Let's Talk Equipment

Hockey Skate Sizing Guide

A poor fitting skate can create bad habits and breakdown prematurely while holding back skate performance. Choosing the correct skate size is important. Going too big will result in blisters and a noticeable decrease in skating ability due to a lack of ankle stability. A strong stride comes from having a boot working in unison with the foot of the player. Consistent foot pain is common with players that use skates they have outgrown. The bones in the foot are cramped and put under considerable pressure with each stride. The tightness of the boot leads to a loss of circulation, limiting the function of the foot.

A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed. When sizing children, follow the same method while allowing 1/2 size extra for growing room. Most skates use this formula (1 to 1.5 sizes down from shoe size), except Pre-2010 Mission skates which run true to shoe size.

Hockey Sticks

The stick is the player’s extension to the puck. It connects player movement with game play. For young, beginning players, starting out with the right sized stick is far more important than using the latest stick available.

A properly sized stick will increase player performance and in-game enjoyment. Modern sticks are made of either wood or carbon composite. Wood sticks are usually more affordable and ideal for beginners, while composite sticks, also ideal for beginners, are generally more popular and offer slightly increased performance.

Sticks come in four sizes: senior, intermediate, junior, and youth. Each size normally reflects a smaller shaft circumference and a softer flex. Senior sticks are usually used by players ages 14 and up; intermediate for ages 10-15; junior for ages 7 to 12; and youth for players ages 4-8. For Learn To Play parents, you’ll be best served by focusing on the youth age group 4-8 and youth sized sticks.

To properly size, have the player stand in place without skates, place the toe of the blade on the ground between their feet and position the stick vertically against their body so that the stick comes to about their nose. If the stick is too long, simply make a mark where it touches their nose, and cut the shaft of the stick accordingly. If the player’s skates are on, the stick should come up to their chin. Please use this as a general rule of thumb and allow for changes based on personal preference.

Neck guard

Effective August 1, 2024, USA Hockey will require all players wear neck laceration protection. This applies to all players across all age groups and gender classifications (other than adults) in both games and practices. This includes on-ice officials under the age of 18. For more, see www.usahockey.com.

NOTE: It is recommended to purchase laceration protection gear as soon as you can as inventories may be low in response to this new rule. Besides the stores listed above, Dick's Sporting Goods and the online site www.skate-armor.com may be helpful.

Mouth guard

Required for U12 / PeeWee ages and older and recommended for all ages.

Hockey equipment as a whole is expensive. That said, listed below are a few ways to save money and still have a well protected (and fantastic looking) hockey player.