A Primer on Protective Hockey Gear

The typical hockey player requires a lot of protective hockey gear. Head protection includes the helmet, mouth guard, and mask. Masks are intended for goalies, and there are different types depending on a player's age and division. Youth and college players are required to wear a helmet and wire face mask, while adult players can wear a plain goalie mask or a simple eye-protecting visor. Some players even choose to wear no mask at all. Pads are important in protecting sensitive parts of the body. Players wear pads on their shoulders, elbows, and goalies wear special pads on their legs that extend up to the knee. They also wear goalie pants that have proven much more protective than standard-issue player pants. No player would dare go out on the ice without a jock, and that goes double for goalies, hence they also wear a heavier cup than most players. All players also wear gloves that protect the hands from hits and cold. The last piece of protective hockey gear worn by most players is the chest and arm protector. While goalies require more specialized gear, every player is weighed down by a mix of cloth and foam to assure their own protection. While not all players wear every piece every time it is recommended that they do so.

Certification

Most hockey leagues require players to wear protective hockey gear that has been certified by well-known and trusted agencies. This is to ensure all gear used for professional and amateur play conform to common standards, thereby guaranteeing the safety of all players. There are four main organizations responsible for the certifications: the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and ASTM International. Almost all countries also require helmets and facemasks to be certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council. The council doesn't compose it's own standards, instead following the guidelines set by ASTM International. When player's lives are at stake it helps to have these entities in place to ensure the players have the best protective hockey gear possible.

Leading Manufactures

Many famous and specialty companies produce protective hockey gear. The most prominent ones include Reebok, Easton, Nike Bauer, and Sher-Wood. While everybody knows these names, players shouldn't shut out other lesser known brands such as CCM, TPS, Eagle, Vaughn, and Graf. Comparison shopping and heavy research are good ways for every player to ensure they get the right gear for their position and sensibilities.