Top 5 Stocking Stuffers, Training Essentials and Bang-for-Your-Buck Gifts!
Hockey players young and old love hockey stuff—it’s pretty much a given. They like to shoot pucks in the driveway, work on their stride in front of the TV and stickhandle pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Whether you need a quick stocking stuffer or that one big gift that wows your kids, this list will get you started!
Equipment QA: Goalie Skates
Q: My 8-year-old just committed to playing goalie full time, so I need to get her goalie skates. I know she needs time to break them in over the summer, but then what if she outgrows them before the season starts in the fall? How big is too big? A: The good news is that junior goalie skates are really no more expensive than player skates. But it’s understandable that you want to buy them with a little room for growth. According to Total Hockey, “For children, it is acceptable to order a half-size bigger to accommodate growing feet.” Tips for purchasing goalie skates include:
Equipment QA: Goalie Leg Pads
Question: How big is too big when it comes to goalie leg pads? My son is growing fast, so I want to get them as big as possible without hindering his movement. Answer: Given the expense and hassle of constantly replacing clothes, shoes and sports equipment for growing kids, it’s easy to understand the temptation to “buy big.” (The goalie on my son’s team had such big leg pads that a friend declared him a Transformer and said the game couldn’t start until he transformed himself back from a building!) While you can buy goalie leg pads 1–2 inches big, it’s important that the size not interfere with comfort, mobility and safety. The last thing you want is to make that big investment and then have your player get hurt or hate playing the position due to poor fit. And remember that just because a player gains 1 inch in height, he or she does not automatically need goalie pads that are 1 inch bigger—because all that growth is not in the legs. For more information on goalie equipment sizing, click here.
Equipment QA: Mini Sticks
Question: Now that my kids’ hockey seasons are over, they won’t stop playing knee hockey with those little sticks. I can handle the noise, the pants with the torn out knees and the little balls flying around the house. But sometimes the plastic sticks snap and go flying as well. Are there any more durable sticks? Answer: First, try the mini foam pucks rather than the foam balls (if you step on a little flat puck, you won’t go flying). Then, think about trying a composite mini stick rather than plastic. They cost a little more, but you may save in the long run. (No promises! It depends on your kids and what they’re doing with them.) You know that every hockey tournament, sleepover and party ends up in knee hockey no matter the age. You might as well face it and stock up on supplies. As for the torn pants, we can’t help you.
Equipment QA: Goalie Masks
Question: My 7-year-old son wants to try goalie full time next year. Does he really need a goalie helmet or can he just use his regular hockey helmet? Answer: According to USA Hockey, “Goalie helmets are not required at the younger levels, but are recommended for players who intend to make this their main position.” So the question is, how serious is your son about playing goalie? On the one hand, a hockey helmet can double as a goalie mask, but a goalie mask cannot double as a hockey helmet. So you could just stick with the hockey helmet. On the other hand, plenty of kids in the U8 programs do gear up and try out goalie, leaving plenty of goalie masks on the resale market. Plus, junior goalie masks are not horribly expensive. (Plus, goalie masks are fun—check out “The 50 Best Goalie Mask Designs in NHL History” here.) One way to go is to start out with the hockey helmet and segue to the goalie mask if he really commits to goalie. If you do decide to go with a goalie mask, check out Total Hockey’s fitting advice here.
Equipment QA: Helmets
Question: My daughter plays on a coed team and is moving up to PeeWee next year. With more body contact, regardless of how things turn out with checking, I’m concerned about concussions. Should we get a new high-tech helmet for next year? Answer: The most important thing is that your daughter’s helmet fits properly as there is a direct correlation between proper fit and safety. To determine helmet size, measure her head about ½ to 1 inch above the eyebrow, which is her hat size. Helmet manufacturers translate hat size into helmet size. Since the fit will vary among manufacturers, she should try on several, looking for a helmet with a snug fit that doesn’t tilt backwards or forwards. If she feels pressure or pinching, the helmet is too small. Comfort is key with helmets, so many are adjustable. (Click here for more details on helmets.) One helmet to check out is the Cascade M11, a collaboration between NHL great Mark Messier and Cascade Sports that is specifically designed to “address the epidemic of concussions in hockey.” The helmet is dubbed the “enemy: of concussions with its revolutionary liner system that provides the protection of two helmets in one space.
Equipment QA: Stick Length
Question: There are great deals on new and used sticks right now, but my daughter is still growing. As a Bantam next year, she may outgrow junior-size sticks. Should I take the chance? Answer: It’s probably safe to buy a longer stick now and cut it down to size in the fall — provided that cutting the stick doesn’t affect the flex too much. (And if you buy a new stick that ends up being too short, you may be able to lengthen its life with a stick plug.) Various guidelines and personal preferences affect a player’s ideal stick length. Read more about short, average and long sticks and the types of players they work best for here.
Total Hockey Launches HockeyGreen
With the tagline “Reduce your carbon stickprint,” Total Hockey’s recycling initiative focuses on composite hockey sticks. This new initiative focuses on aligning Total Hockey’s business practices with environmentally friendly strategies in an effort to reduce its ecological impact.
Shock Doctor® to Feature Mouthguard Fitting Lab, New Products and More at Let’s Play Hockey Expo Booth
The Let’s Play Hockey Expo is Friday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Black or Blue?
What kid that plays baseball doesn’t dream of hitting a home run? Hockey’s equivalent is probably picking the upper corner to score a goal. In order for that big hit to be a home run, the fence needs to be moved in considerably. Most Mites need a similar accommodation and that is the Blue Puck.
