Equipment

EQUIPMENT LIST

Hockey Bag
Helmet with cage - should not be a tight fit, leads to headaches. Buy one that fits in the middle of its adjustable range.
Hockey skates - resist the urge to "buy them with room to grow into." Skates should be 1.5-2 sizes below shoe size. Skates that are too large will hinder their skating growth by shifting their weight back towards their heel, resulting in balance issues and problems stopping, as well as foot pain.
Hockey stick - Youth wooden sticks, cut down to size (up to nose in skates). Flat blades are perfect for beginners.
Shoulder pads
Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Breezers (pants)
Shin guards
Practice jersey, plain, one dark and one light (preferably)
Hockey "socks" - visible, covers the shin guards. Need one game pair (official team socks) and plain socks for practice.
Jock or Jill, with cup - optional for U6/U8, required for U10 and older.
Several rolls of white cloth stick tape - for taping the blade of the stick as well as the grip.
Several rolls of clear, stretchy sock tape - used to help hold up hockey socks and hold shin guards securely in place.
Tall, thin, hockey skating socks. Thick cotton socks can be uncomfortable and get soggy.
Mouth guard - optional for U10 and younger age groups, mandatory for U12 and older.
Neck laceration guard - required for U8 Mites and older age groups, recommended for all players.
An extra set of hockey skate laces

EQUIPMENT + OAYHA

The Association provides equipment, including skates and sticks, for players participating in the

Try Hockey For Free (THFF) events
Introduction to Termites (ITT) program

The Association provides equipment, NOT including skates and sticks, for players participating in the

Conner Bingham Youth League

Families are responsible for equipment, including skates and sticks, for players participating in the

Travel Hockey program

Fully outfitting a child new to hockey shouldn't exceed $200-300, especially at the younger age groups.

A few tips:

Buy used equipment whenever possible
Don't buy "big" and hope they grow into it
Try on the gear on a regular basis and reuse what fits--some gear will work for multiple years
Hand down equipment from child to child when possible
Utilize Play It Again Sports or sell outgrown equipment to other hockey friends
Don't buy premium skates, especially for kids U12 and under-- Skates that are too stiff can hinder the child's ankle mobility
A helmet should not be a tight fit or a struggle to put on: tight helmets cause pressure which results in headaches
Wooden sticks are inexpensive, strong, and handle stick handling and light use on concrete well AND don't forget to cut the stick down to the appropriate length

HOW TO GET DRESSED

Here is a great video from USA Hockey on how to dress your hockey player. It is helpful to see the gear, where it goes, how it attaches, and the process.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS OSHKOSH

Play It Again Sports in Oshkosh is a great place to find all your youth sporting goods, including hockey equipment. Over the last year the store has invested in hockey equipment, including new skate sharpening equipment, expanded inventory, and of course the benefit of getting to sell the equipment back when your child outgrows it.

Purchasing from an actual brick and mortar gives you the benefit of trying on the gear before purchasing. This solves the headache of online returns and exchanges.

Play It Again Sports supports our Association and hockey rink through annual sponsorships and dasher board advertising.

Warbird Hockey Weekend At Play It Again Sports!

Dates coming soon for 2025/2026 season!

Rink Rat Rentals

https://rinkratrentals.com/

Rink Rat Rentals is an online company that offers families the option of renting equipment. This is a relatively new company. The prices are reasonable and rentals require a three month minimum, but families are able to extend that in one month increments.

There are pros and cons with online companies such as Rink Rat Rentals. The pricing is competitive, however at the end of the season the equipment must be returned, even if it still fits your child. Sizing and exchanges are less convenient, but inventory may be more stable. Rental programs such as this will certainly help grow the game and help families understand what equipment costs are before registering for hockey.

If you do use this route, let us know! We'd love to hear how your experience was and if you'll use it again.