Plus, USA Hockey requires a mouthguard for all youth hockey players, and players are often checked for mouthguards at tournaments. Beyond that, it’s just common sense for anyone playing hockey to wear a mouthguard. Read on for top practical tips on what to buy and how to care for it.

Why to Wear a Mouthguard

The reasons for wearing a mouthguard range from safety to vanity, but all are significant:

1. You have to: USA Hockey requires all youth hockey players in the United States to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and to prevent concussions and injuries to the temporomandibular joint. In addition, Minnesota Hockey has the following rule: “All players, including goalkeepers, are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece, which covers all remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily, the upper.”
2. Keep safe: Mouthguards do more than protect your teeth—they can protect your lips, cheek, face, jaw, neck and more.
3. Protect your smile: Everyone looks better and is more confident with teeth.
4. Avoid the dentist: Dental work is expensive, time consuming and sometimes painful.
5. Improve performance: Beyond preventing the trouble you may have eating pizza or chewing gum—or attracting members of the opposite sex—without teeth, there may be another reason to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards may improve athletic performance, which you can read about in Time magazine in the best-headlined article on the topic ever: Big-League Chew.

What to Choose

To be of any use, a mouthguard needs to be (1) in the mouth and (2) fit well. Chewing on a corner is not the same thing as wearing a mouthguard—nor is letting it dangle from your helmet. Given the importance of this piece of equipment to your health, find one you will like and wear.

1. Stock: Ready-made mouthguards come in small, medium and large. They are inexpensive and yet often uncomfortable. These may be good for kids whose mouths are changing rapidly or tend to lose them often.
2. Formed: Known as “boil-and-bite,” these mouthguards are a little sleeker and more comfortable than stock mouthguards. Boil it in water to soften it and then bite on it to form it to your mouth. These are a good middle-of-the-road solution between stock and custom mouthguards.
3. Custom: Made by a dentist or with an at-home kit, custom mouthguards fit extremely well and allow for easy speaking and breathing. They can, however, be expensive and time-consuming to acquire (from around $60 to $300). If you think it will be lost or outgrown quickly, these may not be for you.

Note: On the theory that the best mouthguard is the one they’ll wear, my sons have had custom mouthguards in the past. The first time, a very nice dentist dad offered the entire team one—in team colors—as an ingenuous introduction to his practice (which worked—he’s our dentist now). The second time, I paid for them at his friends-and-family rate, still a lot for a mouthguard for kids with rapidly changing mouths. Did it work? One loves his except when coaches think he’s not wearing one due to its sleek fit. The other one, a Mite, chews on it as it hangs out his helmet—something he can just as easily do with a $5 guard, except with the $5 guard the coaches are more likely to notice and make him put it in.

How it Should Fit

Like all other pieces of athletic equipment, you will not have your mouthguard forever. It will wear out or you will outgrow it, usually within a year.

1. It should be tight yet comfortable.
2. You should be able to breathe and talk with reasonable comfort.
3. Trim a stock or formed mouthguard as necessary to fit—just be sure it still covers all the teeth.
4. Replace a distorted or frayed mouthguard.
5. Replace it if it has holes or jagged edges.
6. Replace it after growth spurts or changes in teeth (lost, new, moved, braced).
7. To get more value out of it, wear it for any activity that poses a risk to the mouth: scootering, biking, skiing, snowboarding and the like.
8. Have the dentist check the mouthguard for fit during regular cleanings.

How to Care for It

Ever seen a kid dig a mouthguard out of the bottom of his hockey bag—a bag full of dirty socks, sweaty pads and spilled sports drinks—and pop it in his mouth? Maybe he’ll rinse it in the drinking fountain first, but that’s about it. So I admit, the official mouthguard care rules made me laugh out loud—and yet commit to doing a better job of taking care of them.

1. When to clean: Sanitize after each use to remove bacteria, fungus and mold. While this may not happen, if your mouthguard has been languishing in your bag all summer, for example, clean it before the season starts. After that, try cleaning it once a week.
2. How to clean: Clean it according to the manufacturer instructions, likely denture cleaning solution, a toothbrush and toothpaste, or soap and water.
3. Where to store: Store it in a box, preferably one with a little airflow. (You can actually buy sanitizing mouthguard cases.) If you don’t have a box and are on the way to a game or something, at least grab a baggy for it.
4. Keep it cool: Don’t leave it out in the sun or it can melt and change shape.

Tips from the Trenches

Experienced hockey parents and players have run into every mouthguard situation you can think of; a few things to watch out for follow.

1. In the bag: After you clean your mouthguard, make sure to get it back in your hockey bag. One way to remember this is to put it by the car keys, ready to go out, or just take it straight to the bag.
2. Keep a backup: Always have a cheap backup mouthguard in your hockey bag in case you forget yours. Just leave it in its packaging or a baggy.
3. Keep germs to yourself: Leave your mouthguard in and your gloves on when you shake hands after a game to keep from spreading the flu, meningitis or even just colds.
4. No clear: USA Hockey requires colored mouthguards as clear ones are hard for refs and coaches to find and remove if you’re injured.
5. Wear it: Think like Dr. Seuss. Wear it with braces. Wear it to open skate. Wear it to stick-and-puck. Wear it to games. Just wear it.

For more information, you can view these special informational flyers from Shock Doctor: Mouthguard Facts (pdf) Mouthguard Matters (pdf).

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Kordes Anton with the Grow the Game Initiative for this story.

Stay dry and rash free…

Long-sleeve shirts and leggings in synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics keep players dry. “If it keeps the sweat off of you, you’re not going to get a rash or anything like that from sweat buildup,” says Keegan, a roller and ice hockey player from Northern Utah and creator of schoolyardpuck.com.

…but only if you sweat in the first place.

A synthetic base layer is not a requirement for hockey. Jeremy, a longtime Canadian player and creator of howtohockey.com, only recommends a base layer for players once they hit puberty and start sweating more. “Unless you’re sweating profusely you wouldn’t really need to wear it. If you have young children and they’re not really going to break a sweat, it’s just an added expense,” he says. (Unless, of course, you’re facing the aforementioned eczema situation.)

Do you need the brand name?

High-end brands can run $40 for the top, $30 to $40 for the leggings and $10 for skate socks. Do you need to add that expense to an already costly sport? Not really. “UnderArmour is the first, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a better brand out there that’s making something better for cheaper. I would give the other products a try,” says Jeremy.

Many parents say the brand names hold up (to repeated washings, skate blades, Velcro and more) better than discount store brands such as Champion. But at a quarter of the price, you can buy more (meaning fewer laundry needs) and replace them as growth requires.

Keegan also stresses to not let the lack of a base layer stop children from playing the game. “Don’t let equipment cost hinder your opportunity to play. Don’t think you have to wait until you have all the right gear to play. I remember I started out with pants that had huge holes on each leg. It didn’t matter; I just really wanted to play,” he says.

Tips from the Trenches

Whatever kind of base layer a player wears—whether an old cotton T-shirt or a high-tech compression shirt—you’re going to need to wash it. Often.

• Buy at least two pairs so you can wash one, wear one.
• Remember to switch the clean and dirty set as soon as you get home.
• Consider a color other than black so you can find it in your black hole of a bag.
• For males, look for synthetic leggings or compression shorts that can hold a cup, so they serve as a jock as well.
• According to Total Hockey, for best fit under your pads and top mobility, be sure your base layer is snug and doesn’t bunch or gather.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Rose Conry, an intern with the Grow the Game Initiative, for this story. Rose studies journalism at Northwestern University, loves all sports and sails competitively with the university’s club team.

For information, I talked to Robert Hineline at the Skater’s Edge. Despite working with nationally ranked figure skaters and hockey players, Hineline is full of practical tips for parents of players at any age or level.

Start with the Sock

Don’t even go skate shopping without the right socks. “Thick socks can add a full size and create sliding within the skate,” says Hineline. Robert and his wife Cathy recommend a thin men’s dress sock for skating. Knowing that my kid will never be the dork in the locker room in the black nylon socks, I suggest skate socks by Underarmour, Easton or CCM — or even the Champion athletic socks at Target. Hineline agrees these are ideal as they also draw moisture away from the foot.

Hineline warns against the old myth of skating barefoot. “The reason skates smell is that rotting skin is left behind. This gets back on the feet and causes athlete’s foot,” he says.

Fit Tips

The easiest, and probably most pricey, thing to do is march into a hockey store, be fitted and have the skates molded there. But when working with hand-me-downs, skates at resale shops or skates bought online, you may need to check out the fit yourself. For starters:

• Bauer and Nike skates tend to be narrow.
• Easton skates are generally medium width.
• CCM skates run wide, but they also offer narrow widths.

Tip: Rather than taking the time to cram a kid’s feet into a bunch of skates, you can pull out the insole and let your player stand on it to check the width.

Hineline notes that getting fitted is important because, “What some people think is wide not wide at all. It’s a proportion issue.” This is why a professional fitting may pay off. You can pay $10 or so at a skate shop for a fitting and still search for skates online or at resale shops.

If you’re “buying big” for a younger player:

• If dad can slide the flat side of a finger in around the ankle, that’s the perfect amount of growing space. If you can turn your finger to the wide side, however, that’s too big. (Sorry moms, this test works best with man-size hands.)
• According to coach Rich Kennedy, buying skates a half-size larger than the current skates usually works best for 8 and under players.

Hineline notes that if the skate is too big, it will cause bone spurs, bunions and corns. (Believe me, I’ve seen this. He’s not saying it to sell more skates!) Also, if the skate fits, but a kid is complaining about the toe box, it can be stretched.

Evaluating Used

Parents may opt for used skates or hand-me-downs for the first few years of play, particularly if a player is experimenting with hockey or deciding among multiple sports. According to Hineline, after three or four years of skating, kids need the performance of skates really fitted to them. In the meantime, his top tips for checking out used skates include:

• Stitching: The stitching around the skate should be consistent; gaps indicate tears.
• Rivets: Pull out the insole and check the condition of the rivets. They are likely to be rusted, but the tangs should be there and be gripping the skate.
• Blade life: Sharpening affects the life of the blade, removing a little bit each time. If the blade is only 3/8” tall, it’s life is too short and you will need new blades.
• Chipped blades: In a recent two- to five-year span, the metal mix from some manufacturers had too much nickel, leading to chipping on the blade edges. Avoid these.
• Solid blades: A solid blade without a gap is stronger, particularly for the shorter blades Mites use.
• Screws: Look at the screws holding the blade to the skate. If the skates click when you walk, the screws need tightened.
• Remold: Used skates are molded to someone else’s feet, whether by intent or wear. Since everyone’s ankle bones are in a slightly different position, Hineline recommends that you remold used skates.

Taking Care

The first time you wear a new pair of skates, guess what? They’re used, too. To take care of any pair of skates, keep in mind:

• Get sharp: For new skates, the first sharpening is the most important so make sure it’s done professionally. Used skates are almost sure to need a sharpening before wear.
• Rosie rivets: Take out the insole and dab the rivets with metal paint to prevent rust and slow wear. (Hineline admits that clear nail polish will work if you don’t have time for a special run to Lowe’s or Home Depot for metal paint.)
• Guards: If the blades do not say “stainless steel,” they can rust. In this case, do not use hard plastic guards. If you’re putting skates in storage for a month or so, leave the guards off regardless of the metal.
• Insoles: After every use, and particularly for storage, pull out those insoles to dry.

As a parting note, Robert and Cathy Hineline — who have no agenda as they don’t actually sell hockey skates — note that you should check over skates bought online as carefully as skates purchased in a store or purchased used. Be sure they’re in top condition before you wear them. Now get started breaking those skates in!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Kordes Anton for this story.

What you’ll need:

• 200″ of ¾ PVC pipe (often sold in 10’ lengths so you can just buy two )
• Pipe fittings/connectors (quantities shown in diagram)
• Hacksaw
• A large bag of 8″ cable ties
• Netting
• Optional: sand and epoxy
• A free Saturday morning

Grab your hacksaw and saw all your PVC piping to the appropriate length. As the old carpentry saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” I’ve found the easiest way to assemble the pieces is by creating to U shapes. The diagram is color coded to help you visualize what I mean. Once the two U shapes are connected, insert the crossbar. Note: you might find the crossbar needs to be cut down just a little. My crossbar is probably closer to 30.5″.

Finally attach the mesh net using your zip ties. As far as netting goes, you have a lot of options. The goal in the picture uses cheap fishing netting purchased from eBay. I would only recommend this if you plan to play with a ball. A puck would be to heavy for this wimpy net.

If you want to add a little weight to your goal, fill it with sand and seal the tubes to the connectors using epoxy.

Update: For a larger goal that is 54″ x 44″ x 24″ use 1½” PVC and refer to the conversion chart below.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to SchoolyardPuck.com for this story.

Only the NIKE BAUER SUPREME ONE50 JUNIOR STICK is affected by this notice.

Bauer is also conducting an extensive review of our other stick products to verify compliance with the applicable regulations and will advise the results as soon as available in the coming days.

You should immediately stop any further sales of the NIKE BAUER SUPREME ONE50 JUNIOR hockey sticks and return any remaining inventory to Bauer under our normal customer return policy for a full credit. In the coming days we will communicate the full recall program and process to our retailers and consumers.

Question: Any great ideas on bad blisters from new skates?  We’re using liquid bandage and tape, and wondered if there was another great product.

Answer: Funny you should ask that as I have a package of moleskin on my desk right now, ready to go out to the hockey bag. You can buy it in sheets (which my son cuts up and puts in a baggy) or precut. It’s really more preventive, than a cure, however.

For blisters, the players tend to use those corn pads with a hole in the center. A parent on my older son’s team, who is a pediatrician, does recommend the liquid bandage. (But as you probably know, it can burn!) Also, be sure the skates are tied tight so his or her feet aren’t moving around a lot to start with.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Kelly Kordes Anton for answering this question.

While a hockey stick might seem like a simple piece of equipment, there are many considerations when shopping for the right stick for your hockey player. Choosing an inappropriate size and type of stick might actually be detrimental to their game. Here are a few tips to consider.

Overview: Hockey sticks are available for right-handed or left-handed players in a wide variety of sizes, lengths, stick flex and curvatures. The length of the stick is cut down to match the height of the player. Curved stick blades and flexible shafts are for more advanced players. Beginning players should use a stick that fits their hands and has very little curvature to enable them to master both their forehand and backhand shots and passes. Cheaper sticks are just as functional as more expensive sticks and younger players aren’t strong enough to take advantage of more flexible shafts. Additionally, players need a different stick for off-ice practice since off-ice activity is very hard on equipment.

Stick Sizing: When sizing the stick to the player, don’t cut it too long and wait for them to grow into it. A proper length is essential for optimal stickhandling. To measure the stick correctly, place it on the ground in front of a barefooted player. Put the stick on its toe and measure to the player’s nose. Mark the stick at nose level and cut off any excess.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Sports Esteem for this article.

Mobility – If mobility is your major factor in buying ice pants then you will have to give some on the protection side. The more padding and features that are added to the pant the less mobile it can become. Generally the least expensive pants will offer the most interior room and the greatest mobility. Top level pant designs are allowing for more mobility then in previous years, however, they will still carry more bulk than the least expensive pants.

Padding – The pads which you want to focus on when looking at ice pants are the thighs, tailbone, kidneys and spine. The thigh pads should be preformed so they fit around the thigh and not stick out which can restrict your movement. The tailbone should have a preformed PE insert to protect you from nasty falls. The kidney pads should be preformed also so they wrap around your waist to keep the pant close. The spinal protection will protect you from crosschecks and awkward collisions with the boards.

Features – Additional features that you will want to look for are; a padded belt, a double belt system, zippers on the inner thigh, and segmented thigh pads. The belt is an important factor in the fit and comfort of the pant. Some ice pants come with a double belt system which holds the pant in place better. You will also want to look at getting a pant with a padded belt. The area where the belt wraps does not have much padding so adding some padding around that same area will give you some added protection. The zippers allow you to put your skates on first then your pants. Segmented thigh pads allow for a wider range of motion and less restriction.

Liner – The most important factor with the liner in an ice pant is the type of material. There is no protection factor in the liner so you want one that offers comfort. Higher end ice pants will offer a more durable better feeling material. Some manufactures also use a silicon grip print to lock the pant in place and help stop it from twisting. Antimicrobial liners are becoming more widely used. These liners are treated to stop the growth of bacteria which cause that awful smell and cause skin irritations.

Hockey equipment can be a big financial investment. Keeping this investment in the best possible condition can be difficult, especially considering they are being utilized by children.  Here are some great tips to keep your child’s hockey gear in top working order and extend the time that it is able to be used.

Young players often outgrow their equipment long before it wears out. However, proper care of the equipment helps make sure that it continues to provide safety in case of an accident and doesn’t interfere with making plays. The most common complaint with hockey equipment is that it can smell bad after usage. Just like clothes left in the washing machine, wet hockey equipment starts to mildew and smell. The easiest fix for this is simply to air the equipment out after every game and let it dry properly. When putting on each piece of equipment, players and parents should inspect it to make sure that:

• The equipment still fits
• There are no loose screws on the helmet
• There are no cracks
• There is no rust on rivets
• All clasps are working
• Velcro is still holding well
• All pads are intact and laced as needed.

Some equipment, like helmets and hockey pants can be adjusted to compensate for growth. Other pieces must be replaced. A basic repair kit kept in the hockey bag can help solve problems when they are most likely to occur — two minutes before game time. Handy items to have are:

• Extra Laces
• Helmet Screws
• Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Tape
• Towel
• Practice Puck

Skate Sharpening
In order for the skates to grip (cut into) the ice properly especially while turning, they should be properly sharpened. Skate blades have edges that cut into the ice and help a skater stay upright while turning. If the edges are nicked, a skater has difficulty making turns and going full speed.

Skate Blade
The amount of blade sharpness and hollow are often a matter of skater preference. Sharper blades have a deeper groove in the blade that helps with pushing off, stopping, changing direction, pivoting and turning. However, if a blade is too sharp, a player can have problems gliding and stopping as the overly sharp blade tries to grab the ice. Sharper blades are more dangerous and may also be damaged more easily.

Examining Skates
To see if a skate needs sharpening, hold it sideways up to the light so that only one edge is between the light source and your eye. Look for any nicks along the blade.  Flip the skate and over and examine the other edge in the same way. Then, look  lengthwise down the blade to make sure the edges are level. If you have trouble, place a dime on the edges of the blade and make sure it lies flat. If there are no nicks and the edges are level, then the blade does not need sharpening.

Key Points for Parents

• Don’t let you child skate with the wrong sized equipment; make sure that it continues to fit properly.
• Replace any problem equipment immediately.
• Make sure skates are always sharp.
• Use skate guards to protect the blade and guard against injuries;

Key Points for Players

• Always wipe down your skates after use and air out your hockey gear.

For those just starting out in a youth hockey program, the endless supply of equipment needs might seem overwhelming. However, even seasoned players can become confused about the essential and non-essential equipment. Here is a break down from HockeyX.com of the must-have equipment to include on your shopping list. Use this handy checklist the next time you hit your local sporting goods store.

The biggest issue we encounter with new players or parents is the task of purchasing the right equipment. There are many different pieces and we now that it can feel overwhelming. For this reason we have designed this checklist to make it easy, fun and informative. There are many misconceptions about what is needed and not needed. This checklist will help you ensure that you or your child is adequately protected for the greatest game on earth. The two most important pieces of equipment is your helmet and skates. We always suggest that if you are going to spend an extra few dollars spend it in these areas.

Helmets

If you play in an organized league you will be required to have a HECC and CSA approved helmet. These certification standards mean that the helmet has been tested and meets the minimum standards. We only carry approved helmets because we believe that no matter what age you are, your head is the most important part of your body. All players under the age of 18 are required to wear a cage or full shield. We have a hard time understanding why anyone would stop using a cage or full shield once they are no longer required too. We suggest using a half shield at the least, to protect your eyes, at any age.

Skates

Skates are the second most important piece of equipment. The biggest mistake we see is parents trying to buy a skate that is two sizes to big so their child can grow into them. Unfortunately this will hinder their skating ability and put them at a disadvantage.

Shin Pads

Shin pads are designed to protect the knee and shin from collisions, sticks and pucks. You can wear shin pads two different ways; a slightly longer shin pad that cover the outside of the top of the skate or slightly shorter that slide in behind the tongue. There is no right or wrong way; it is all at the preference of the player.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads protect you in two ways. The fist is to protect your elbow from hard falls and impacts with the boards and other players. The second is to protect your forearms from sticks and pucks.

Shoulder Pads

Many people do not like shoulder pads as they used to be bulky and restrict movement. That is changing with some innovative designs. Shoulder pads are required for ice hockey except for adult non checking leagues. They are not required for roller hockey. Shoulder pads protect more than just your shoulders. Traditional shoulder pads will offer full body protection from your shoulders, to chest to the top of your arms. Newer styles are more like a shirt that fits snug and protects the chest and stomach only. These are designed for roller hockey.

Gloves

Gloves protect your hands, fingers and wrists. Some gloves will fit tighter to the hand and others will fit fairly loose. Again, this is a personal choice.

Ice Hockey Pants

Ice hockey pants protect your thighs, hips and tailbone. More expensive pants will protect your lower back and kidneys also. Pants should fit comfortable around the waist and come down to the top of your shin pads.

Ice Hockey Socks

Socks are part of the uniform and cover the players shin guards. They are held in place with a garter belt or a jock short that have Velcro tabs for the socks to hook to.

Sticks, Shafts and Blades

Sticks range from an inexpensive wood stick to get started, to technological pieces of wonder. The options are more than plentiful. You can get a wood stick, composite stick or a composite shaft with a blade.

Jocks

There are 2 different styles of jocks. The first is the old school jock strap with cup. The second is a loose or compression short with a cup built in with Velcro tabs on the thighs to hold up ice socks if needed.

Mouth Pieces

Mouth pieces are becoming required in more leagues for players under 18. There are many different designs. Some styles are designed to protect from players from concussions or for players who wear braces to being gel moldable for the best in comfort.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to HockeyX.com for this informative article.