This is a very general overview of the full set of gear that you need to get started in hockey.
A set of hockey gear costs between $700 to $1500, but for beginners, less expensive gear is fine to get started, and usually for well beyond. You can also find used gear at Play it Again Sports and on Sideline Swap. In Austin, the only shop to get new gear is at Chaparral Ice.
The ADHL, like all other league play in Austin, follows the requirements of USAHockey. That means you need a full compliment of hockey gear.
The leading brands in hockey equipment are Bauer and CCM. Plenty of other companies are making hockey gear, but you are going to see those two everywhere.
The ADHL has some gear available for you to borrow when you try out the ADHL or get started playing. Contact usfor more information.
Helmet
Helmets provide obviously critical head protection.
Helmets range in price from $70 to $700.
You can buy the helmet alone or as a combo with a visor or cage.
Visors and Cages
There are a wide range of possibilities here. For beginners, we strongly recommend a metal cage or plastic shield that protects your entire face.
If you helmet does not come with a visor or cage, expect to pay $30 – $100.
Skates
There are various styles of ice skate, but you want hockey skates. This should be your first hockey-related purchase.
Prices range from $100 to well over $1,000.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are usually put on over the head like a vest, and include some protection for the chest and the back as well as the shoulders.
Prices range from $50 – $250
Shin Gards
Newer shin guards strap on with Velcro behind the legs. Older guards are held on by the hockey sock and tape.
Prices range from $50 to $250
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads typically strap on with velcro.
Prices range from $20 to $150
Gloves
Hockey gloves are essential and required for stick and puck sessions.
Gloves typically range in price from $90 to $300.
Pants (Breezers)
Pants look more like shorts, but provide protection to the hips, thighs, and tailbone area. This is a very valuable purchase for learning skaters.
Some people like to use suspenders to keep them up properly.
Pants can range from $30 to $300.
Hockey Jock
Don’t forget to protect your special bits.
You can use a traditional style strap, loose shorts, compression shorts, or even compress pants.
The jock and a cup will run you between $25 and $80
Jerseys (Sweaters)
Hockey jerseys are designed to fit over your gear. For starters, you should get a plain white and plain black jersey. You’ll collect others over time.
You can get them with your name and favorite number, or just generic.
Prices range from $20 to $100
Hockey Socks
Hockey socks go over your shin guards and fasten above the knee.
When you play on a team, your sock should match your jersey. For pickup games and practices, you will be fine with just about any sock you like.
Most people use socks with velcro that attach to you hockey jock. Some people wrap tape all the way around the leg above the knee and below the knee to hold them on.
Prices are from $15 – $40.
Stick
Sticks come in a variety of different materials, degrees of flexibility, blade shape, and length.
Stick should be from the floor to your nose when you are barefoot. Better to go too long than too short – you can cut them to length.
Sticks are priced between $80 and $300.