Ice Hockey | Sports & Leisure Classifieds

Playing any form of ice hockey involves a certain amount of risk. A hard, fast-moving puck, along with a good deal of physical contact, makes injuries a real possibility. Along with essential equipment such as an ice hockey stick and suitable skates, the right protective equipment will ensure that you can play the game on a regular basis. The following seeks to provide advice on the purchase of all types of equipment for ice hockey.

BUYING ICE HOCKEY EQUIPMENT

Ice Hockey Stick
Ice hockey sticks are constructed from wood, graphite or a wood / fibreglass composite.
An important point to bear in mind is that the shafts of ice hockey sticks have different degrees of stiffness or "flex." The amount of flex in a stick shaft is a matter of personal preference, but younger, physically weaker players generally need more flex, whereas older, stronger players are better suited by less flex. Another fundamental consideration is the length of stick. In ordinary shoes, an ice hockey stick should at least be long enough to reach the bridge of your nose. Shorter sticks allow attacking players to exercise better puck control. Longer sticks give defensive players better reach. The "lie" of the stick, namely the angle between the blade and the stick shaft is another important factor. When in the "ready" stance, the blade should lie flush with the ice, with no gaps.

Cost
For the regular player, the cost of replacing a stick will become an issue at some stage. Sticks of wooden construction are considerably cheaper than those made from other materials. However, wear or breakage means that the entire stick must be replaced.
Sticks of other materials, though requiring more initial outlay, are of such a construction that just the blade may be replaced. Be certain to way up the pros and cons of each type before buying.

Ice Hockey Skates
Ice hockey skates can vary enormously in price. A reasonable pair of skates for a beginner can be acquired for somewhere in the region of �40, while a top of the range pair of competitive skates are likely to give much change from �200. The key attribute to look for in any skate is support for the ankle. Select a pair of skates with additional features to increase stability in the ankle area. Instability in this region will greatly reduce your skating ability. A further consideration is skates that fit well. Higher quality skates tend to mould themselves to your feet with wear, and harden to the shape of your ankle, thus increasing stability and comfort. Skates that are a full size smaller than your normal shoe size will improve support and stability.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
A wide range of protective equipment is essential for playing ice hockey. Protective items should include:

Helmet with attached mouth guard
A helmet is essential for protecting your head, considering the speed at which the puck can move. The price of ice hockey helmets varies widely. However, functionality is very similar, and the price differences are generally based on aesthetics, i.e. the look of the thing. Size is the primary concern in selecting a suitable helmet. It should fit snugly, with minimal movement, while not feeling uncomfortably tight. Most helmets have screws on the side to enable them to be adjusted to achieve the best fit. Other than the aesthetic qualities, the principal distinction between the various types of helmet is the type of face mask. Wire face masks can sometimes obscure vision, so be sure to try it on and ensure that vision is not blocked by the mask's bars. "Plexiglas" face masks do not obscure vision and are the choice of better players and professionals.

Knee Pads & Shin Guards
The consensus amongst experienced ice hockey players is that protection is greatly enhanced if shin guards overlap the tongue of your skates. This avoids bruising and possibility of a broken ankle.

Gloves
In choosing pair of gloves, ensure they reach at least a few inches above your wrist. This will protects against possible broken wrists.

Protective "Cup" or "Box"
A protective cup or box, along with accompanying jockstrap is essential equipment for both sexes, for obvious reasons!

Having assembled your protective kit, try it all on to ensure everything is comfortable. Each piece of equipment will have a range of settings. Adjust each to achieve the best, most comfortable fit. The vital point is that your wear your protective gear.

SECOND HAND ICE HOCKEY EQUIPMENT
Equipment is expensive. The easiest (and most expensive) method of buying is via specialist sports shops and ice rinks. These allow you to try on equipment and take advice. However, the cheapest method of buying, especially when starting out, is to look at second hand equipment. Keep a regular eye on the classified ice hockey advertisements on this page, and post a "Wanted" advertisement for the equipment you are seeking.