| Hockey is a high intensity and thoroughly rewarding | | | | Gloves and helmet round out the protective gear |
| sport to play. For the beginner player there is much | | | | that most players will wear. They too can be |
| to consider before taking it up as a hobby. For most | | | | expensive, but protecting against head and hand |
| who have never played before, the cost initially can | | | | injuries is a must in ice hockey. Most players will use a |
| be significant, as there is a plethora of equipment | | | | full face shield or cage to protect their face, but |
| that must be purchased before taking the ice. It is | | | | there is the option of also using a mouth guard. |
| also a very physical and difficult sport to master. | | | | Sticks are another must purchase. I personally always |
| As for equipment, your initial acquisitions should | | | | buy three sticks that are identical. Whether you |
| include the following items. I personally feel the single | | | | purchase wooden or composite sticks, they will |
| most important piece of equipment is a players | | | | break. Especially for beginners, having a similar stick |
| skates. They are your connection to the ice. Once | | | | to switch to will help with the learning process. A |
| you are on the ice in game action, you will quickly | | | | good sized hockey bag will hold it all and you can |
| see how important they are. Fit is the most | | | | purchase your favorite teams uniform jersey and |
| important feature. More expensive skates will be | | | | socks. |
| lighter and fit better, but buy what is in your price | | | | Now you are ready to play. Having played for |
| range and feels good. As you advance in your playing | | | | twenty-four years, it still amazes me how much |
| career, you can upgrade to better, more feature rich | | | | energy is expended in a 90 second 'shift'. The skill |
| skates. | | | | levels needed to skate and control the puck are also |
| The next gear to consider is your pads. There are | | | | amazingly difficult to master. Utilizing a good off-ice |
| shin guards, elbow pads, shoulder pads and hockey | | | | training program is a good idea if getting fit is a |
| pants with the pads built into them. I have often | | | | priority. Being fit off the ice will provide stamina on |
| seen people taking short cuts and skimping on pads. I | | | | the ice. Practice is also a must. In the years I have |
| would highly recommend against this. While the | | | | played, I took the greatest strides when the league I |
| individual pads don't need to cost a fortune, the | | | | was in had extra sessions for beginning adult players |
| protection they afford your exposed body parts is | | | | to learn the game and get some extra ice time. No |
| vital. One little tip to help these items last longer is to | | | | age is too old to take a lesson. After all, anything is |
| spray them with an antibacterial spray to keep | | | | more fun when you succeed and I can't think of |
| bacteria and thus odor in check. You must also wear | | | | many things more exciting than scoring a goal in a |
| a jock strap and protective cup for obvious reasons. | | | | real hockey game. |