| Skates, along with your helmet and pads are probably | | | | intact and in good condition. If you need to, replace |
| the most important part of your hockey gear. When | | | | your pads on a regular basis. Having old worn pads |
| choosing the best hockey skates, like choosing the | | | | might be comfortable but it might not give you the |
| best hockey pads, you should take into account all of | | | | protection you need. |
| the different brands and find a size and style that fits | | | | When it comes to your mask, you should spare no |
| you best. Don't simply buy the first pair of skates you | | | | expense. While the budget option might be cheap, you |
| see, but rather shop around and try a few different | | | | need to make sure that the outer part of the mask is |
| options to find the ultimate fit. | | | | composed of a strong space-polymer material, and |
| When trying on a pair of skates you should have your | | | | the inside of the mask contains foam. This design |
| heel tucked back into the heel cup, and there should be | | | | should be able to resist impacts while absorbing the |
| no more than about a quarter inch or so in the toe. If | | | | shock at the same time. Some cheaper masks cannot |
| your ankles are weak, make sure to ask for a skate | | | | offer this, so you do need to be careful. If in doubt, ask |
| with good ankle support. When it comes to skates you | | | | your sports supplier, for brands they recommend. |
| will also want to ensure that you have blades with | | | | The things you don't want to scrimp on are your |
| through-hardened steel with a flat rocker. A flatter | | | | skates, your pads and your helmet. Ensure that your |
| rocker curve will improve your stability. | | | | helmet has been approved by a regulatory |
| Now on to the pads... Ideally you want pants that are | | | | commission for your own safety. Pads are pretty |
| long enough to reach past the top of your shin pads. If | | | | much standard in most leagues now and flat lined |
| your pants are too short, they'll leave a small area | | | | curved skates are recommended for recreational and |
| unprotected which is a prime target for being slashed. | | | | new players. Above all, you need to remember, to |
| You pads can only do so much. Make sure the hard | | | | have fun! |
| caps in your shoulder pads, elbow pads and shins are | | | | |