| There are many types of ice hockey gear available. | | | | shin guards. Padding is needed for several key areas |
| To choose the best ice hockey gear, the buyer first | | | | and includes various body pads, shoulder pads, elbow |
| needs to know what basic gear he or she needs. | | | | pads, and gloves. Pad style is largely a matter of |
| Then the buyer can determine the best type of ice | | | | preference. Padding that is too thick can inhibit |
| hockey equipment to use. Ice hockey gear can be | | | | skating, while padding that is too thin may not |
| divided into two main categories - protective gear | | | | prevent injuries. |
| and playing equipment. | | | | Other types of necessary gear are the skates and |
| Protective gear is one of the most important types. | | | | the stick. Skates are one of the most important |
| Protective gear helps keep the player safe in what is | | | | pieces of gear. Skates are available in many different |
| one of the most intense contact sports in existence. | | | | styles. The style skate chosen may depend on the |
| Protective hockey gear starts with a good helmet. | | | | position of the player, as well as the player's own |
| The helmet needs to allow free movement and | | | | skating ability. When sizing skates, buyers should be |
| vision, while also providing good protection against all | | | | sure to try them on with the full amount of socks |
| types of hits or falls. Some helmets also have face | | | | that they will wear, in order to ensure proper sizing. |
| cages, to keep the face from danger, and additional | | | | The standard width is also called "D" width. Wider |
| shields. | | | | widths are "E" or "EE". |
| Other protective gear includes the padding and the | | | | |