Junior hockey players require specific equipment to stay protected and perform well, so buying the right kit is essential. Wearing the correct clothing offers increased protection and support to growing bones and muscles, not to mention that being part of a team and using the same kit can increase motivation and lift team morale.
Hockey Footwear
It is very important for a junior player to protect their feet whilst playing hockey, both outdoors and indoors. Support is vital in a hockey shoe because they protect the ankles, feet and knees.
The ideal hockey shoe should be flexible around the ball of the foot and rigid around the heel to allow the player to be supported whilst turning corners quickly.
The main hockey shoe styles are turf shoes and cleats.
- Cleat Hockey Shoes such as the Grays Flight AST – Cleat hockey shoes are mainly used on the field because they have plastic/metal studs, which helps them grip the ground when running. Due to the extra cost of materials, cleat hockey shoes are usually more expensive than Turf hockey shoes.
- Turf Hockey Shoes – Asics GEL-Blackheath 7 GS – Turf shoes include a rubber grip and allow the player to maintain balance on AstroTurf and grass. They are also preferred by beginners because they provide a medium level of ankle support.
Hockey Sticks
Hockey sticks made for junior players are designed to help them develop their hockey technique and should be sized appropriately so they do not have to carry the ball too far away from their body - this can lead to weak ball control.
To work out the right junior stick size, measure the space between the child’s hip to the floor in inches. This measurement will determine the size of the stick required. It can be better to buy a slightly smaller stick for a junior player, rather than go for one to “grow into”, as the best ball control comes from having the ball closer to the body than further away.
- Junior sticks – 26” - 35”
- Youth/young adult sticks – 36” - 36/5”
Hockey Clothing
Usually there are no specific clothing rules for hockey, just what is most comfortable for the player. There may be teams that have a specific kit but in general shorts or a skort , moisture wicking tops and socks are the basics of hockey clothing for junior players. Team are usually identified using bibs when they play.
Jackets/hoodies, trousers and base layers can be worn for training outside in the colder months.
Hockey Bags
Hockey bags are an important part of any junior hockey players equipment. There are a range of different bags that cater to different needs.
Goalkeeper Bag – Goalkeeper bags are designed for hockey goal keepers to store their protective gear in. This can include a helmet, leg guards and gloves. These are all bulky items, so the bag is designed to keep them all secure and easy to carry around.
Hockey Stick Bag – Hockey stick bags are designed to carry one or more hockey sticks, although bags big enough to carry multiples will be pricier.
Holdalls – These are great to carry a range of kit for a team or just as a personal player and some holdalls are big enough to hold a hockey stick as well as playing kit.
Hockey Protection
- Shin Guards – Shin guards provide protection to the shins where balls and sticks are very likely to impact. They also provide protection from other players shoes if a game is taking place outside, as these may have studs. Shin guards are available in a range of styles and colours.
- Mouthguard – These are essential for goalies but can be used by field players. Mouthguards are worn to protect the teeth from being chipped or removed as a result of direct impact. Protecting the teeth also protects the gums, tongue and lips from being injured broken teeth can cause cuts or bites in the rest of the mouth.
- Protective Shorts – Needed for goalies but can be used by field players. Protective shorts are an essential part of a hockey goalkeeper’s kit because they protect the hips and thighs. They feature large hip and thigh padding that wraps around to form an overall shield.
- Body Armour – Needed for goalies, but not required for field players. The abdomen and chest need to be shielded from the hockey ball, like the rest of the body. Body armour features soft padding on the inner layer and harder padding on the outer layer. It is worn on top of a compression top or base layer and is covered by a smock.
- Helmet/Mask – There are no regulations that require hockey players to wear full face masks, but hockey can be dangerous, and they can prevent serious injuries. There are a range of hockey masks that offer different levels of protection and styles. If a junior player is in goal, a hockey helmet may be the better option.
- Neck Guard – Needed for goalies, not required for field players. The throat is sensitive and should be protected against stray hockey balls. Neck guards are used to protect the throat and are made from plastic and foam which can be easily fitted and removed.
- Groin Protection – Needed for goalies, not required for field players. Even when wearing leg guards and protective shorts, the groin area does not have any extra protection. This part of the body is extremely sensitive and if a hockey ball impacts this area at speed it can cause damage.
- Leg Guards, Kickers & Hand Protectors – Needed for goalies, not required for field players. Leg guards, kickers and hand protectors can be purchased separately or together. However, when wearing them, they need to be the same make and style, so they fit together properly.