It’s no secret that ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world. But did you know that it’s also one of the most dangerous sports too? Studies show that there’s more than one injury related to ice hockey per game. That’s terrifying! But it’s not only about the injuries. Ice hockey is a physical sport that leaves you open to various types of infections. That’s also very dangerous. But it doesn’t end there. The arena ice can become quite slippery and dangerous. If you think that wearing slush socks is enough to keep your feet safe, think again. Sometimes the ice can be so thick that it requires you to wear ice cleats too. Unfortunately, not all arenas make it easy for players to change shoes during the game. That can make a huge difference on the court or on the field. The point is that there’s a lot more to keeping your feet safe while playing ice hockey than meets the eye. That’s why it’s important to know the right way to wear shin pads.
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The Difference Between Pre-Season And Regular Season
Depending on which league you play in, the rules concerning how and when you can wear shin pads can vary somewhat. But, for the most part, pre-season games are usually played without the use of these protective gear. The main reason behind this is that the purpose of pre-season is to work out any kinks in your game and get ready for the upcoming regular season. Pre-season games also give you a chance to practice with the new players on your team and work out any chemistry issues. This process, albeit physical, is typically a lot calmer and less intense than the games you play during the regular season. Because of this, the coaches usually prefer to have their starters play these games and wear the gear to reduce any potential injuries. As for the rest of the team, they usually wear a different colored jersey to signify that they are not in practice.
Wear What Makes You More Safer
Based on which position you play, the type of skates you use, and the size of the rink, different types of shin pads are made for you. For instance, if you play on a small ice rink and you’re a defensive defenseman, you’ll need a smaller shin pad to protect your ankles as well as possible. But if you play on a larger rink and you’re an offensive forward, you’ll need a bigger structure to protect your calves. And it goes without saying that the bigger and thicker the shield, the better—especially if you play on a larger rink. This is where experimentation comes in handy. You can try out different sized shin pads and different styles to see which one is the most effective in the sport. But keep in mind that no matter what, you must protect your ankles as much as possible.
Where Do You Wear Your Shin Pads?
As for the location of your shin pads, there’s really no wrong answer here. You can wear them on the top, the bottom, or both. It all depends on what makes you feel safer. When playing on a slippery surface like ice or on a muddy field, it’s wise to wear your shins on the bottom to increase the effective size of the padding. While it’s not recommended to wear your shins completely covering your ankles, it’s a better alternative than leaving them exposed. The key is to always feel safer and to experiment with different positions until you find one that makes you feel the best.
It doesn’t matter if you play goalie or you’re a forward. There’s always something to learn from the other team’s coach. And don’t forget, everyone on the same team wants to win. So, when the game is over and you have a chance to chat with the other coaches, you’ll find out what they liked about your play and you can improve from here.