With winter nearly upon us, sports fans are rejoicing the return of Canada’s beloved invention: hockey. As young athletes pick up the sport, their parents may be lost on how to buy the right equipment. Gear is a major consideration for hockey players at all levels, and it is essential for parents and coaches to have a solid grasp on what it is the kids need.
Total Hockey pointed out that hockey equipment has to be both durable and protective but also lightweight and flexible. On your own sport team website, you should offer advice on how to choose the proper gear. Here are a few basic ideas to start with.
Sizing comes first
Most importantly, buy the right size. That means going to an actual store and trying on skates, gloves, pads and sticks. A bad fit can render even the most high-end, expensive equipment uncomfortable and useless. A stick that is either too short or too long and be cumbersome and break more easily. In hockey, especially, the wrong sized skates, helmets or pads can lead to injury and poor performance.
Many materials and styles to choose from
Sticks, pads, gloves, skates and helmets come in various materials and styles. Many of them are comparable, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, leagues might have requirements for material and style - something to know when you create your own league website.
Sticks, for example, can include wood, fiberglass, carbon, graphite and Kevlar, or several combinations according to Total Hockey. For beginning players, wood sticks are likely the best bet, as they are heavier, more durable and offer the player a better feel for the puck.
Face masks can be wire, clear plastic, or a combination of the two. Plastic shields can also be tinted or clear. Some players enjoy the better vision provided by the shields, but they can fog up and inhibit visibility. Coaches and parents should investigate anti-fogging spray to help with this issue. Wire masks, on the other hand, are heavier and more protective.
Do your research
These aforementioned pointers are only the beginning. Beginning buyers should find a few different sources, talk to coaches and other parents and go to the actual stores to get professional opinions. As you use sport software to build your league website, you should provide some resources to parents making their first foray into the youth hockey world.
