Gear Up Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on Hockey Equipment

Getting ready to hit the ice? Putting on hockey equipment properly is crucial for both your safety and your performance. Ill-fitting gear can hinder your mobility, leave you vulnerable to injury, and frankly, just be plain uncomfortable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you’re ready to dominate the rink with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned player or lacing up for the first time, mastering this routine is essential.

## Before You Begin: Gather Your Arsenal

Before you even think about stepping into your gear, make sure you have everything you need. This includes:

* **Base Layer:** Moisture-wicking long underwear (top and bottom) is highly recommended. Cotton should be avoided as it retains sweat and can make you cold and uncomfortable.
* **Jock/Jill (Protective Cup):** Absolutely essential for protecting your sensitive areas.
* **Hockey Socks:** Long, seamless socks specifically designed to hold your shin pads in place. Don’t use regular athletic socks.
* **Shin Pads:** Protect your shins from impacts. Ensure they fit properly, covering from just below the knee to the top of your skate.
* **Hockey Pants:** Padded pants that protect your hips, thighs, and tailbone.
* **Skates:** The foundation of your game! Make sure they are properly fitted and sharpened.
* **Shoulder Pads:** Protect your shoulders, chest, and upper back.
* **Elbow Pads:** Protect your elbows from impacts and slashes.
* **Jersey:** Your team’s colors! (or a practice jersey if you’re just skating around).
* **Gloves:** Protect your hands and wrists.
* **Helmet:** The most important piece of equipment. Ensure it fits snugly and is certified by a reputable organization (e.g., CSA, HECC).
* **Neck Guard (Optional but Recommended):** Provides extra protection for your neck from skate blades.
* **Mouthguard (Optional but Highly Recommended):** Protects your teeth and reduces the risk of concussion.
* **Skate Towel:** For drying your skate blades after use.
* **Gear Bag:** To transport everything to and from the rink.

**A Note on Fit:** Proper fit is PARAMOUNT. Too loose, and the gear won’t protect you effectively. Too tight, and it will restrict your movement and cause discomfort. If you’re unsure about sizing, visit a reputable hockey equipment retailer and get professionally fitted. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

## Step-by-Step Guide: Donning Your Hockey Equipment

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps in order for the most efficient and comfortable gear-up process:

**Step 1: Base Layer and Jock/Jill**

* **Base Layer:** Put on your moisture-wicking long underwear (top and bottom). This will help regulate your body temperature and keep you dry.
* **Jock/Jill:** Put on your protective cup. Ensure it fits comfortably and securely. Some compression shorts have a built-in cup holder. Make sure the cup is properly seated within the holder. Many players find it more comfortable to wear the jock/jill *under* the base layer bottoms, but personal preference reigns supreme.

**Step 2: Hockey Socks**

* Pull your hockey socks up to just below your knees. They should be smooth and free of wrinkles to avoid chafing.

**Step 3: Shin Pads**

* **Placement:** Position the shin pad so that the knee pocket (the indentation in the pad) sits directly over your kneecap. The bottom of the pad should extend to the top of your skate boot, and the top should reach just below your knee.
* **Strapping:** Secure the shin pad straps. Start with the strap closest to your knee and work your way down. The straps should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a comfortable range of motion. Over-tightening can restrict circulation.
* **Sock Overlap:** Fold the top of your hockey socks down over the top of the shin pads to secure them in place. Use hockey tape (clear or colored) around the sock, just below the knee, to further secure the shin pad and sock. Wrap the tape tightly enough to hold, but not so tight that it restricts blood flow.

**Step 4: Skates**

* **Lacing:** Loosen the laces of your skates completely. This will make it easier to slide your foot in.
* **Foot Placement:** Slide your foot into the skate, ensuring your heel is firmly seated in the back of the boot. Wear thin socks designed for hockey skates for the best fit and moisture management. Avoid thick socks, as they can bunch up and cause blisters.
* **Tightening (Lower Foot):** Begin tightening the laces from the bottom up. Focus on the lower part of the skate (around the ankle) first. Tighten the laces firmly but not so tightly that you cut off circulation. The goal is to secure your heel and ankle in place to prevent slippage.
* **Tightening (Upper Ankle):** As you move up the laces towards the ankle, tighten them a bit more snugly. This provides stability and support for your ankle joint, which is crucial for skating performance.
* **Lace Lock (Optional):** Many skates have a lace lock or eyelet that allows you to tighten the lower part of the skate separately from the upper part. Use this to customize the fit to your preference.
* **Tightening (Upper Skate):** At the top of the skate, tighten the laces to provide support and stability to your lower leg. The tightness here is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer a tighter fit for more support, while others prefer a looser fit for more flexibility.
* **Lace Tucking/Wrapping:** Once the laces are tightened, tuck the ends of the laces inside the skate boot or wrap them around your ankle and tie them in the back. This prevents them from getting caught on anything and causing you to trip.
* **Skate Blade Covers (During breaks):** When you are off the ice during a break, put skate blade covers on so you don’t damage your blades on the ground.

**Step 5: Hockey Pants**

* **Putting them on:** Step into your hockey pants and pull them up. The pants should sit comfortably at your waist, covering your hips, thighs, and tailbone.
* **Fastening:** Fasten the belt or any other closure mechanism on your hockey pants. Make sure the pants are snug but not too tight. You should be able to move freely without feeling restricted.
* **Suspenders (Optional):** If your pants have suspender loops, you can attach suspenders for added security. Suspenders can help keep your pants from sliding down during play.

**Step 6: Shoulder Pads**

* **Putting them on:** Put on your shoulder pads like a vest or jacket. Slide your arms through the armholes and adjust the pads so they sit comfortably on your shoulders.
* **Fastening:** Fasten the straps or closures on your shoulder pads. The pads should fit snugly and provide full coverage of your shoulders, chest, and upper back. Make sure you have a full range of motion.

**Step 7: Elbow Pads**

* **Placement:** Slide your elbow pads onto your arms, ensuring that the elbow joint is centered within the pad’s protective cup. The pads should cover your elbow and extend a few inches up your forearm and bicep.
* **Strapping:** Fasten the straps on your elbow pads. The straps should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a comfortable range of motion. Over-tightening can restrict circulation.
* **Under or Over?**: Some players wear their elbow pads under their jersey, while others wear them over. It’s a matter of personal preference. Wearing them under the jersey provides a more streamlined fit, while wearing them over the jersey offers more protection.

**Step 8: Jersey**

* **Putting it on:** Put on your hockey jersey over your shoulder and elbow pads. Make sure the jersey fits comfortably and allows for a full range of motion. A proper fitting jersey should reach the waist of your hockey pants.

**Step 9: Gloves**

* **Putting them on:** Slide your hands into your hockey gloves. The gloves should fit snugly and provide full coverage of your hands and wrists.
* **Grip:** Make a fist to ensure that you have a good grip on your stick. The gloves should not be too tight, as this can restrict your movement and cause discomfort. Also, the gloves should not be too loose, as this can compromise your grip and control.

**Step 10: Helmet**

* **Putting it on:** Place the helmet on your head, ensuring that it sits level and covers your forehead, temples, and back of your head. A properly fitted helmet is crucial for protecting your head from injury.
* **Adjusting the Fit:** Adjust the straps or closures on your helmet to ensure a snug and secure fit. The helmet should not move around on your head when you shake it.
* **Chin Strap:** Fasten the chin strap of your helmet. The chin strap should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin. *Never* skate without a properly fastened chin strap. This is a critical safety measure.
* **Certification:** Ensure your helmet is certified by a reputable organization (e.g., CSA, HECC). This certification indicates that the helmet meets specific safety standards.

**Step 11: Neck Guard (Optional but Recommended)**

* **Putting it on:** Place the neck guard around your neck and fasten the closure. The neck guard should fit snugly and provide coverage of your neck and throat.

**Step 12: Mouthguard (Optional but Highly Recommended)**

* **Placement:** Place the mouthguard in your mouth, ensuring that it fits comfortably and securely. A mouthguard can protect your teeth and reduce the risk of concussion.
* **Custom Fit (Optional):** You can purchase a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist for a more comfortable and secure fit.

## Final Checks and Adjustments

Before you step onto the ice, take a moment to double-check your equipment:

* **Mobility:** Make sure you can move freely and comfortably in your gear. You should be able to skate, turn, and shoot without feeling restricted.
* **Coverage:** Ensure that all of your body is adequately protected by your equipment. There should be no gaps or exposed areas.
* **Straps and Closures:** Double-check that all of your straps and closures are securely fastened.
* **Helmet Fit:** Give your helmet a shake to make sure it stays in place. If it moves around, readjust the straps.

## Tips for Comfort and Performance

* **Break in your gear:** New equipment can sometimes feel stiff and uncomfortable. Wear your gear around the house for a few hours before your first skate to help break it in.
* **Keep your gear clean:** Sweat and bacteria can accumulate in your equipment, leading to odors and skin irritation. Wash your gear regularly with a mild detergent and allow it to air dry completely.
* **Store your gear properly:** Store your gear in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth. Avoid leaving your gear in your bag for extended periods of time.
* **Listen to your body:** If you experience any pain or discomfort while wearing your gear, stop and adjust it. Don’t try to push through pain, as this can lead to injury.
* **Practice:** The more you practice putting on your equipment, the faster and more efficient you’ll become.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Shin Pads Slipping:** Make sure your shin pads are properly positioned and that the straps are snug. Use hockey tape to further secure them in place.
* **Skates Feeling Loose:** Tighten your skate laces more firmly, especially around the ankle. Consider using a lace lock to customize the fit.
* **Shoulder Pads Restricting Movement:** Loosen the straps on your shoulder pads slightly. Make sure the pads are not too tight.
* **Elbow Pads Slipping:** Make sure your elbow pads are properly positioned and that the straps are snug. Consider wearing a compression sleeve under your elbow pads to help keep them in place.
* **Helmet Feeling Uncomfortable:** Adjust the straps on your helmet to achieve a more comfortable fit. If the helmet is still uncomfortable, it may be the wrong size.

## Final Thoughts

Putting on hockey equipment may seem daunting at first, but with practice and attention to detail, it will become second nature. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that you’re properly protected and ready to perform your best on the ice. Remember, safety is always the top priority! Now, get out there and have some fun!