Hockey is a great sport because of its relentless activity and high-speed team play. Hockey, as enjoyable as it is, is not without risk of injuries. Follow these guidelines to keep as safe as possible.
Hockey Gears that are Protective
Before you begin practicing hockey, ensure you have all of the necessary gear and understand how to properly put it on and utilize it. Skates and a helmet are a solid start, but you will need a lot more gear. The puck and the hockey stick are the most fundamental pieces of ice hockey equipment. There is also a lot of other equipment that is covered farther down.
The Puck
The Puck usually has a diameter of 80 to 85mm and a thickness of 25 to 30mm. The puck generally weighs between 1 and 1.5 kilograms. It also has a 2mm thick protective layer on the outer surface.
Hockey sticks
They are manufactured primarily of wood and graphite and range in length from 150 to 200 cm, with a flat horizontal projection known as the blade. The blade is angled at 135 degrees, giving the hockey stick the shape of the letter ‘L.’ The blade is 25 to 40 cm long with a slight bend at the end to help the player keep the puck on the ice. The size of a hockey stick varies based on the height of the participant. Compared to skaters’ hockey sticks, the goalkeeper’s hockey stick has a wider blade with a narrower angle to make it easier to stop the puck near the goal cages.
Helmet.
This is the most critical piece of protective gear when it comes to avoiding severe injuries. Helmets must be approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) and feature a full facemask, chin cup, and chin strap. To keep your helmet in position, ensure it fits properly and that the chin strap is tightened and fastened. An ice hockey helmet is required for all participants and comes with an extra face cage. To prevent head injuries, these helmets are comprised of a tough but adaptable thermoplastic outer shell with powerful shock-absorbing cushioning on the interior.
Skates.
Make sure your skates fit properly, just like your helmet. Because you will lace them nice and tight, the wrong size skates might cause serious injury to your feet. Skates with a steel or hard plastic toe cup should provide ample support and stability. Maintain the sharpness of your skates so that they function effectively and are less likely to get stuck in ice ruts. For ice hockey skaters, excellent solid outer shell boots with memory foam inner soles, rounded heels, and attachable skate blades are needed. Goalkeepers, unlike skaters, require thicker blades with a greater radius and less ankle support in order to glide freely with their skates.
To prevent pucks from slipping between his boots and skate blades, the goalkeeper’s footwear is closer to the ice surface than a skater’s footwear.
Shoulder, elbow, knee, and shin protectors are also available. All of these are unique to hockey. Soccer or lacrosse gear will not provide the necessary protection. Lower leg pads (knee and shin) should be hard plastic on the outside and make it to the top of your skates.
Pants made for hockey.
These, sometimes known as breezes, should extend to the knee and provide cushioning in the front, back, and sides of the upper legs and the waist.
Gloves.
Hockey gloves, another sport-specific gear, must allow for mobility while providing protection well beyond the wrist.
Athletic Cup
Athlete’s supporter, as well as a cup. As part of a hockey undershorts set or separately.
Neck protector.
These protect the neck from damage, even if some leagues don’t mandate them.
Mouthguard.
It’s used to protect teeth and jaws against knock-downs and falls. The sportsmen on the ice must wear a custom-made plastic mouthguard. These can help avoid jaw injuries by protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
Hockey Goalkeepers
Hockey goalkeepers require a completely distinct set of equipment in order to stay safe. They will need a goalkeeper helmet, skates, neck protector, and athletic cup. Goalkeepers should also always wear:
- Leg protectors. These need to always have the proper length and thickness to withstand even the most ferocious slap shot.
- Arm pads and chest protection are included. Arm pads should be long enough to touch the wrist. To ensure the entire front is fully protected, chest protectors should wrap slightly around the sides.
- Glove for blocking. This glove should be strong and cover the majority of the forearm while allowing the fingers to comfortably grip the stick. Catcher’s mitt Catcher gloves should have heavy padding over the wrist and palm and should extend well up the forearm, similar to a first baseman’s glove in baseball.
Hockey Practice in a Safe Environment
Before learning hockey skills, players must feel at ease on the ice. Take some skating lessons and learn stopping, turning, falling, and getting back up. Knowing how to skate backward, as well as how to halt and turn while skating backward, is also beneficial.
When you’re ready to take to the ice, look for a team, league, and trainer who value safety and fairness. Check with the league to see if checking is permitted. Checking is when a player intentionally collides with another player.
Coaches should be present at all training and plays, insisting that all players wear the proper protective equipment and strictly enforcing all-league safety laws. The following are some general safety guidelines:
- Never smack another participant in the head.
- Never look behind you.
- The stick should never be used as a weapon.
- Gamers should get games physical before beginning any new sport to avoid injuries during training.
- Before you play, make sure you warm-up and stretch.
- Learn proper skills, such as giving and accepting a check, and put them into practice.
- If they are harmed or in distress, they should stop practicing. Before returning to the ice, injured players must be examined by an athletic medic, trainer, doctor, or nurse.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after training and games to stay hydrated.
- Understand the team’s emergency plan.
rank
Website
BONUS
TURNOVER
RATING
PROMO / SIGN UP
