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Harding Madison Ice Hockey Association
HMIHA
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 My Site News: Guidelines for fitting hockey equipment |
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Monday, June 16
Guidelines for fitting hockey equipment
Two articles with info useful for fitting hockey equipment for our growing boys & girls!
ARTICLE #1: HOCKEY EQUIPMENT FIT GUIDE:
SKATES:
Skates are one of the most important things a hockey player can buy. Ice skates normally fit 1 to 1 1/2 sizes smaller than your shoe sizes. Skates should be tried on while you are wearing the socks that you plan to skate in. Unlace the skate far enough to allow your foot to slide in easily. Push your foot toward the front of the skate until your big toe just touches the end of the toe cap. You should be able to fit one finger between the back of your foot and the heel of the skate. This is a good starting point. Next, force your foot to the heel of the skate by kicking it on the floor. Lace up the skate. For a proper fit, your big toe should be able to just barely touch the toe cap.
When sizing skates for younger players, you can go up 1/2 size to accommodate growth, but be careful not to buy the skates too big. A skate that is too big is not supported by the foot, and will cause blisters and premature breakdown.
Skate Break-in & Care
A good, clean way to break in skates is to lace them up at home. If you do this for a few hours it should help your feet feel better when you first skate. Be sure to wear skate guards around the house.
After skating, be sure to remove the skate's footbed to allow the boot to dry.
Skate blades can rust if not properly cared for. After skating, wipe all water off of your skate blades, and cover them with "soakers" or cloth skate guards.
HELMENTS:
The areas to consider when choosing a helmet are protection, comfort and fit. You should always look for equipment that feels comfortable. Although most helmets are lined with a protective foam, some do feel better than others. The helmet should be adjusted to fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap is adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened.
Hockey rules may require that you wear CSA and HECC certified helmets. Check the rules by which you play for the requirements. All CSA and HECC certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification. Open your helmet to it’s largest setting and on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow. Gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved.
HELMENT STANDARDS:
Large (Senior): 14 years and up, Circumference of head: 22"- 23 7/8"
Medium: 8 to 14 years, Circumference of head: 21 5/8"- 22 3/8"
Small (Junior): up to 8 years, Circumference of head: 20 1/8"- 22"
GLOVES:
The main concern with the fit of a glove is making sure the gap between the glove and the elbow pad is minimal. The tightness or looseness of a glove is an individual preference. The tip of the fingers should not go completely to the end of the glove. Gloves that are too small will tear and wear out faster than a proper fitting glove.
Put on your elbow pads. Hold your arm and hand outstretched. Measure the distance between the tips of your fingers and the bottom of your elbow pad.
The sizing may vary by manufacturer, but the table below can be used to help you select the right size:
Glove Size Length
(inches) Length
(centimeters)
Adult Large 15 38
Adult Medium 14 35
Adult Small 13 33
GLOVES STANDARDS:
Junior: 9”-11” · Intermediate: 12”-13” · Senior: 14”-15”
ELBOW PADS:
The players elbow should fit comfortable into the center of the elbow pad cup. Also, a good elbow pad will provide forearm protection which extends down to the cuff of the player's hockey glove. Elbow pads that are loose will move around and not provide adequate protection. Use the table below for reference:
Sizes Height
Youth Up to 4' 0"
XXS 4' 0" - 4' 10"
XS 4' 10" - 5' 6"
S 5' 4" - 6' 0"
M 5' 8" - 6' 4"
L 6' 0" +
SHIN PADS:
A player's kneecap should fit directly into the center of the kneecap cup of the shin pad. The shin pad should then extend down the full length of the lower leg. It's important to make sure the shin pad isn't too long. If so, the skate would push it up and out of position.
To select a size, bend your leg at a 90 degree angle and measure the length of your shin from the center of your kneecap to the top of your skate boot.
SHIN PAD STANDARDS:
Child: 7 ½” · Youth: 8 ½” to 10 ½” · Junior: 12” to 13” · Senior: 14” to 17”
PANTS:
While the fit should be loose and comfortable the pants should have the ability to be secured firmly by a belt around the waist. Approximately 90% of all players will be able to use their waist size as their guide for choosing the correct size pant. The bottom of the pants need to overlap the top of the shin pad kneecaps by 1 or 2 inches.
SHOULDER PADS:
It is very important that the center of the player's shoulder lines up directly with the center of the shoulder caps. Good shoulder pads will provide protection for the collar bone, chest, ribs, back and upper arms. Shoulder pads that are too big will slip off of the shoulder and not provide adequate protection.
To select a size, measure the circumference of your chest by wrapping a tape measure around your chest just under your armpits.
The sizing varies by manufacturer, but the table below can be used as reference to help you select the right size:
Shoulder Pad Size Length
(inches) Length
(centimeters)
Adult XXL 44-48 111-121
Adult XL 42-46 105-115
Adult Large 40-43 99-109
Adult Medium 37-41 93-103
Adult Small 35-39 87-97
Adult XS 32-36 80-90
Child Medium 30-34 74-84
Child Small 28-32 69-79
Child XS 25-29 62-72
Child XXS 22-26 55-65
STICKS:
A good way to measure your stick is to stand, without skates in your stocking feet, on a flat surface. Place the toe of your stick on the ground between your feet. Lean the stick straight up-and-down so the handle of the stick touches the tip of your nose. A general rule is to mark and cut the handle of your stick where it touches the tip of your nose. When standing on your skates, most players like their sticks to reach somewhere between the chin and nose. The stick may need to be cut shorter once the player has had the opportunity to shoot and stick handle with it.
ARTICLE #2:
Guide to Fitting Hockey Equipment
When purchasing hockey equipment, the most important aspect to consider is that the equipment is properly fitted. When equipment is not suitably fitted, the player is exposed to injury.
This guide is intended to be used by parents, coaches, trainers, and players when selecting appropriate protective equipment before stepping on the ice. The information contained herein should only be used as a guideline when purchasing hockey equipment.
Three important factors should be stressed when evaluating hockey equipment: A. that the equipment is in proper condition, B. that the equipment is properly maintained throughout its life span and C. that the equipment fits properly.
A./ If any piece of equipment is cracked or is structurally unsound, it should be replaced immediately or properly repaired by a professional. Equipment should be inspected often so that all breaks can be recognized immediately and properly attended to.
B./ All equipment should be hung to dry after every game or practice. This reduces deterioration in the equipment’s structure and quality. Skate blades and holders should be completely dried immediately after every game or practice. This will prevent deterioration of the blade. Proper maintenance involves examining all equipment frequently throughout its life span.
C./ Equipment should cover the entire area of the body that it is meant to cover. Equipment should never be bought to grow into. This leaves the player at risk of serious injury, as equipment that is too big will slide away from the area that it is protecting.
The following are guidelines that will assist the consumer when fitting and purchasing hockey equipment for themselves or their child.
UNDERWEAR:
Wear light fitting, cool, comfortable undergarments during all games and practices.
When fitting all other equipment, the same undergarments should be worn in order to get the proper sizing.
Wash after every use.
JOCK / JILL STRAP:
This piece of equipment should be fitted according to waist size and should feel comfortable for the player.
Tears, especially where the two leg straps attach to the protective cup, should be properly repaired or replaced immediately.
Protective cups come in sizes to suit all players.
SHIN PADS:
When sizing, wear loosely fitting skates in order to get the proper length of the shin pad.
The cap of the shin pad should be centred on the kneecap.
The bottom of the pad should fit where the foot and the leg meet at a 90-degree angle.
If the pad is too short, it leaves an unprotected area above the skate will be exposed.
If the pad is too long, it will restrict movement and create discomfort for the player.
Shin pads are sized in inches and come in both junior and senior sizes.
Cracked pads should be replaced or properly repaired immediately.
PANTS:
Fitting should be done with shin pads properly in place.
Pant should slightly overlap the top of the shin pad.
Pants are sized according to waist size.
Pants must completely protect the front and side of the thigh, tail bone, hip and kidney areas throughout the entire range of motion.
When fitting pants for females, fit hips first, then check the length of the pant.
Regularly check for tears and irregularities in the pants.
SKATES:
Before sizing skates, check the person’s feet for any irregularities, which would affect the size of skate.
Player should wear the same foot hosiery that they would in a game or practice (i.e. socks, barefoot, etc.).
With the foot in an untied skate, have the player push foot forward so that the toes touch the front of the skate.
There should be one finger width space between the player’s heel and the back of the boot.
Before lacing up the skate, have the player kick the heel back in order to ensure a snug fit.
When completely laced, eyelets should be 1.5 – 2 inches apart.
Never buy skates to grow into as this puts the player at risk of injury and will inhibit their skating ability.
Laces should never be wrapped around the ankle as this inhibits blood flow.
Blades should be completely dried after every use.
Skate guards should be used during transport or when walking on non-ice surfaces.
Never dry skates over direct heat, as this may crack and damage the composition of the skates.
SHOULDER PADS:
Should protect the entire shoulder joint throughout a full range of motion.
Arm pads should extend to just above the elbow to ensure full protection.
Back pad should meet the top of the pants.
For female players, a combination of shoulder and chest protector gives added protection to the chest area.
When lifting arms, pads should not dig into the neck of the player as this may cause injury.
Check pads and straps regularly for damage.
SPORTS BRAS:
Every female player should wear a properly fitted sports bra to ensure appropriate support.
ELBOW PADS:
When fitting, place the point of the elbow in the circular area on the inside of the elbow pad and fasten all straps properly.
The top of the elbow pad should meet the bottom of the shoulder pad.
The bottom of the pad should extend down the forearm and fit inside the cuff of the glove.
Check straps regularly and have any defective pad or strap properly repaired or replaced immediately.
GLOVES:
Should fit the players’ hands snugly but not too tight.
Glove should overlap the elbow pad through the entire range of motion.
Padding on the back of the glove should absorb all shock.
Check this by pressing on the back of the glove. The player should not feel any pressure on the backside of the hand.
Be sure that the palms of the gloves are always soft and without rips or tears.
Check gloves for damage frequently and repair or replace immediately.
THROAT PROTECTION:
Should fit snugly and should completely cover throat area.
Hang to dry after every use.
HELMENTS:
Should be snug and remain in place when chinstrap is properly fastened.
Helmet should fit just above the eyebrows.
Never paint or add stickers as this weakens the structure
Replace loose or missing screws immediately.
Check inside and outside of helmet for cracks or deterioration and replace if necessary.
FACEMASK:
When fitting, a proper measurement should be taken from the front of the helmet to the bottom of the player’s chin.
Chin should fit comfortably into cup of facemask.
Facemasks come in both cage and polycarbonate visor styles and also in different types.
An internal mouth guard may be attached to the facemask to protect the player’s teeth and to help reduce the risk of concussion. It is recommended that a dental practitioner fit the mouth guard.
Check that mask is compatible with helmet.
Be sure to clean visor after every use.
Never cut or alter facemask.
STICKS:
In street shoes, the stick should reach between the chin and the mouth of the player and just below the chin when on skates.
Junior sticks should be used for younger players as these sticks have features, which are more suitable for this age group.
When purchasing a goalie stick, the blade of the stick should be flat on the ice when the goalie is in a crouch position.
Be aware of players’ personal preference when purchasing a hockey stick.
GOALTENDERS:
Goal pads should always be fitted with goaltender skates on.
Kneecap should be in the middle of the knee roll.
When completely fastened, the pads should extend from the toe of the skate to four inches above the knee.
Extra kneepads may be worn under the goal pads for added protection.
Always dry and store pads in an upright position.
Check straps regularly.
Pants should fit the same as regular pants but should be loose enough to fit belly pad inside.
Pants should be expected to be heavier than usual because of their extra padding.
Belly pad should tuck in about two inches below the belly button.
Upper body protection should cover collarbone, chest, abdomen, and should extend down arms to the wrist.
Goaltenders should wear special athletic support.
Blocker and trapper should fit to the hand size of the player and should overlap arm pads.
Never warp the blocker as this reduces its structural integrity.
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