General Equipment Questions

1. What size hockey stick do I need?

• The ideal stick size depends on your height and playing style. Standing in shoes, the stick should reach your chin. On skates, it should be between your nose and chin. From there, it will be trying different lengths to see what works.

2. How do I know if my skates fit properly?

• Your skates should feel snug but not painfully tight. Your toes should lightly touch the toe cap when standing but pull back slightly when you bend your knees. There should be no heel lift.

3. What’s the difference between junior, intermediate, and senior equipment sizes?

• Junior (ages 7-12), Intermediate (ages 11-14), and Senior (ages 14+). The sizes vary in width, length, and overall fit to accommodate growing players.

4. How do I break in new hockey skates?

• The best way is to bake them (if heat-moldable), wear them around the house with skate guards, or skate in them for a few sessions. Avoid over-tightening the laces at first.

5. How often should I replace my hockey gear?

• Helmets: Every 5-7 years (or after a major impact).

• Gloves, pants, and pads: When they become too worn or lose protection.

• Sticks: When they crack, lose stiffness, or break.

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Skates & Skate Sharpening

6. How often should I get my skates sharpened?

• Every 6-10 hours of ice time, but it depends on ice conditions, playing style, and personal preference.

7. What’s the difference between a standard sharpening and profiling?

• Sharpening grinds the blade for better grip, while profiling shapes the blade for balance, agility, and speed adjustments.

8. What hollow should I get for my skates?

• Common hollows:

• 1/2” (Balanced)

• 3/8” (More bite for agility)

• 5/8” (More glide for speed)

9. Why do my skates hurt my feet, and how can I fix it?

• Possible causes: wrong size, improper break-in, or foot shape. Solutions: baking, adjusting lacing techniques, or trying custom insoles.

10. What is the best way to store and maintain my hockey skates?

• Always dry your skates after use, use blade covers, and avoid leaving them in cold/hot cars.

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Sticks & Blades

11. What curve should I choose for my hockey stick?

• P92 (mid curve) – Great for wrist shots and passing

• P28 (toe curve) – Best for quick snapshots and puck control

• P88 (mid-heel curve) – Balanced for all-around play

12. What is the difference between stick flex ratings?

• A lower flex (ex. 65) bends more for wrist shots, while a higher flex (ex. 85+) is stiffer for slap shots and stronger players.

13. How do I cut down or extend my hockey stick?

• Use a saw to cut it or use an extension plug. Shortening increases stiffness; lengthening reduces flex.

14. Composite vs. wooden sticks: Which is better?

• Composite is lighter, more durable, and provides better shot power, while wood is cheaper and offers better puck feel.

15. How do I properly tape my hockey stick blade and grip?

• Use hockey-specific tape for grip, control, and protection. Wrapping toe-to-heel improves puck feel, while a simple grip at the top enhances handling.

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Protective Equipment

16. How should my hockey helmet fit, and when should I replace it?

• Helmets should fit snugly with no gaps and sit one finger above the eyebrows. Replace every 5-7 years or after a major hit.

17. What’s the difference between shoulder pads for forwards and defensemen?

• Forwards prefer lighter, more mobile pads, while defensemen opt for bulkier protection against shots and hits.

18. How do I properly fit shin guards and elbow pads?

• Shin guards should cover from knee to ankle, and elbow pads should fit without leaving gaps between gloves or shoulder pads.

19. Is there a difference between player and goalie protective gear?

• Yes! Goalie gear is much thicker and designed to absorb direct shots, while player gear focuses on mobility and deflection.

20. How do I prevent my hockey gloves from smelling?

• Air them out after each game, use gear spray, and wash occasionally in a gentle detergent.

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Goalie Gear

21. What size goalie pads should I get?

• Measure from the ankle to the middle of the knee, then add about 4-5 inches for proper coverage.

22. What’s the difference between regular and full right goalie gear?

• Regular = Catch with left hand, hold stick with right hand.

• Full right = Catch with right hand, hold stick with left hand.

23. How do I properly break in new goalie pads?

• Wear them during practice, use soft flex straps, and gently bend them to loosen stiffness.

24. Should I use a goalie skate sharpening profile?

• Yes! Goalie skates typically have a flatter hollow (1” or 3/4”) for better balance.

25. What’s the best way to store and maintain goalie gear?

• Air it out after each use, wipe down pads, and avoid leaving it in a damp bag.

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Hockey Gear Maintenance & Care

26. How do I properly clean my hockey gear?

• Machine wash gloves, shin pads, and pants in cold water; air-dry.

27. How do I remove the smell from my hockey gear?

• Use odor-fighting sprays, wash regularly, and store in a dry, ventilated area.

28. What’s the best way to dry out my equipment after a game?

• Hang everything up immediately after each game/practice.

29. How can I prevent rust on my skate blades?

• Dry them off completely and store them with blade guards.

30. What’s the best way to transport my hockey gear?

• Use a well-ventilated bag and separate wet items from dry ones.

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Customization & Accessories

31. Can I customize my hockey stick or skates?

• Yes! Many brands offer custom curves, grips, and designs for sticks, and custom fit molding for skates.

32. What’s the best hockey tape for sticks and shin guards?

• Cloth tape for sticks, clear tape for shin guards.

33. Are mouthguards mandatory in hockey?

• They’re required for youth leagues and highly recommended for all levels.

34. How do I properly attach a visor or cage to my helmet?

• Use helmet screws and ensure a secure fit with proper alignment.

35. What are the benefits of using waxed laces vs. non-waxed?

• Waxed laces stay tight longer and offer better water resistance. Non-waxed are easier to adjust.

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Buying Advice

36. What’s the best hockey stick for beginners?

• A mid-flex composite stick with a P92 or P88 curve is a great starting point.

37. Is it worth investing in high-end skates?

• If you play frequently, yes—better fit, comfort, and durability.

38. How do I choose the right hockey bag?

• Consider size, ventilation, and whether you prefer a wheeled or carry bag.

39. What’s the difference between inline and ice hockey gear?

• Inline gear is lighter, and skates have different wheels and chassis.

40. How can I tell if my hockey gear is still safe to use?

• Check for cracks, padding wear, and loose straps. If protection is compromised, replace it.