| Hockey equipment includes all the equipment, gear and | | | | expensive. The carved blade of the stick provides |
| clothing necessary for hockey players to have when | | | | more power and lift to the shots .It was first developed |
| playing the game of hockey. Earlier players used to | | | | in 1960 and is the standard design today. The puck is a |
| wear a woolen turtleneck and a pair of boots. Now | | | | flat and round piece of hard rubber used to score |
| with increased technological advancements, hockey | | | | goals. It is frozen before play to prevent it from |
| equipment and clothing have improved. These | | | | bouncing during play. |
| improvements have increased the speed and intensity | | | | The game of hockey is very popular in North America, |
| of the game, as well as the safety of the players. | | | | Canada and several European countries. With an |
| For a hockey match, the most basic thing required is | | | | increase in the popularity of the game and various |
| an oval shaped ice rink. These rinks can be natural or | | | | professional teams, the demand for hockey equipment |
| constructed manually using huge freezers. The other | | | | has also increased. Today, many people are buying it |
| equipment used by players includes pucks, skates and | | | | for personal us, but also because they can be |
| hockey sticks. Safety equipment like goalie masks, | | | | collectible pieces of sports memorabilia. |
| helmets, gloves and padding provide protection to the | | | | From the days when players wore simple woolen |
| players. | | | | sweaters, hockey equipment has come a long way. |
| Early ice hockey players would strap blades onto their | | | | The designs of this equipment are always being |
| boots to play the game. Nowadays, skates come in a | | | | updated, as well. The equipment manufacturers are |
| one-piece design with permanently attached steel | | | | witnessing increased sales, especially during hockey |
| blades. Hockey sticks were originally made from wood, | | | | championships such as the Stanley Cup. With the |
| but today are made of carbon and Kevlar. Some | | | | increased popularity of the game, the demand is |
| players say the space age material gives more power | | | | expected to grow even further. |
| to shots, while others think that it is fragile and | | | | |