Hockey is one of the most popular sports in Canada. Every year, thousands of hockey players flock to the parks and arenas to practice their sport. It is a great way for kids to get involved in sports and be active. Unfortunately, some people get injured while playing hockey. There is also the danger of getting cold as the air can be very harsh on your skin. These are the reasons why you should take care of what you wear when playing hockey. If you want to be safe and comfortable on the ice, then follow these tips on how to dress for hockey practice.
Table of Contents
Use The Correct Hockey Gear
First of all, make sure you wear the correct gear for the sport. These are very important and might be the reason why you get hurt. If you play hockey with the helmet, you will cause yourself more injuries because it is not designed for the sport. Additionally, the elbow pads are another important piece of equipment as they help protect your arms from injury. Lastly, the compression shorts are a great way to stay cool and comfortable while on the ice. Of course, these are general guidelines and you can find specific recommendations for your sport on the internet by searching for the name of the sport followed by “hockey gear”.
Try Out The Right Equipment
Besides the gear tips, you should also consider getting proper equipment used for the sport. If you play on a team, surely your coaches will have recommended equipment that you can use. Even individuals who play recreationally should seek out the proper equipment because there are dangers in being unprotected. If you play with a ball, for example, you will injure your knees more easily. Moreover, if you play with a street hockey stick, you run the risk of injuring your hands or your arm. If you play with a hockey stick that is too long, it can cause injuries to your legs from falling while playing. Therefore, make sure that you try out the recommended equipment to ensure that you play safely.
Wear Protective Gear For The Mouth
It is also a good idea to wear some protective gear for your mouth. This is especially important if you play street hockey or practice with your team. The mouth guard helps prevent injuries to your teeth and jaw from being hit by a puck or a ball. Additionally, having some protection in your mouth can keep your teeth fresh and your gums healthy. Moreover, these are just a few examples of how wearing mouth protection can help improve your game. If you are unsure whether or not to wear mouth protection, then ask an experienced hockey player or coach for advice. He or she will be able to tell you if it is necessary.
Wear The Right Skate Shoes
Besides the gear, you should also pay attention to your shoes. Many people get injuries due to their shoes being the wrong fit or falling off their feet. This is why it is important to try out the recommended skates for the sport. If you play on a team, then there will be someone on the staff to help you choose the right pair of skates for you. Even individuals who play recreationally should try out the recommended skate shoes because, again, the air can be very harsh on your soles. Additionally, make sure to get the right size as they will make a difference in your performance on the ice. If you are struggling with choosing the right skates, then ask the staff at the rink or the equipment manager for help.
Dress In Warm Weather
Playing hockey in the winter is very dangerous as you will be at risk of frostbite. Of course, this depends on where you are playing and the rules of the game, but the point is that the cold will affect your performance and could hurt you. This is why you should avoid playing hockey in the winter months if possible. However, if you live in a place where it always stays cold, then you should prepare yourself for the fact that you will be playing in the winter. If you go skiing or snowboarding during the winter, then you will be fine as long as you wear the right gear and have a good experience. Otherwise, you could get sick or injure yourself even if the temperature is in the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit. Additionally, make sure to dress in layers as you will be more comfortable and prevent any injuries to your skin or extremities. If you are a woman, then you should be particularly careful as men tend to be less aware of their own limitations and are more aggressive towards others on the ice. This can lead to injuries and dangerous play. Therefore, pay attention to what you wear so that you are protected and comfortable while playing hockey on a cold day.
Protect Your Eyes
One of the most common injuries that hockey players get is eye injuries. This happens because the eyes cannot protect themselves from being hit by a puck or a ball. Of course, this is extremely harmful as it can lead to blindness. If you play on a team, then make sure to wear goggles, especially when blocking or checking goals. If you play in the winter, then you should be prepared to wear goggles all the time. Of course, you can also choose to play without them if you are more comfortable without them. However, if you want to play safely and avoid any accidents, then you should opt for the goggles.
Have Fun!
Last but not least, we want to remind you that practice makes perfect. If you are out there practicing, then you are doing the right thing because it will help get you ready for the game. Even if you do not play competitively, there is still fun to be had during hockey practice. You can get together with your friends and have a friendly practice while trying out new techniques or just because you want to keep your skills sharp. Moreover, if you play on a team, then there will be some coaches who will appreciate you practicing with them as it will help improve your overall game. With that said, have fun and make sure to warm up before playing so that your body is prepared for the game. You will feel better and more relaxed once you are warmed up, especially if you are playing in the winter and it is cold out there. This will help prevent injuries and allow you to play a safe game.
Make sure to take care of what you wear when playing hockey. You should also try out the recommended equipment and be cautious about the weather conditions in your area. Moreover, always protect your eyes, especially when blocking or checking goals. Last but not least, have fun and make sure to warm up before playing so that your body is prepared for the game. You will feel better and more relaxed once you are warmed up, especially if you are playing in the winter and it is cold out there. This will help prevent injuries and allow you to play a safe game.