| Fun as it is, hockey is one of the most physical sports | | | | sizing. |
| that create intense contact between and among | | | | Unlike the skates that are used for ice skating, ice |
| players. It is natural for a hockey player to get several | | | | hockey skates have boots that are made out of |
| body checks right and left courtesy of the opposing | | | | molded plastic. When purchasing these hockey boots, |
| team throughout the game. Hence, the right gears that | | | | a player should look for those with ballistic nylons or |
| hockey athletes wear play a significant role protecting | | | | synthetic leather for the upper or higher part of the |
| them from injuries. Players should invest in the best | | | | boot. The molded plastic in the boots does ensure |
| hockey equipment that will help them optimize their | | | | enough protection for the player's feet; however, they |
| skills in the game. | | | | can reduce a wearer's mobility during play at the ice |
| Ice hockey gear is mainly divided into two categories | | | | rink. |
| namely playing equipment and protective gear. | | | | If you think the hockey stick can just be disregarded, |
| Protective gear, a most significant type, keeps ice | | | | the opposite might just be true. According to hockey |
| hockey players safe amid the stroking, pushing and | | | | authorities, the hockey stick plays an important part in |
| sometimes, unintended hitting during the game. | | | | the game as ice skates do. Hockey sticks come in |
| Ice hockey protection consists of a quality helmet. The | | | | three types the two-piece blades and shafts, the more |
| helmet should allow vision and free movement while | | | | customary wooden sticks and the more modern stick |
| providing protection against anticipated falls and hits. To | | | | that is one-piece. |
| serve an even better security, helmets with "face | | | | Among the existing types of hockey sticks, the |
| cages" are usually used. The helmet, along with some | | | | conventional one-piece hockey stick is said to be of |
| added shields, is a major protective gear that keeps | | | | the best value. As compared with the traditional, the |
| the face and the head away from dangers. | | | | modern hockey stick boasts of better durability, being |
| Similarly, shin guards and padding are key protective | | | | made from carbon fiber and Kevlar. As most are |
| gears. Padding covers critical areas in the body, and | | | | aware of, the Kevlar material is used to make vests |
| includes various shoulder pads, elbow pads, body pads | | | | that are bulletproof, while the carbon fiber is what the |
| and gloves. Style of pads is essentially a matter of | | | | most advanced Formula One cars for racing are |
| individual preference. Accordingly, a padding designed | | | | made of. Besides, among the three types, the modern |
| to be extremely thick can restrain skating; those that | | | | one-piece hockey sticks are the lightest in weight. |
| are too thin, meanwhile, aren't effective in preventing | | | | Hockey equipment reviews also attest that the |
| injuries. | | | | one-piece sticks are more affordable than two-piece |
| Still, other necessary protective gear types are the | | | | shafts and blades. To date, a regular two-piece |
| stick and skates. Skates come in various styles. The | | | | hockey stick sells between $100 and $170, while the |
| chosen ice hockey skate largely depend on the | | | | price of typical one-piece type is pegged at $130. |
| player's position, as well as his ability in skating. In sizing | | | | Any game is never fun when bad injuries happen in a |
| ice hockey skates, players are advised to try the | | | | supposedly fun game. It is therefore recommended |
| skates on with the complete socks to be worn in the | | | | that before engaging in any sport, safety and comfort |
| actual game. This way, the buyer ensures appropriate | | | | should be of high consideration. |