Some of us were given hand-me-down sticks from an older sibling, but if given the choice, most players are pretty specific about what kind of stick they like and want.  It all comes down to the FEEL of the stick; ones ability to control the puck with ease and accuracy.  A hockey stick enables a player to puck-handle, pass, poke-check, shoot and score.  As you continue to develop as a player so does the knowledge of knowing which stick best suits you.

What kind of stick do you use?  Why did you choose it?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

Skates are what define and make the sport of hockey unique.  Purchasing the right hockey skates could be arguably the most important decision you’ll make when preparing for the up coming season.  Knowing which skate best suits you, your style of skating, level of experience and foot shape are all important components when buying your skates.

What kind of skates do you wear?  Why do you love them?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

“She has SICK hands”, a term often used to describe a players ability to maneuver around the oppositions players and goalie with ease.  Hockey gloves are made to protect these hands from sticks, pucks and skates.  Finding the right pair of hockey gloves that help you as oppose to limiting your movement or ability to shoot, pass and stick-handle can be challenging.  Be sure to get a pair that fit just right and allow for an unobstructed range of motion in your fingers while allowing you to grip your stick firmly and comfortably.

Tell us what kind of gloves you use?  What do you love most about them?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

If there is one thing that the game of hockey can guarantee those who play, it’s that everyone will fall and fall again.  When one falls, it’s natural to brace yourself with your elbows and hands.  Elbow pads not only protect your elbow, but they also give protection to your upper forearms and lower biceps and triceps.  They also protect you from other players who hook, slash, trip and check you.

What kind of elbow pads do you wear?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

Goalies wear some of the same basic equipment as every other player including hockey skates, hockey pants, socks, jills, gloves, stick and helmet. However, the goalie’s protective gear is manufactured specifically for her need for extra protection. Goaltenders also wear extra padding such as goalie leg pads, chest protectors and arm pads, neck protectors, a hockey mask, a blocking glove and a goalie glove. Many goalies will also wear even more goalie accessories under their equipment such as thigh guards, knee pads, toe caps, wrist guards and a hockey throat guard.

What brand of goalie equipment do you use?  What makes it unique?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

It is imperative that players protect their heads and wear an HECC, CSA & CE approved helmet. Ice hockey has evolved into one of the fastest team sports on the planet and the females who perfect this game continue to get bigger and stronger.  Because of this, concussions and head related injuries are more probable and safety needs to be at the forefront of players minds.

What type of helmet do you have?  Would you recommend it to a friend?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

A good pair of hockey pants are designed to protect your spine, tailbone, kidneys, thighs and hips.  Being made primarily of nylon/polyester with foam or cotton lining inside of them, hockey pants should be worn so that the bottom of the pant leg hits the top of your hockey shin guards.  The top of the hip and spine protectors should reach the bottom of the rib cage and protect the lower back. If possible, it’s best to try them on with shin guards to ensure the right size for you.

What kind of pants do you wear?  What made you buy them over another brand?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?

Many players will get slashed, block a shot or fall on their knees during a game.  Shin guards are designed to take the brunt of the damage and to protect your knees, shins and calves.  It’s important to properly measure the shin guards length so that they are not too long or short, which may cause difficulty in skating or poor protection.

What kind of shin guards do you own?  Have any advice for those looking to buy?