Hockey Gear Buying Guide (Junior & Senior)
How To Keep Your Wallet Out of the Penalty Box This Season
The Puck Drops Here!
Can you feel the excitement in the air? As the fall approaches and the cold winds begin to howl, every drop in the temperature brings us one degree closer to that much-anticipated first face-off! Whether you’re male or female, young or old, experienced or just getting started, the right to participate in this time-honoured rite is practically guaranteed by the Canadian constitution, so make sure you’re all geared up and ready to pounce on that puck when the ref blows the whistle.
There are so many ways to get into the action. From pick-up games at the neighborhood rink, to municipal leagues for juniors and seniors to corporate sponsored teams that will improve your esprit de corps in the office or factory, you won’t have any trouble getting some ice time, regardless of your level of accomplishment. With all of that lightning fast zipping back and forth from net to net, hockey provides an intense cardiovascular workout. It also sharpens reflexes to a razor’s edge, while promoting camaraderie and team spirit. Best of all, it’s fun!
Canadians may be born to love hockey, but participation in the sport does involve a fair bit of preparation. Unlike, say, basketball, you can’t just wander in off the street and take a shift on the ice. A good pair of skates is essential if you want to be able to lead that scoring rush – and a top notch stick could give you a crucial edge when you’re bearing down on the goalie. Last but not least, protective equipment (from helmets to shin guards) is vital in keeping the fun going. Hockey is a very safe sport for the properly prepared, but it can be quite hazardous for those who skimp on this all-important gear, so don’t do it. Forgoing a bit of padding might seem like a good cost-saving measure, but the best way to stay within your hockey budget this season is to make certain that you get the best possible deal on every precious piece. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you will find invaluable information about hockey equipment for players of all ages, genders and levels of expertise!
1. Hockey Skates
This is where the metal hits the ice. In order to achieve breakaway speed or race to the defence of your own goaltender, you need a pair of skates that will feel like an extension of your own body – and respond to every impulse generated by your keen hockey instincts. Ideally, your skates will have a razor-keen edge (and be made of material stern enough to endure many, many sharpening sessions) and be perfectly fitted to your feet (especially at the ankles and the toes).
A. If the Boot Fits... Wear It!
It is absolutely essential that you make certain to obtain the right size skate. Generally, your skate size will be in the same ballpark as your shoe size, but it’s always a great idea to try the skate on first before you buy. This does not mean that you cannot take advantage of the extraordinary online deals featured below – just take note of the models you want to buy and test them out in person before clicking your way to big savings.
In your quest for a skate that was made for your foot, it’s helpful to know that many hockey skate product lines have pronounced tendencies when it comes to fit. For example, Bauer’s Supreme line of skates are designed to accommodate feet of average width or better (with low to average instep fit). On the other hand, Bauer’s Vapor skates are made with narrower feet in mind (and they also feature higher insteps than Supreme skates). At the other end of the scale, Bauer’s Flexlite skates are wider than any other model currently on the market. Other manufacturers have similarly specific design styles. Mission skates tend to be narrower than Bauer skates, and have higher insteps. Easton and Nike are known for making wider-than-average skates, while CCM’s products tend to fit average-width feet best. Meanwhile, companies like RBK (Reebok) and Graf sell most of their models in a variety of boot widths, in order to provide a wider spectrum of choices to their customers.
B. Junior
Junior players can pick up a fine pair of Easton Stealth skates (with anatomical ankle padding that reduces the breaking-in period dramatically) for about $40. Ultra comfortable RBK 1K junior skates (with 3D heel cups for perfect foot seating) sell for as little as $50. For the narrow-footed forward or defenceman, Bauer Vapor models start at around $70 – and specialized Vapors for goalies cost around $130. Meanwhile, state-of-the art Graf Ultra junior skates (with superfast drying times, supremely comfortable anatomical footbed and availability in three different widths) sell for about $330.
C. Senior
Senior players can get on the ice with durable entry-level Easton Synergy skates for as little as $60! Senior Bauer Vapors (best for narrower feet) begin at around $80, while RBK 1K senior skates sell for about $10 more. Lightweight, speed-inducing CCM skates with maximum energy transfer are available for as little as $130, while a spectacular pair of Reebok 9K goalie skates (guaranteed to keep you steady in the crease) go for about $400.
2. Hockey Sticks
A hockey player is defenceless without his stick, so make sure you hit the ice armed with the best scoring weapon your money can buy. This is not a choice to make lightly, as modern manufacturers have spared no ingenuity in developing these signature tools of the sport to unprecedented levels of effectiveness. Among the most important factors to consider are: weight (determined mainly by the type of material used in the construction), flex (which tells you how many pounds of pressure you’ll need to apply in order to get the most out of your shots with that blade) and blade patterns (which should be chosen carefully to match your style of play).
A. Stick Material
Traditionally, hockey sticks were made of wood – and many fine sticks of this type remain on the market. However, a wide variety of other materials (beginning with fiberglass, and now including graphite, Kevlar and carbon fiber) have joined wooden sticks on the racks, and all of these offer the attractive benefit of greater durability and more lightweight construction. As you might expect, they also tend to cost a fair bit more than their wooden counterparts, but the enhanced performance might make that worth your while.
Another interesting option is the “two-piece stick” – often a wooden shaft fitted with a robust plastic blade (combining the comfort of an old-fashioned stick with an ultra-modern, highly impact resistant blade). However, the greatest trend today – amongst professional and amateur players of all types – is toward the adoption of the “composite” stick, a spectacularly durable and maneuverable one-piece made of Kevlar or carbon fiber. Keep in mind, too, that traditional wooden and fiberglass blades require more maintenance than carbon-based blades – you’ll have to remember to wax them before the game, in order to get the best out of the blade.
B. Flex
Flex rating denotes the amount of force (in pounds) you’ll have to apply to cause the blade to “flex” 1 inch (an achievement which adds incredible power to a shot). Experts recommend that players use blades with flex ratings equal to about half of their body weight (i.e. a 180 pound forward should use a 90 flex blade). Of course, this is merely a rule of thumb, and if you know that you can exert greater pressure, pound-for-pound, than an average player, you should get a stiffer stick – because “flexing” a rigid blade will generate a lot more power than performing the same feat with a comparatively supple stick.
C. Blade Pattern
Not all blades are created equal – and not all of them will work well with your own distinctive shot, so be sure to test out a blade type in person (preferably while wearing skates – or standing on a special box that simulates a skated stance) before buying! There are three main variables in blade construction (each of which could have a dramatic impact upon your effectiveness with the stick): the lie, the curve and the loft. The lie (expressed by a numerical value – generally between 4 and 7 – with higher numbers denoting a more upright stick) is probably the most important factor, because it will tell you whether your blade will meet the ice on a level when you’re taking aim.
Blade curves can range anywhere from .25” to .75” – and this, too, can have a serious effect upon your shot. Some players get a lot of mileage out of a wickedly curved blade, while others will only get tangled up by an extreme angle – only you can decide which pattern will amplify your game! Finally, the loft of the blade can range from “closed” to “very open” (with open loft blades more likely to help you to get a shot into the air). The ability to add a vertical aspect to your shooting game is crucial when you get near the net, but be careful, depending upon the idiosyncrasies of your shot, the most open blades might cause you to send every puck into the stands.
Blades used to be very specifically labeled by their lie, loft and curve characteristics, but today’s blade patterns tend to be named after specific high profile NHL players. This certainly adds a bit of glamour to the piece, but don’t fall into the trap of buying a blade named after your favourite star before trying it out – you might have a completely different playing style from your idol’s!
D. Junior
You can pick up a fine entry-level wooden hockey stick (with fiberglass reinforced wrap) from Bauer for as little as $20. If you’re interested in going the “two-piece” route, the combination of a sturdy Easton Stealth carbon/glass shaft (price: about $30) and a Warrior Johnson ($35) or a Bauer Supreme One ($35) blade will cost you less than $70. Meanwhile, an Easton Synergy composite stick with a Kevlar wrapped blade (designed to cushion impact and dampen damaging vibration) sells for as little as $70!
E. Senior
Senior players can purchase a robust 2K wooden hockey stick (with an ABS plastic blade and long-lasting glossy finish) for as little as $25. A supremely durable Warrior Johnson shaft with 5-skin impact protection (price: about $90) can be combined with a wide assortment of Bauer, Sher-Wood, Reebok or Warrior blades in the $45 to $55 range to create a spectacularly effective 2-piece stick for less than $150. Meanwhile, Easton, CCM, Reebok, Sher-Wood and Warrior all offer extraordinary carbon composite sticks for less than $130!
3. Hockey Helmets
Hockey sometimes gets a bad rap based on the ungentlemanly conduct of certain NHL “enforcers” – but although there shouldn’t be any fights in your (or your children’s) games, that doesn’t mean that safety isn’t a matter of paramount concern. Fortunately, you can eliminate the most dangerous consequences of a fall on the ice or the effects of an errant slap shot with a sturdy helmet.
A. Junior
You can pick up an excellent junior helmet from Bauer with dual density foam and dual ridge crown protection (not to mention integrated ear covers) for as little as $40. If you’re looking to add crucial face protection to the mix, an aerodynamic CCM Vector model with frontal wire cage sells for about $60 - and adds far more than $20’s worth of peace of mind! And for the ultimate in protective headwear, a triple density Bauer 7500 helmet (which even includes MICROBAN antibacterial features) checks in at about $120.
B. Senior
Senior hockey players can get their heads geared for the game for as little as $40, with a dual-density cellflex foam Bauer 1500 model. To keep your face free from harm, combine a basic helmet with a highly resistant and completely transparent polycarbonate shield from Itech for about $46. Or deal with a little visual obstruction and purchase a Bauer 2100 dual density helmet and face mask combo for a mere $60. Or, to lighten your load on the ice, try an aerodynamic Reebok 5k helmet mask combo that gives you a fantastic balance of protection, lightweight construction and superior ventilation (along with a super comfortable ergonomic chin cup) for about $120.
4. Hockey Shoulder Pads
In case of a collision (with another player or the boards), good shoulder pads offer the first line of defense against painful injuries like a separated shoulder or broken ribs. So wrap your torso in protection you can count on from trusted manufacturers like Easton Sports, Reebok, Warrior, Bauer, CCM or Graf!
A. Junior
Juniors can pick up splendid Easton Synergy Xtreme pads (with rib wrap technology to protect your entire torso) for as little as $22. For even greater comfort and protection, try Bauer Poly-Reinforced shoulder pads (with segmented back and chest poly inserts and velcro closures) for about $40. And for the ultimate in high density protection (designed for juniors in grade 8 or 9), CCM offers free-flex constructed pads with vector dry antimicrobial liners for as little as $80!
B. Senior
Senior players can get just about everything they need with anatomically fitted Reebok 3k pads that sell for about $25. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, Easton Synergy pads (with floating chest and spine protector plats) and Nike Bauer Supreme models with poly-reinforced bicep guards and a removable abdominal protection pad each sell for less than $50. Meanwhile, today’s high tech ice knight can opt to go with state-of-the-art Easton Stealth pad/armor (price: about $150) that will give you the maximum protection while leaving you as free as possible to get the drop on your opponents!
Under Shirts
5. Hockey Gloves
Hockey gloves offer crucial protection from harm and can help to reinforce your grip on the stick when you get into a sticky situation, so invest in the best from Bauer, CCM, Warrior, Easton Sports or Reebok.
A. Junior
Junior players can pick up a serviceable pair of Winniwell gloves with high density foam inserts and reinforced palm grip for about $18! For about $10 more, Easton Sports offers gloves with Wrist Wrap II design that offers increased protection for vulnerable wrists and rugged micro-fiber construction. Meanwhile, Warrior Surge gloves (price: about $85) provide maximum mobility with their form-fitting design, three-piece trigger fingers and segmented blooming cuffs.
B. Senior
Cost-conscious senior players can pick up excellent VIC Crossfire gloves (with 2 piece trigger finger design and a nylon outer shell) for as little as $30. For just $10 to $15 more, you can get even better hand and wrist protection and manual flexibility from WinnWell Prostock (price: $40), Easton Stealth S6 ($40) or Bauer Supreme One ($45) gloves. At the other end of the spectrum, top-of-the-line gloves like Warrior’s Franchise model (featuring premium Tufftek polyurethane covering to maximize durability and flexibility) or Reebok’s 11K KFS gloves (with integrated backhand padding and strong, supple reinforced Clarino palms) will cost you just under $200.
6. Hockey Elbow Pads
Nothing hurts more than an elbow slammed onto the ice or into the boards, so protect those valuable joints with perfect padding from brand names like Bauer, CCM, Reebok, Easton Sports or Sher-Wood.
A. Junior
Juniors can provide themselves with the bare minimum of protection for as little as $5 to $7, by purchasing entry-level models from Sher-Wood or Nike Bauer. If you want to get a bit more serious about safety (not to mention maximize your mobility on the ice), comfortable Easton Synergy pads (with a dual retention strap system and corrugated poly caps that cause the force of impact to disperse away from the delicate joint area) sell for about $22. And if you want truly elite elbow protection, Reebok 9K pads (price: about $70) with NHL-quality elbow cap bumpers and state-of-the-art arm sleeves are tough to beat!
B. Senior
Senior competitors can grab basic soft elbow pads from DR for as little as $8! For extra support, Bauer offers dense pads with polyurethane inserts for about $24. And for an admirable combination of protection and flexible, lightweight construction, segmented Bauer One or Easton Synergy pads sell for between $35 and $40. Beyond that level, Easton Stealth pads with high density coverage, sure-fit x-strap system and six air vents to prevent overheating will shield your elbows at virtually no cost to your range of motion for about $100.
7. Hockey Pants
Hockey pants might not be the first item of equipment you think of when your mind turns to the rink, but they provide an absolutely crucial piece of the championship puzzle. Ideally, your pants will be water-resistant, easy to breathe in and lightweight enough to help you, rather than hinder you, as you zip from blue line to blue line! Among the top manufacturers of these vital items are: Bauer, Easton Sports, CCM, Reebok, Warrior and VIC.
A. Junior
Junior players can pick up fine nylon pants from VIC with a very breathable mesh liner and crucial tailbone and spine protection for as little as $30. In the $40 to $50 range, you’ll find an extraordinary assortment of Easton Stealth, Reebok Crosby, Bauer Supreme ONE and Bauer Vapor models, each of which comes with its own special protective features and flexibility-boosting design elements. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art pants like Reebok’s 9K models (with molded spin protector, hip-saving impact dispersing caps and adjustable zipper length) sell for about $120.
B. Senior
Senior players can also take advantage of a special offer on VIC Crossfire pants that brings their price down to about $30. A huge selection of Easton Synergy, Bauer Supreme ONE, CCM, Easton Stealth, Bauer Vapor and Warrior Syko pants sell in the $50 to $70 – and each of these items offers increased protection in tandem with aerodynamic and lightweight construction. Top of the line pants from CCM, Easton, Reebok and Bauer retail in the $160 to $190 range, and provide extraordinary features like molded tailbone and spine protection, anti-microbial liners, high density foam kidney protectors and maximum abrasion protection.
8. Hockey Shin Guards
When the sticks and the pucks are flying, your shins are particularly vulnerable to damage, so close that injurious loophole with the best protective gear from the likes of Bauer, Reebok, CCM, Warrior, Easton Sports and DR.
A. Junior
Young players can pick up basic shin protection with entry-level models from Reebok, Easton, Sher-Wood or CCM for less than $20!.For even greater security, consider Easton Synergy Xtreme pads (price: about $37), which provide thicker knee foam, ergonomic design and angled kneecaps to give you much better mobility on the ice. And state-of-the-art junior shin protection can be yours for about $90, when you purchase Reebok 9K pads (with extraordinary features designed to save you from hyper-extending your knee, removable shot guards to protect your thighs from high-velocity pucks and specially molded multi-arch shin caps that disperse impact on the shins better than any other pad on the market).
B. Senior
Senior players can keep their shins safe for less than $30 with Easton Synergy Xtreme or entry-level DR, Winnwell or Cooper pads. For a little extra piece of mind when the ice action heats up, consider CCM pads with comfort liners, specially vented anatomical shells and extended side knee coverage for less than $40. And for the optimal protective experience, try Easton’s top Stealth model pads, with ergonomic shin cradles and special calf and knee lock features to ensure that your shin pads are always in exactly the right place when you need them to absorb the impact.
9. Hockey Goalie Equipment
As the goaltender, the whole team is depending upon you to keep the opposition off the scoreboard, so make sure you can depend upon your equipment to do the same. Among the most important manufacturers of specialized sticks, gloves, masks and pads for net minders are: Reebok, Bauer, Vaughn, Warrior, DR and Itech. Each of these companies can be trusted to give you the edge you need when you’re facing down a sharpshooting left winger or a determined power play!
A. Junior
Junior goalie sticks range from about $50 (for a Reebok 6k model) all the way up to $130 (for an ergonomic Bauer Supreme ONE model with increased tactile control at the shoulder and optimized stiffness). A powerful set of pads can be your greatest ally against the red light (not to mention injury). These vital items sell for anywhere from $160 (for entry-level pads from Vaughn) to $440 (for top of the line Vaughn Velocity models which provide full knee and leg cradles, inner edge balance stabilizers and flex-pac stuffing designed to keep dangerous rebounds to a minimum). Itech’s stalwart 1200 goalie mask (with a special design that facilitates peripheral vision) sells for about $112. This means that, all told, you can assemble a complete junior goalie outfit for anywhere from $320 to around $700, depending upon your budget and specific requirements.
B. Senior
Senior goalies can stick it to the competition with sticks that range from about $45 (for a basic Sher-Wood model) to $260 (for Reebok’s top of the line 11k model). Senior pads are pretty big ticket items, ranging from $460 (for Reebok Premier 9k models) to a whopping $1600 (for Vaughn’s celebrated pre-curved Vision pads with square top corners to give you the best possible chance of keeping those shots at bay). And unless you want to emulate Jacques Plante (not that any actual league would allow such a thing), you’ll need an excellent goalie’s mask that will protect your face without obscuring your vision. These crucial items range from about $160 (for a Bauer Profile model) all the way up to $400 (for Bauer’s state-of-the-art mask). All together, your senior goalie’s outfit might cost you anywhere from $660 to nearly $2300, so make sure you’ve got the budget for that equipment before you try out for the position!
10. Hockey Bags
Once you’ve assembled your dream hockey gear package, make sure you’ve got a proper transportation system in place to get it to the game. You can get a velcro-handled, double-zippered bag from Tracker for as little as $15. If you’re looking for something a little more capacious (and convenient), a Reebok 40” wheeled bag (with reinforced retractable handle cart) will fit the bill admirably for about $65. Meanwhile, to accommodate a goalie’s more extensive kit with features like separate helmet and pad shelves, along with advanced air dry design, a Grit Sumo tower bag (price: $300) could be just what you need!
11. Other Hockey Equipment
A. Hockey Nets
If you’re organizing your own friendly neighborhood game, you’ll need a pair of nets. You can pick up full-sized 60” steel nets from Canadian Tire for a little as $75. A durable junior-sized (54”) metal net from Sport Chek sells for about $80. And a heavy duty 72” steel net with 10,000D polyester mesh netting from Hockey Canada will cost you about $100.
B. Hockey Pucks
You can’t accomplish much on the ice without a puck, so make certain that your game is well-provisioned with the little disks that make the game go around! You can pick up official Sher-Wood 6oz. pucks for as little $1 a piece. Special 10 oz. pucks from the same company will set you back about $1.69, while spongy or lightweight practice pucks will cost you a bit more than $2. Fan-flavoured pucks emblazoned with the team logos of NHL franchises like the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators sell for about $4.49 at Canadian Tire. And for the best value, pick up a bucket of a dozen pucks for less than $10 at Canadian Tire.
C. Hockey Tape
Absolutely crucial for improving your grip on the handle of your stick, every player should have a roll or two of hockey tape on hand at all times. You can pick up a classic pack of white 3M hockey tape for as little as $2.99. Special polyflex shin pad tape from Renfrew sells for as little as $3.49. And to get the most for your buck, grab a 4-pack of clear tape from Canadian Tire for less than $4 (black or white 4-packs sell for $5.39).
D. Water Bottles
Stay hydrated in the heat of the action with 600 ml or 1 litre spouted water bottles from Sport Chek or Hockey Experts for less than $3. Or buy a round of bottles (together with a 6-bottle carrying case) for the team for as little as $25 at Canadian Tire.
E. Equipment Hangers for Storage
It’s not a good idea to leave your equipment to fester in your hockey bag after a game. In order to keep that valuable gear in top form, you need an air dryer/storage system. You can pick up a basic stand-up drying rack from Linwood for as little as $35. And to save floor space, consider the amazingly durable “Octopus” ceiling hanger (made of ABS plastic and high grade bungee cord) from Pro Hockey, which sells for about $50.
12. Women’s Hockey Gear
A. Skates
Female hockey enthusiasts can glide out onto the ice for as little as $80, with Nike’s basic women’s recreational skates. And if you’re looking for something a little sturdier to keep ahead of the game, consider Bauer’s Fast Women’s Recreational Skates, which come with technical molded performance mesh, special comfort foam inserts to guard your metatarsal region and strong lace lock ankle support design, all for about $130!
B. Protective Gear
A female forward (or defencewoman) can assemble a sturdy, supple hockey ensemble for less than $250 by combining $100 Bauer Vapor pants (packed with security features), $80 Bauer Supreme ONE shoulder pads specially contoured to support and fit a woman’s body, and basic gloves, shin and elbow pads as described in the appropriate sections above.
Go On a Purchasing Power Play!
Now that you’re armed with all of this crucial information, you should have no trouble taking the offensive when it comes to gearing up for the coming hockey season. A prepared shopper is guaranteed to win more bargain battles than he or she loses, so take aim on exactly the kind of equipment you’ll need to dominate your league and prepare to score spectacular deals. And even if you do have to spend a pretty penny on a few of these items (especially if you’re a goalie), remember that high costs equal durable construction and admirable longevity. That means you can count on having these items for years to come – and you know hockey isn’t going out of style in the land of the “true north strong and free”!
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