What you need to get started. This is a very general overview. We will add pages or links with more detail about each piece of equipment later. Consider that a set of all new hockey gear is going to cost $700 to $1500.
Hockey can be intimidating in many ways. For beginners, just trying to figure out the gear can scare people off.
If you go to a pro shop like the one a Chaparral Ice, you’ll get good advice. If you are trying to buy used or online, you need to at least know what equipment to buy.
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.
Helmet
You know what it’s for.
Helmets range in price from $70 to $500.
You can buy the helmet alone or as a combo with a visor or cage for face protection.
Visors and Cages
There are a wide range of possibilities here. We 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.
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 – $200
Shin Gards
Usually strap on with Velcro behind the legs. Older guards are held on by the hockey sock and tape.
Prices range from $30 to $200
Elbow Pads
Elbow pads typically strap on with velcro
Prices range from $20 to $100
Gloves
These are going to shock you on price.
Gloves typically range in price from $90 to $200. You just can’t get these suckers cheap.
Pants
Pants look more like shorts, but provide protection to the hips, thighs, and tailbone area.
Some people like to use suspenders to keep them up properly.
Pants can range from $30 to $200.
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 $60
Jerseys (Sweaters)
You’ll collect jerseys like a old cat lady collects cats.
You should always have a plain white jersey and a plain black jersey. You’ll play a lot of pickup games where the teams will be picked at random, one in white, one in black.
It’s fine to have other colors, but always keep a plain black jersey and a plain white jersey at hand.
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. Your choice.
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.