Youth Hockey Equipment Guide for Parents

Quick Summary: Youth players need the same basic gear as adults—skates, helmet with cage, stick, full pads, and accessories. Size for fit and safety; buy a new helmet and consider used gear for the rest to save money as kids grow. Keep skate laces, stick tape, and shin guard tape in good shape. For a full equipment list, see our complete hockey equipment checklist.

Why Getting Youth Hockey Equipment Right Matters

Properly fitted, safe equipment protects your child and helps them learn. Ill-fitting or missing gear can cause injury or frustration. This guide walks you through what kids need, how to size it, and where you can save without cutting corners on safety. For when to replace gear as they grow, read how often to replace hockey equipment.

Full Youth Hockey Equipment List

Kids need the same categories of equipment as adults:

• Skates (ice or inline, depending on program)
• Helmet with cage (or visor when allowed—cage is safer for young players)
• Hockey stick
• Shin guards (use shin guard tape to keep them in place)
• Gloves
• Elbow pads
• Shoulder pads
• Hockey pants
• Athletic cup and supporter (jock or jill)
• Hockey socks
• Neck guard (required in many youth leagues)
• Hockey bag

Don’t forget consumables: skate laces (replace when frayed or stretched—see 5 signs you need new skate laces), stick tape, and stick wax. For roller hockey, inline bearings need periodic cleaning and replacement—see how to clean and maintain inline skate bearings.

Sizing Hockey Gear for Kids

Skates: Snug fit—toes should just touch the end. A little room for growth is OK, but too big causes blisters and poor control. Get fitted at a shop if possible; kids’ sizes don’t always match street shoes.

Helmet: Must sit level, 1–2 finger widths above the eyebrows. Straps snug under the chin. Never buy a used helmet.

Stick: With skates on, stick length to the chin or nose is a good start. Shorter for stickhandling, longer for reach—adjust as they grow and by preference.

Shin guards: From just below the kneecap to the top of the skate tongue. Secure with shin guard tape.

Gloves: Fist closed, fingers moving freely. Youth sizes are usually 8"–12" depending on age. When in doubt, have them try gear on at a store.

Safety First: Helmet and Neck Guard

Always buy a new helmet—you don’t know if a used one has been in an impact. Replace after any significant hit. Use a full cage for young players unless the league allows otherwise. Neck guards are mandatory in many youth leagues and protect against skate cuts; get one that fits and is worn every time. For more on gear care and replacement, see our hockey gear maintenance guide.

Saving Money on Youth Hockey Equipment

Kids outgrow gear fast. To save:

• Buy used for skates, pads, gloves, pants—but never the helmet.
• Swap/sell with other families or at used gear events.
• Entry-level new gear is fine for beginners; upgrade as they get serious.
• Consumables (laces, tape, wax) are cheap—replace when worn so gear performs and lasts.

A full new set might run $300–$700; used or mixed setups often $200–$400. Budget for sharpening (ice), tape, laces, and the occasional new stick or pad as they grow.

Ice vs Roller/Inline

Same protective gear works for both. Difference is skates: ice skates for ice, inline skates for roller. If your child plays roller hockey, maintain bearings and wheels; see how to clean and maintain inline skate bearings. Sticks, tape, and wax are the same for both.

Youth Gear Essentials from Crossbar

Tape, laces, and wax in youth-friendly sizes and colors. Keep their gear secure and their stick grippy.

Skate Laces Stick Tape Stick Wax Shin Guard Tape

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment does a child need for hockey?

Kids need: skates, helmet with cage, stick, shin guards, gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey pants, athletic cup/supporter, hockey socks, neck guard (required in many youth leagues), and a bag. Optional but helpful: mouthguard, base layer. Use proper hockey stick tape and shin guard tape; replace skate laces when worn.

How do you size youth hockey equipment?

Skates should be snug—toes barely touching the end; size up only slightly for growth. Helmet: fit so it sits 1-2 finger widths above eyebrows. Stick: standing in skates, stick to chin or nose. Shin guards: bottom of kneecap to top of skate tongue. Gloves: child should make a fist and move fingers freely. When in doubt, get fitted at a hockey shop.

Is used hockey equipment OK for kids?

Used gear is fine for most items—skates, pads, gloves, pants—especially when kids are growing quickly. Always buy a new helmet; never use a used helmet since you don't know its impact history. Check used gear for broken straps, compressed padding, and good fit. Replace consumables like skate laces and stick tape with new ones.

How much does youth hockey equipment cost?

A full new set of youth gear runs roughly $300-$700 depending on level and brand. Used or entry-level gear can bring that to $200-$400. Expect to replace skates and some pads every 1-2 years as kids grow. Budget for recurring items: skate sharpening, stick tape, skate laces, and possibly new sticks.

Final Thoughts: Youth hockey equipment is an investment in safety and fun. Size everything properly, never compromise on a new helmet, and use used gear where it makes sense. Keep laces, tape, and shin guard tape in good shape so your child’s gear stays secure and ready for the next practice or game.