One of the most important aspects of playing hockey is wearing the proper gear. While the rules may change from league to league, the principle is always the same: you play in street clothes, you play in jeans, and you play on ice that is not properly frozen.
While the gear you wear plays a crucial role in keeping you safe while hitting your opponent with a hockey stick, there is more than one type of equipment that you need to consider. We will discuss what you should know about the tightness of the skates that you wear as a member of the hockey family.
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On The Ice, You’ll Always Need Room To Move
Although the rules may vary from league to league, on the ice, you always need room to move. A quick glance at any hockey video and you will notice two things: first, the players are always moving around a lot, and, second, they are always in constant motion, constantly changing directions and patterns, making the game endlessly interesting to watch.
As much as we love watching hockey players perform on the ice, it’s also important to remember that the game is not played on a frozen pond. The ice can be any temperature, which means that you need to adjust your playing style and your gear accordingly. This is where having the right equipment comes in handy; without it, the enjoyment factor would take a big hit.
Adjust Your Skates To The Ice Surface
One of the main purposes of having a pair of hockey skates is to slide on the ice easily and quickly. This is especially important if you are a skilled player as you need to be able to move around a lot on the ice in order to generate some offensive opportunities. In general, you want to choose a pair of hockey skates that are a little loose on the ice so that you can easily make the right movements and don’t hurt yourself while playing.
To this point, we mentioned that the ice can be any temperature, which means that your skates need to be adjustable. This is where most manufacturers’ advantage comes in as they are able to use specialized materials that allow for easy tuning of the skate so that it fits perfectly to the ice surface. For instance, a thin layer of ice can make the slide incredibly tricky, and, without proper gear, a serious injury could result.
Wear What Is Appropriate
Depending on the league you are playing in, the material your jersey is made of can dictate the kind of gear you wear. Generally, it’s best to wear something that is a little on the snugger side as the material used for making your jersey will give you better movement and less chaffing. For instance, if you are playing in a regulation league and made of polyester, you should look for a pair of joggers or slush pants as these are the usual choices for coaches or players in this type of league. Your jersey will keep you warm while not freezing you out and the material allows for greater air circulation which is crucial in keeping you comfortable especially when playing outdoors in the winter time. Your pants should be on the looser side so that they don’t hinder your movements on the ice and can stay in place even when sliding. If you have larger legs, you might want to look for a pair of over pants or slush trousers.
Try On Helmets, Sunglasses, And Muffs
Your helmet is important as it protects your head from getting injured by a puck or a stick. When choosing a helmet, make sure that the strap is comfortable and fits firmly around your head. You should also try on different models and see which one feels the best, fits the shape of your head, and doesn’t impede your vision. When choosing a set of sunglasses, make sure that they are thick enough to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays yet slim enough to prevent fogging up.
Muffs are another crucial part of playing hockey. Like your helmet, your muffs protect your head and also keep the cold air from rushing into your ears and making you lose your concentration. When choosing a pair of muffs, look for models that fit firmly around your ears and are made of a thick material that will prevent the wind from piercing your eardrums. Additionally, make sure that the fit is snug enough to prevent the earmuffs from sliding around on your ears.
Try On Cleats
If we talked about the importance of your hockey gear, the significance of your cleats would definitely move up the list. Just like your shoes, the material your cleats are made of and the design can determine how much you want to avoid injury while playing. The most important factor is that you should get a set that fits well and offers you better grip when sliding. In general, you want to go for a pair of skate cleats that have an additional strap so that it can be worn across the chest to keep the foot in place while sliding. The design of your cleats also plays a crucial role in dictating how you want to play. If you are a skilled player, you could go for a set of four blades which will generate more grip as you push off the ice.
Consult With A Physician
It is very important to see a physician before starting any physical activity regimen, especially if you are unsure of the kind of gear you should be doing or have any preexisting conditions. You should consult with a doctor about what exercises would be appropriate for your body type and whether or not you should be getting a helmet, sunglasses, or muffs. Just like with any other sport, proper gear can make a world of difference and keep you on the right side of the law as well as the game itself. Make sure to ask the doctor if there is any particular gear that could be unsafe for you to have or use and whether or not you could be at risk of getting an injury from playing.