of just
tossing stuff in the trash. If a piece of equipment is in good shape but has
simply been outgrown, see if it fits other kids on the team. You might be able
to make a nice trade with the parents. Many stores will also buy used equipment
and sell it for you. There are ways to save money on gear, but not giving your
child what he needs to be safe and successful should never be one of them!
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