Safety First! 

Getting gear for a new sport can be overwhelming.  Many time we host events like DALLAS LEARN TO PLAY where the gear is included in the fee to play. 

If you're not sure if your beginner player is ready to be a hockey player. We can have try hockey for free.  We supply the gear, so they can get out there an have fun!

Otherwise, we do a loaner program.  We loan out gear, everything but the skates, with a deposit.  Learn more by e-mail. 

Click here for a video from USA Hockey on how to put the equipment on.

) Helmet.  Probably the most important piece of equipment.  Important tip...  helmets expire.  Usually a 5-year life span - it is because the padding hardens over time.  A hand-me-down from your college-aged nephew is probably NOT a good idea.  There is a sticker on the back with the expiration date; if it has been removed, don't buy it!

Base models are perfectly safe for your 8U player.  Your 19U HS player may want something with more adjustment and more expensive.  You will buy many helmets for your player over their  playing career.

Helmets must also have a full metal cage or face shield.  That usually comes down to personal preference.  There are some types of cages that are not allowed for USA Hockey Youth play (usually "cats-eye" cages for goalies pop up sometimes) - check with your retailer to be sure.

2) Neck Guard.  A required piece of gear by Brazos Valley Hockey.  It is optional for USA Hockey play, but we require them for our program.  Usually a thin piece of padded fabric that attaches with velcro.  More elaborate versions can be found, usually for goalies, and some may be integral to the "Under Armor" that your player will like - and are acceptable to the BVHC

3) Under Garments.  There are two pieces - upper and lower.  Female players will wear a "jill" as a lower undergarment that has appropriate protection, as well as velcro pads on the thighs for their hockey socks.  Boys wear a traditional athletic cup.  This can be in some shorts, jock straps, pants or integrated if they are wearing a certain type of breezers.  At higher levels, goalies may want a goalie specific cup for more protection from those harder shots!

Their upper torso also needs a long sleeve  (usually) "Under Armor" style shirt for comfort.

Often, parents beginning will think their child needs a sweatshirt or pants beneath their pads for warmth - that is almost universally unnecessary.   Unless we are playing an outdoor tournament in Michigan in December, no additional clothing beneath the pads besides the undergarments will be needed.

Parents may want to wear a sweatshirt to the rink...  but your players won't need one.

4)  Shoulder Pads.  Hockey shoulder pads fit over the head, and typically fasten beneath the arms with velcro.   While there is no checking at any ages for girls/women's play, there will be contact.  Shoulder pads should fit comfortably, and allow full movement of the arms.

Occasionally, we see "Lacrosse" shoulder pads show up on new players at the rink.  These are NOT allowed, and do not offer the same protection as hockey pads.   We usually DON'T see football shoulder pads, but same rules apply - not right.

5) Elbow Pads.  A pair of elbow pads are needed that are separate from the Shoulder Pads.  Some shoulder pads will have a bicep strap - these are not the same as elbow pads.  Some elbow pads can be quite bulky - use good common sense for the right size and fit for your player.

6)  Wrist Pads.  Another piece of optional equipment.  They are becoming more common... usually after a player is inadvertently struck by an opponent's stick on the wrist.  Something to consider.

7) Gloves.  Gloves will provide hand warmth as well as protection from an opponents stick.  Most gloves come with ample built-in wrist protection as well (see wrist pads).   Hockey gloves will have seams that allow the players hands to flex only in certain directions - so flexibility will become an important factor for your player - be sure to try on a few different models before selecting.

8)  Pants (Hip Pads)  can tend to be some of the more difficult of equipment to properly fit.  The length should cover the top of the shin guards when standing, but not hang up on them when skating or bending your knee.  There are differing amounts of padding in different level gear, and most supported by belt and suspenders, some only belt.

9) Shin Guards cover the knee and shin, and should be inside the pant and skate at the upper and lower end.  Most have protective padding for the calf too, and are secured by velcro.  

10) Socks are part of the uniform in most cases, but for Learn to Plan, a plain generic sock will need to be purchased.  They can be jersey material or knit; typically a velcro patch to connect to the undergarments.  Knit socks won't have a separate velcro pad, as the entire sock will stick to velcro hooks.

11) Skates proper fitting skates make a huge difference in your players enjoyment.  Sharpening must become part of your routine since, younger kids especially, will walk on concrete, kick metal bleachers, step on metal bag handles, and perform any assortment of bad behavior that damage their edge.  1/2 inch cut is typical for most beginners.  Once a month at a minimum for house players is common, within a year, your player will be able to tell you when.  Or, when you see them falling more than usual...  sharpen their skates.  "Baking" skates softens the plastic components in the boot to allow them to conform to your players foot - something that can be considered for your player, for new skates especially.

12) Stick - should reach from the ground to their chin when on skate, or their nose when in street shoes.  Flex is generally estimated at half of their weight, but stiffer sticks are better for younger players to give better control.

13) Goalies - if you player wants to play goalie - GREAT! - we always need goalies.  The Club has loaner gear for the younger players to borrow while they figure out if goalie is really for them.  Once they reach that decision, we will help understand and identify good goalie equipment, as this is an entirely other world of hockey equipment.