| p>Americans love their street hockey--almost as | | | | are no hard and fast rules concerning the players' |
| much as Canadians. The appeal? The sport can be | | | | clothing or safety gear. Boots or skates are generally |
| played on any open street, field or even an alleyway | | | | worn accordingly. Players wear jerseys with shorts or |
| with old equipment and custom-made rules. | | | | loose pants and socks. Elbow pads, kneepads and shin |
| The gear is similar to equipment used in regulation | | | | guards are worn for protection. Mouth guards, jock |
| hockey and is played according to weather conditions. | | | | straps gloves and wrist pads are recommended for |
| On an icy surface, a puck, which is made of hard, | | | | safety. |
| vulcanized rubber is used. On pavement, a ball made | | | | The goalie requires the most protection. A helmet fitted |
| of molded plastic is substituted. Either can be bought | | | | with a mask cage, along with a chest protector with |
| cheaply at local sporting goods stores. The hockey | | | | attached shoulder guards. Elbow and wrist guards and |
| stick, available for about $30, is made of wood, | | | | back guards, leg pads equipped with shin and calf |
| covered with fiberglass and has a flat base to | | | | guards and even ankle and heel protectors complete |
| maneuver the puck or the ball. | | | | the uniform. |
| Goal-nets used in street hockey are made of steel | | | | Of course, street players may not use all of the |
| frames and nylon nets and are priced at around $300 | | | | recommended safety equipment--but then they're |
| and up. | | | | playing according to their own rules, which are probably |
| Since street hockey is a neighborhood game, there | | | | a lot more flexible in the neighborhood. |