Complete Hockey Equipment Checklist for Beginners
Everything you need to start playing hockey - from skates to sticks to protective gear. Your comprehensive buying guide with budget tips.
Quick Summary: Starting hockey requires 13 essential pieces of equipment. Budget $300-800 for a complete setup. This guide covers everything you need, what to buy first, and how to save money.
Essential Hockey Equipment: The Complete List
🎿 1. Hockey Skates (MOST IMPORTANT)
Your skates are the foundation of your game. Don't skimp here.
What to Look For:
- • Proper Fit: Should feel snug but not painful. Toes should barely touch the end.
- • Good Support: Stiff boot for ankle support and power transfer
- • Quality Blade: Stainless steel holds edge longer
- • Heat Moldable: Modern skates mold to your feet for custom fit
Budget: $150-300 (Bauer NS, CCM Tacks, True TF7)
Pro Tip: Get professionally fitted at a hockey shop. Online purchases often result in wrong size.
🥅 2. Hockey Helmet with Cage/Visor
Protects your head and face. Never compromise on safety.
What to Look For:
- • CSA/HECC Certified: Meets safety standards
- • Proper Fit: Should sit 1-2 finger widths above eyebrows
- • Adjustable: Tool-less adjustment is convenient
- • Cage vs Visor: Beginners should use full cage for maximum protection
Budget: $60-150 (CCM Tacks 310, Bauer IMS 5.0)
⚠️ ALWAYS BUY NEW - Never use a used helmet for safety reasons
🏒 3. Hockey Stick
Your main tool for shooting, passing, and stickhandling.
What to Look For:
- • Right Length: Standing in skates, stick should reach your chin/nose
- • Flex Rating: Should be half your body weight (150 lbs = 75 flex)
- • Blade Curve: Beginners start with mid curve (P88, P92)
- • Material: Composite sticks are lighter, wood sticks are cheaper
Budget: $40-100 (Composite beginners: Bauer X, CCM Jetspeed FT)
Don't forget: Hockey stick tape and stick wax for grip!
🦵 4. Shin Guards
Protect your shins and knees from pucks and sticks.
- • Proper Length: From bottom of kneecap to top of skate tongue
- • Secure Fit: Use shin guard tape to keep them in place
- • Budget: $40-80
🧤 5. Hockey Gloves
Protect hands and wrists while maintaining stick feel.
- • Size Guide: 13" for most adults, 11-12" for youth
- • Test: Should flex easily at knuckles
- • Budget: $40-100
🦴 6. Shoulder Pads
Protect upper body, shoulders, chest, back, and spine.
- • Fit: Should cover from collar bone to bottom of rib cage
- • Mobility: Shouldn't restrict arm movement
- • Budget: $50-120
💪 7. Elbow Pads
Critical protection for your elbows and forearms.
- • Coverage: Should extend from bicep to forearm
- • No Gaps: Test by bending arm - no skin should show
- • Budget: $30-70
👖 8. Hockey Pants (Breezers)
Protect hips, thighs, tailbone, and kidneys.
- • Length: Should overlap top of shin guards by 2-3 inches
- • Waist: Snug but comfortable with belt/suspenders
- • Budget: $50-120
👕 9. Athletic Cup & Jock/Jill
Essential protection for sensitive areas.
- • Non-Negotiable: Always wear this protection
- • Options: Compression shorts with cup pocket or traditional jock strap
- • Budget: $20-40
🧦 10. Hockey Socks
Worn over shin guards, held up with tape or garter belt.
- • Match your team colors
- • Budget: $15-25
👔 11. Neck Guard (Highly Recommended)
Protects your neck from skate cuts.
- • Mandatory: In many youth leagues
- • Safety: Can prevent life-threatening injuries
- • Budget: $15-30
🧳 12. Hockey Bag
Carry and store all your gear.
- • Size: 32-36" bags for adults
- • Features: Ventilation holes prevent odor buildup
- • Budget: $40-80
🎽 13. Base Layer/Compression Gear
Moisture-wicking underwear worn under equipment.
- • Material: Synthetic moisture-wicking fabric
- • Avoid: Cotton traps sweat and gets heavy
- • Budget: $30-60
Total Cost Breakdown
Budget Setup
$300-400
Mix of used and entry-level new gear
Mid-Range
$500-600
Quality entry-level new equipment
Premium
$700-800
Top beginner/intermediate gear
Money-Saving Tips for Beginners
Buy Used (Except Helmet)
Save 30-50% on protective gear. Check Play It Again Sports, SidelineSwap, or Facebook Marketplace.
Invest in Skates
Spend 40% of your budget on skates. They matter most. Save money on other items if needed.
Shop End of Season
March-April (end of hockey season) has best sales. Save 20-40% on previous year models.
Package Deals
Some retailers offer beginner packages that bundle equipment at discount prices.
What to Buy First?
If you're on a tight budget, prioritize in this order:
- Skates - Can't play without them
- Helmet with cage - Required for safety
- Gloves - Protect your hands
- Stick - Need it to play
- Shin guards - Take a lot of impacts
- Elbow pads - Prevent painful injuries
- Pants - Hip/tailbone protection
- Shoulder pads - Less critical for beginners in non-contact leagues
Essential Accessories from Crossbar
Don't forget the small items that make a big difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does beginner hockey equipment cost?
A complete beginner setup costs $300-$800. Budget setups start around $300-400, mid-range is $500-600, and high-quality beginner equipment runs $700-800. Buy used equipment to save 30-50%.
What's the most important piece of hockey equipment?
Hockey skates are the most important piece of equipment. They affect your performance more than anything else. Invest in properly fitted, quality skates even if you save money elsewhere.
Can I start with used hockey equipment?
Yes! Used equipment is great for beginners. Always buy a new helmet for safety, but skates, pads, and sticks can be purchased used. Check Play It Again Sports or local Facebook marketplace.
Do I need different equipment for ice hockey vs roller hockey?
Main difference is skates - ice skates for ice hockey, inline skates for roller hockey. Most protective equipment (helmet, pads, gloves, stick) works for both. Roller hockey typically requires inline bearings instead of blades.
Final Thoughts: Starting hockey is a significant investment, but quality equipment keeps you safe and helps you improve faster. Prioritize fit over brand names, and don't be afraid to mix new and used gear. Welcome to the greatest sport on earth!