Equipment Guide
The links and sizing information in this guide pertain to children 8 years old or younger. If your child is older than 8, this guide is still helpful and accurate. However, you’ll need to size your child accordingly based on their size in either Junior or Intermediate-sized equipment. The principles for fitting gear remain the same, but make sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing charts to ensure a proper fit.
**Keep in mind if your player is new to hockey, the Cyclones are willing to loan full sets of gear to get you started. You can hang on to the gear until your player outgrows it, at which time we'd ask that the borrowed equipment is returned.
Where To Buy Equipment
There are three primary places where you can get equipment:
Sideline Swap (https://sidelineswap.com/) is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell new and used sports equipment. It is a great place to find gently used hockey gear at a lower cost, making it a good option for parents looking to outfit their children without breaking the bank.
If you want to actually try on equipment, there are two places you can go in our area: Pure Hockey (https://www.purehockey.com/) in Mayfield Heights and Play It Again Sports in Twinsburg. Pure Hockey is where you’ll find brand new equipment and a wider selection. Play It Again Sports is where you’ll find less expensive used equipment, but you may have limited selection.
Pure Hockey in Mayfield Heights
6505 Mayfield Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
(440) 459-1366
Play It Again Sports in Twinsburg
8870 Darrow Rd F 105, Twinsburg, OH 44087
(330) 467-0788
Note: Play It Again Sports will have limited selection at certain points in the year but stocks up in late summer.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Here is a brief description of each piece of equipment you'll need. Below, you'll find more detailed information on sizing and links to where to find these items.
Helmet: A helmet with a full cage or clear plastic facemask to protect the head and face.
Shoulder Pads: These protect the shoulders, chest, and upper back from impact.
Elbow Pads: Elbow pads shield the elbows and forearms from falls and collisions.
Gloves: Hockey gloves protect the hands and wrists while allowing for flexibility and grip on the stick.
Hockey Pants: Also known as breezers, these padded shorts protect the hips, thighs, and lower spine.
Shin Guards: Shin guards cover the knees and shins, protecting them from pucks and falls.
Hockey Socks: Worn over the shin guards, hockey socks provide additional coverage and keep the shin guards in place.
Skates: Hopefully no explanation necessary!!
Hockey Stick: Choose a stick that suits your child's height and whether they are left- or right-handed.
Jock or Jill: This protective gear is essential for safeguarding the groin area and usually includes Velcro tabs to hold up the hockey socks.
Neck Guard: A neck guard protects the neck from potential injuries, such as skate blades or pucks.
Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in ensuring your child's safety and performance on the ice.
Helmet
Size: Small or Youth Small
Measurement: Measure the circumference of the head about one inch above the eyebrows. Youth helmets typically fit head circumferences of 18-21 inches.
Note: Make sure you purchase a helmet with a full caged or clear plastic facemask.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/search.aspx?keyword=youth+helmets&div_main_desc=Youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20helmet
Shoulder Pads
Size: Youth Small
Measurement: Measure the chest circumference just below the armpits. Youth sizes typically cover chest measurements from 20-24 inches.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-shoulder-pads-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20shoulder%20pads
Elbow Pads
Size: Youth Small
Measurement: Measure the length from the middle of the bicep to the middle of the forearm. Youth small sizes generally fit arm lengths of 7-8 inches.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-elbow-pads-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/shop/hockey/protective/elbow-pads/age-youth/l54341
Gloves
Size: 8-inch or 9-inch (Youth Small to Youth Medium)
Measurement: Measure the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist crease. For players aged 5 to 8, an 8-inch to 9-inch glove is usually appropriate.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-gloves-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/shop/hockey/gloves/age-youth/l54355
Hockey Pants
Size: Youth Small or Youth Medium
Measurement: Measure the waist circumference. Youth small sizes typically fit waists from 20-22 inches, while youth medium fits 22-24 inches.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-pants-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20pants
Shin Guards
Size: 8-inch or 9-inch (Youth Small to Youth Medium)
Measurement: Measure from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot. An 8-inch to 9-inch shin guard usually fits well for players aged 5 to 8.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-shin-guards-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20shin%20guards
Hockey Socks
Size: Youth
Measurement: Hockey socks typically come in one size for youth but ensure they are long enough to cover the shin guards completely.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/search.aspx?keyword=youth%20hockey%20socks
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20socks
Skates
Size: Youth 8-13 (depending on the shoe size)
Measurement: Hockey skates generally fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than regular shoe sizes. For players aged 5 to 8, youth size skates ranging from 8 to 13 should be appropriate. Measure the child's foot length for the most accurate fit.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/youth-hockey-skates
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/shop/hockey/skates/age-youth/l420
Hockey Stick
Size: Youth
Length: When standing in skates, the stick should reach between the chin and nose. For players aged 5 to 8, look for youth sticks specifically designed for their height and strength.
Note: To determine whether your child should use a left-handed or right-handed stick, have them hold a broom or a similar object. If they place their left hand lower on the broom, they will likely use a left-handed stick. If they place their right hand lower, they will likely use a right-handed stick.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-sticks-wood-youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/shop/hockey/sticks/age-youth/l54346
Jock or Jill
Size: Youth Small or Youth Medium
Measurement: These are typically sized by waist measurement. Youth small generally fits waists from 20-22 inches, and youth medium fits waists from 22-24 inches. Most jock and jill shorts come with Velcro tabs to hold up hockey socks, eliminating the need for a separate garter belt.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-cups?div_main_desc=Youth
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20jock
Neck Guard
Size: Youth
Measurement: Neck guards are generally one-size-fits-all for youth, but ensure it fits snugly without being too tight.
Links:
Pure Hockey: https://www.purehockey.com/c/hockey-protective-neck-wrist-guards
SidelineSwap: https://sidelineswap.com/search?q=youth%20hockey%20neck%20guard
