What You Need When Playing A Hockey Game

Filed under: hockey tips

Ice hockey is one of those sports that require a lot of equipment and uniforms. This is perhaps because the sport is exceedingly physical and because it involves a ball that can get you injured when thrown hard, it can be exceedingly dangerous if you do are not wearing the right things. In hockey, body checks are also allowed for defense and when you are not properly padded, things can get ugly.

1. The skates
This is perhaps one of the primary things in ice hockey. It is called ice hockey after all because all the players are on skates. But merely having skates on does not qualify you to be an ice hockey player. You also need the skill to skate. Remember that play is pretty fast and players often run around in great speeds on the ice. Without the skill in skating, you cannot keep up with the other players.

2. Puck and the stick
These are another essentials when it comes to playing hockey. The stick is the one that players use to drive the puck to the goal. Think golf but in ice and without the hole but with a base similar to a football goal. The puck, on the other hand, acts as the ball in the game. It is a hard rubber disk that players can flip around and throw past the goalkeeper and into the goal. The puck is hard and when thrown hard at a player, it can result into injury.

3. Pads
Players of ice hockey are required to wear pads during a game. Some do not require them during practice but when there is defense involved, players need the padding to keep them from getting injured. They need shoulder pads, elbow pads, protective gloves, shin pads, jock strap, heavily padded shorts that is known as hockey pants and a padding on the body for some who want to protect their ribcages. These protectors are called chest protectors and mostly used by goalkeepers. Goal keepers also have leg pads and neck guard to protect them from the oncoming puck.

4. Helmets
This is important because it protects the head from the puck as well as the stick during the game. In cases of falls and body checks, helmets also protect the head from getting banged up on the sidelines, which are favorite defensive moves of hockey players.