Hockey Equipment Checklist and sizing

Being headquartered in Bend, OR. The Simpson Pavilion ice arena grand opening is right around the corner (late December 2015). That means there will be many new players to the game. For those new to the game in Central Oregon; as well as, around the world, welcome to the coolest sport on earth. 

Here is a brief checklist of items you will need:

• Helmet: Must be HECC certified (youth players must have a cage or shield and mouth guard): To determine head size, wrap a soft measuring tape around your head, just above the eyebrows and ears. Ensure the tape measure remains level from front to back. Helmet sizes vary by manufacturer, please visit our product pages that will provide manufacturer sizing charts. The helmet should fit snug all around the head, with no spaces between pads and your head. The helmet should not sit too high or too low on the head, it should fit flat on the head, with about one finger width above the eyebrow. When wearing a cage/face shield, it should be no more than one inch from your face and the chincup should be snug.
• Shoulder Pads: Measure around the chest just below the armpits. Match the chest size to the manufacturer's sizing guide (listed on the product page) to correctly choose the proper size. The bicep pads should not interfere with the elbow pads. Take into consideration the level of play for the proper protection (beginner, checking, etc.)
• Elbow Pads: Please visit the manufacturer's sizing guide on the product pages. Note that the fit should be snug enough to stay in place during play, but should not restrict mobility. The forearm portion should meet the cuff of your glove and the bicep should meet the shoulder pad bicep.
• Gloves: Hockey Gloves are usually measures in full inches (occasionally half). The sizing length is measuring from the bend in your inner elbow to the base of your fingers.
• Jock: Jocks are sized similar to your shorts size. Please refer to any manufacturer sizing guides offered on product pages.
• Hockey Pants/Girdle: Please refer to any manufacturer's sizing guides offered on product pages. Hockey Pants can be offered in S-XL sizes or numerical European waist sizes quite often (if so, a conversion chart will be provided on the product page). Several manufacturers also offer "Tall" variations that are typically 2" - 3" longer than standard lengths.
• Shin Guards: Shin guards are measured from the center of your kneecap to the top of your skate/foot while sitting down. Please refer to manufacturer's sizing guidelines offered on product pages.
• Skates: Never buy skates larger to grow into, proper fit is key. Most skates are Canadian size and run 1.5 sizes larger than U.S. shoe sizing. For example, if you wear size 9 shoe, in most cases your skate size will be a 7.5. Pay attention to widths if you have a wide foot. Standard width is D and wide can vary from E to EEE, depending on the manufacturer. Please visit our product pages with manufacturer sizing charts, as some can run above or below the typical Canada to U.S. sizing.
• Socks: Hockey Socks come in various sizes depending on height and age. 14-18" sizes are usually for youth ages, while 22"-24" are for juniors and 28"-32" are for adults.