There are many different kinds of tape that you can use for hockey games, practices, and training sessions. Most hockey players use the same four or five kinds of tape regularly, and knowing how to use each type efficiently can help you win more often.
Here is a short list with practical information about each kind of tape and what role each one plays.
Table of Contents
Regular Tape
This is the white background tape that is often found on the bottom of hockey goal rims. It’s super basic and extremely versatile. You can use it for any type of hockey session or game, and it won’t mess up your equipment in any way.
This kind of tape is great for blocking shots, holding up your gloves during a fight, and absorbing the impact of a hitting puck. Most players can’t live without it.
Black Tape
This is the dark background tape that is commonly used for hockey fights. It doesn’t leave a white mark on either the ice or your opponent, which is great if you’re going for a clean fight. It’s also quite durable and won’t peel off like regular tape in the first place.
This type of tape is quite difficult to obtain and is typically reserved for serious players and coaches only. It is significantly more expensive than regular tape, but the performance is worth it. You can use it to hold your pads in place during a fight, keep your helmet rigid to prevent injury, and protect your eyes from getting gouged out by a hockey puck.
Blue Tape
This is the flexible tape that is usually found wrapped around the arms of goalies and sweeper goaltenders. It helps them keep their visors in place and prevent fog from getting into their eyes while also protecting them from injury. This type of tape is highly beneficial for goaltenders as it also helps reduce the risk of eye injuries.
However, not all goalies prefer the open-loop design of the conventional blue tape. Some prefer a closed loop design, which is more convenient when using a visor.
Yellow Tape
This is the tape that is commonly used for marking off players and equipment during a hockey game. You can also use it to delineate your team’s and/or opposition’s zone during practices and scrimmages. It is easy to apply and is non-slip, meaning that it won’t come off during a fight.
This type of tape is quite versatile and can be used for almost any type of hockey application. It is highly compatible with most gloves and most headwear. It also stays in place during a game even if the puck is dropped on the ice for a moment before being picked up again.
Red Tape
This is the adhesive tape that is commonly used for securing the bottom of hockey goal rims to the ground. It also helps secure your team’s and/or opposition’s helmet straps to prevent them from slipping during a game. This type of tape is significantly more expensive than the others on this list and is typically reserved for elite players and coaches.
It is important to note here that the size and strength of the adhesive tape determines how well it works. If you have a large area to cover, opt for a strong adhesive, as the larger the area, the stronger the tape needs to be in order to keep its shape. On the other hand, if you have a smaller area to cover, opt for a smaller adhesive because smaller areas need less support. It is often recommended to cut the tape into quarters before using it so that you have some leeway when applying it.
As you can see, there are several different ways that hockey tape can be useful on the ice. The key is knowing which type to use for what application.