| Playing ice hockey is not just about getting in shape or | | | | Moreover, the players play with such an aggressive |
| having fun, but also about ensuring that you have the | | | | attitude that they tend to knock or hurt each other. |
| right equipment for it. | | | | In the earlier years, the game was played with hockey |
| Before we get into the in depths of the game and ice | | | | sticks which were made of plastic rather than wood. It |
| hockey equipment, let us take a brief look into the | | | | was in the year 1897 that pads for the goalkeepers |
| history of the game and how it evolved. | | | | were first introduced in the game. In 1948, goalies |
| It was during the 1800's that ice hockey evolved from | | | | began experimenting and look for ways to block or |
| the Irish game called hurling. During the 1800's, Irish | | | | trap the puck. And this was how the blockers and |
| immigrants moved to Canada and introduced the | | | | trappers were introduced in the game. Later the |
| game of hurling there. It is from here that the modern | | | | helmet combo was introduced which included the |
| version of ice hockey evolved. | | | | helmet, cage cover and the strap. |
| In the early days, ice hockey was played in an informal | | | | Today there are many types of ice hockey equipment |
| manner. It would involve at least thirty players playing | | | | which players can choose to wear for their safety. |
| for each team at one time on the field. It was in | | | | Commonly used protective gear includes shin guards, |
| Ontario, Canada in 1860 that the first puck was used in | | | | helmets with face cage, garter belt, jock strap, hockey |
| the game. In 1979, students of McGill University started | | | | pants and gloves, elbow and shoulder pads, mouth |
| setting some definitive rules for the game the first time. | | | | guard and neck guard. |
| It was after this that the clubs and leagues started | | | | Apart from these, the other important equipment used |
| being set up. | | | | by the players are hockey sticks and ice skates. Ice |
| Gradually, as the teams and leagues started being set | | | | hockey is one sport which cannot be played without all |
| up, the equipments for the game came in to the | | | | the essential safety equipments. Using the right |
| picture. The equipments are important for the safety | | | | equipment can keep you from getting bruised and |
| of the players as many times you will see pucks flying | | | | injury free. |
| across the rink at more than hundred miles per hour. | | | | |