Kids and teenagers are as crazy about ice hockey as the adults are. The older one could definitely take on the numerous beatings, trips, bumps, and bruises of the game, but not the kids. That is why it is very important that these young hockey players be fully equipped with protective gear to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the game. It is a good thing that hockey equipment manufacturers are also making hockey equipment especially for younger players. Here are some of the protective gear (which is not required in professional hockey games) the kids need to play hockey.
The mouthpiece
Worn in other sports such as boxing, basketball, and wrestling, the mouthpiece is required in some youth hockey games to prevent damage to the lips and teeth. Since hard contact is common in the game, the teeth are potentially in danger and must always be protected.
The neck guard
A neck guards are also needed to prevent whiplash or other serious neck injuries from happening. It is usually made of ballistic reinforced nylon material.
The helmet
In hockey, wearing a helmet is mandatory because the head should always be protected. Wearing the wrong kind of helmet could lead to serious head injuries like concussion. When buying a helmet, here are some specifications you should look for:
1. Make sure you get the right size for your head. Get a helmet that is not too loose so it will not move too much. Do not buy a helmet that is too tight either because you have to keep the blood circulating to your head. Measure the circumference of your head about an inch above your eyebrows in order to get your size.
2. Check if the helmet has padding around it. It should also cup the back of your head, allowing it to comfortably grip your head while playing.
3. Get a helmet that has "tool-free" adjustments so that it would fit precisely on your head.
4. Young hockey players are required to wear helmets with visors or wire face masks. This is needed to protect their faces from unexpected flying pucks.
