| As one of the most popular sports of today, hockey | | | | and must be tied tight but not too tight that the foot |
| has become an activity people are wanting to get in | | | | starts to cramp. Every player has their own |
| to. People of all ages are now strapping up their gear | | | | preference on how tight they like their skates. |
| to play the game. The sport is seen as a great | | | | Shoulder Pads: These protect the participant from |
| method of exercising because it is a lot of fun to play. | | | | body checks. They cover both of the shoulders and, |
| First time participants, however, may find that gearing | | | | depending on length of the shoulder pad, protect a |
| up for the game is very difficult. There is a very | | | | portion of the chest and back. They have great |
| intricate order in which the equipment must go on. The | | | | important of safety on the ice. |
| following are orderly steps to successfully get geared | | | | Elbow Pads: These protect the elbows and a |
| up to play: | | | | portion of the forearm. Without this piece of equipment, |
| Shin Guards: These are the first piece of | | | | the player would not last long on the ice. |
| equipment to go on. They cover the shins of the | | | | Helmet: A must have piece of equipment, the |
| players legs to keep them safe from the puck. They | | | | helmet protects the head and face. Today, most |
| are usually labeled left and right, so that you know | | | | people are denied access to the ice surface if they do |
| which one belongs to which leg. | | | | not have a helmet on. A helmet decreases serious |
| Socks: These are not your normal socks. These | | | | injury dramatically. |
| are large socks that go over the shin guards. They are | | | | Gloves: The gloves are used to protect the hands. |
| usually matched with the color jersey the player is | | | | They are made durable enough to protect, yet they |
| wearing. | | | | are also flexible enough to grip the hockey stick. |
| Pants: The pants are a crucial part of the | | | | Stick: This is used to give motion to the puck. It is |
| equipment. They are large in size and protect the | | | | needed to play the game; to pass and shoot. |
| player from all forms of danger on the ice. They go on | | | | If these simple steps are followed in order, participation |
| over the shin guards and are filled with padding to help | | | | of the sport will be more enjoyable. Remember to |
| keep the player safe. | | | | always wear every piece of equipment when out on |
| Skates: Without skates, hockey would not be | | | | the ice, as they all contribute to the safety of the |
| played. The skates need to be put on the right feet | | | | player. |