Hockey Gear Explained

Hockey gear is used to protect the body during the course of play. The different versions of the game require varying degrees of protection as floor, roller and ice hockey have different styles of play.

  1. Significance

    • Hockey is a unique sport because even a pickup game requires some equipment. Players must have at least a hockey stick to play, and need a pair of skates for roller and ice hockey.

    Function

    • Equipment matches the style of play. Ice hockey allows for body-checking, so players wear the most amount of gear. Roller hockey does not, so players wear a minimal amount of gear.

    Types

    • Pieces of equipment include helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, a protective cup, shin pads, skates and a hockey stick.

    Features

    • Jerseys identify the players on each team, as well as cover their upper-body equipment. In ice hockey, players wear socks over their shin pads; in roller hockey, players wear pants.

    Considerations

    • Players customize their equipment to fit their playing style, such as bending stick blades or wearing small shoulder pads. Helmets are required in any organized hockey game.