Ice hockey is a winter sport that has been around for more than 70 years and it is mainly played during the winter months. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Winter Olympics which were held in Sweden in February 1924. Back then it was only the upper classes that could afford to play ice hockey, but thanks to technological advancements the game has become extremely popular amongst the masses and many people see it as a sport that anyone can play and enjoy.
One of the major differences between today’s ice hockey and that which was played a century ago is the outfit both the players and the coaches wear on the ice. Gone are the sweater vests, long johns, and woolen socks in favor of tank tops, leggings, and short-shorts. Although the equipment has changed, the actual game has remained the same.
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The Basics Of Ice Hockey Equipment
Just like any other sport, ice hockey requires some basic gear to play. The following will go over the basics of hockey equipment that you need to have in your closet.
Shorts
If you want to play ice hockey, you have to wear shorts. Not only do they keep you cooler on the ice but they also allow you to bend and stretch a lot which is important if you want to avoid injuries. The best brands for the sports gear industry have finally realized that men and women should be allowed to play sports together and designed some superb short shirts that blend fashion with practicality.
Skates
You can’t play ice hockey without some kind of skate. There are several types of skates ranging from the classic hockey skate which has a pointed toe and a strap across the front to the figure-skate with its flexible soles and inline wheels along the sides.
The most popular and classic skate has four or five blades that are attached to a boot with a metal rod through the center. The most important feature of the classic skate is that it has a flat surface along the bottom which allows it to slide easily on any kind of surface. This type of skate is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to ice skate or for kids who want to practice on their own.
Boots
If you play ice hockey professionally or recreationally, you will need a pair of boots. Depending on the surface you are skating on, you will need either rubber boots or ski boots. If you play on a frozen pond, you will need ice skates to go with your boots. If you play on gravel or on the street, you will need standard boots. Most hockey players prefer the look and feel of real leather in their shoes and this is what you will usually find when searching for a new pair of boots. Finding a pair of boots that fit you perfectly can be tricky because you have to make sure that they are made from high-quality leather and that they have the correct size heel and toe.
Gloves
Depending on the season and the climate where you live, you may need gloves. In the wintertime, when playing outdoors, you need to protect your hands from getting cold. For this purpose, you will usually find the middle finger to be the most practical and protective as it covers the largest area. Remember to remove your gloves when taking a bite of food or drink.
Jacket
Apart from your hands, your feet, and your ears are the other parts of your body which are most at risk of getting seriously damaged on the ice. To prevent this, you need to protect them with a jacket. The most practical and stylish way to do this is with a faux-fur vest or a parka. This type of apparel not only keeps you warm but it also improves your looks dramatically.
Nylon Shoulder Bag
If you want to look like a real hockey player, you need a strong bag to carry your essentials. When traveling or playing in inclement weather conditions, you will need a bag which is large enough to hold your ice hockey equipment as well as your personal items. The best choice for a hockey bag is a nylon shoulder bag which is comfortable to hold and which does not take up too much room in your car.
Just like with your other hockey equipment, ensure that the bag you choose is roomy enough to hold all your gear and that it fits comfortably under your arm. Sturdy steel reinforcement and a protective coating on the exterior are other popular options amongst hockey players.
Bucket Hats
You can’t play hockey without a hat, and it’s no secret that the head is the most vital part of the body when it comes to sports. For this reason, you need a quality bucket hat to keep your head warm during gameplay. The most popular type of bucket hat is made from acrylic or plastic which is both lightweight and extremely durable. You can also find a selection of winter caps with billowy soft faux fur inside but remember that they are only suitable for women.
Bicycle Helmet
If you are a professional ice hockey player or a hockey enthusiast, you will need a high-quality bicycle helmet. This type of helmet not only protects your head in case you collide with an object but it can also be easily adjusted to fit snugly under your chin. Some popular models with a billowy interior and a velcro fastener are ideal for women and for children.
As a hockey player, you must have a reliable source of hydration nearby whenever you are on the ice. It is vital that you stay well hydrated so that you can maintain a steady heart rate and avoid overheating. You should carry at least a gallon of water with you on the ice and drink as necessary to prevent dehydration. You might also want to bring a hat or glove with you filled with ice to keep your hands and feet cool. If you train hard and play in cold conditions, you might also want to consider investing in some skiing goggles which will protect your eyes from getting dry and irritated. Many skiers and snowboarders use ski goggles for both everyday activities and when snowboarding. In the summertime, you should use similar protection for your eyes when riding a motorbike.
Ankle Braces
Ice hockey players use a variety of equipment at the same time so that they can perform at their best. While some wear skates, others wear cleats which are similar to a soccer shoe. There are also some who wear helmets and wrist guards at the same time. For maximum efficiency, you might want to invest in a combo kit which has both ankle and wrist protection in one.
Apart from the regular gear listed above, more and more ice hockey players are using performance-enhancing equipment designed for other sports. Some of these pieces of kit are listed below –
Racquetball
The game of racquetball has been around for over 70 years and it is widely regarded as one of the most exciting sports to watch due to its high pace and competitive nature. It is considered to be both an individual and a team sport with players having to make quick reaction time while attacking and defending their position on the court. Due to this, most racquetball players use a variety of techniques to improve their gameplay including knee pads, elbow pads, and shin guards. Like ice hockey, the rules of racquetball have not changed all that much over the years with players using the same wooden ball and metal rackets as those which were used a century ago.
Goggles Or Sunglasses
Even though a lot has changed in the last hundred years, nothing has been able to take the place of what good viewing eyesight provides. If you are an ice hockey player who trains in freezing temperatures and plays on frozen ponds, you might want to invest in some high-quality sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from getting strained and irritated. This type of eye protection is not only suitable for athletic activities but it can also be used whilst working on a computer or reading a book. When playing in bright light, these types of eye protectors are ideal because they let more of the light through to your eyes so that you can see better – enhancing your vision and allowing you to perform better.
Running Shoes Or Boa Constrictors
If you run regularly, you will need something to protect your ankles from getting injured. This is why most good running shoes have a sturdy steel shank which pierces the shoe and connects with the ankle strap. These running shoes are ideal for preventing ankle sprains and providing maximum support whilst running. The best choice for a running shoe is the Boa Constrictor with its three leather straps which lock the shoe around your ankle when fastened. This type of shoe also has an added bonus of helping prevent blisters thanks to a built-in protection which prevents the ball from rolling around too much inside your foot when playing.