Gear
Hockey gear looks like a huge, expensive wall of stuff. It doesn't have to be. Most of it can be bought used, sizing matters more than brand, and a new skater does not need top-of-the-line anything.
Work down this page in order and you'll know exactly what to get and what to skip.
Full Checklist
Never forget something again
We made a game-day checklist you can print, laminate, and zip-tie right to your player's bag. Before you leave the house, run down the list, every piece of gear, top to bottom. It takes ten seconds and saves the drive back home for the mouthguard you forgot. Especially handy for younger players learning to pack their own bag.
Buying Smart
The idea that hockey gear has to cost a fortune is mostly a myth. USA Hockey's own equipment guidance for parents boils down to a few things worth keeping in mind:
Fit beats "room to grow"
- The most common mistake is buying big so it lasts. Skates two sizes too big stop a new skater from learning to stop and balance, and an oversized helmet won't protect the head in a fall. Buy for today's fit.
Spend where it matters
- Good elbow pads and gloves are worth it, new skaters fall backward onto elbows and put hands down on the ice constantly. Helmets should fit properly and be in good shape.
Try gear on when you can
- A proper in-person fitting is ideal, especially for that first skate purchase, but that's not always possible. If you can't get to the full shops, use the online sizing charts, measure carefully at home and lean on other Yeti families.
Used gear is generally fine
- Beginners often perform just as well in quality used gear, sometimes better, since used skates are already broken in. Pants, shoulder pads, shin pads, and elbow pads are all great secondhand. Just check that protection isn't worn out.
Start with base models
- A beginner can't take advantage of high-end gear yet. As USA Hockey puts it, the stick doesn't make the player. Start basic, upgrade once you know they're hooked.
Where to buy
New, Online
- Pure Hockey
- Hockey Monkey
- Ice Warehouse
- Bauer
- CCM
New, In person
- Pure Hockey
- Centre Ice Hockey
Used, Online
- Play it Again Sports
- SLVYHA Yeti Gear Swap
- Our own community swap on FB
- Reach out to the equipment manger for more info.
- Facebook Marketplace
Used, In Person
- Play it again Sports
The Smell (yes, really)
NOBODY WARNS YOU ABOUT THIS!
Hockey gear gets ripe fast, and if you leave it zipped in the bag it will take over your car and garage. The fix is simple: air it out after every skate. Pull the gear out of the bag and let it dry, don't leave it sealed up wet. That one habit prevents 90% of the legendary hockey funk.