Equipment Requirements
Safety First I Comfort Second | Performance Third
Proper gear is the best investment you can make in your skater’s confidence and safety. Every item should protect well and allow free movement—no bulky hand‑me‑downs that limit stride or stick‑handling.
MCYH Mandatory Gear Checklist
| Gear | MCYH Rule | Fit & Buying Tips |
|---|---|---|
| HECC‑Certified Helmet w/ full cage | Must be within expiration date | Snug but not painful; shake-test—helmet shouldn’t shift. Check sticker inside for expiry. |
| Neck Guard | Required for all divisions | Bib‑style or collar; Velcro secure, covers entire throat. |
| Mouth Guard | Required for all divisions | Boil‑and‑bite or dentist‑fitted; attach to cage for U12 and under. |
| Shoulder Pads | Required | Slim junior cuts allow full arm raise; no “football” bulk. |
| Elbow Pads | Required | Cap centers on elbow; straps below biceps bloodline. |
| Gloves | Required | Fingertips should just touch ends; player can make fist easily. |
| Hockey Pants | Required | Hip pads cover top of knee pad when standing. |
| Shin Pads | Required | Pad tip rests on skate tongue; choose knee/shin combo style. |
| Groin Protection (jock/jill) | Required | Shorts with built‑in cup & Velcro sock tabs = easiest. |
| Skates | Required | Tight heel lock; toes barely feather cap; sharpen every 5‑10 hrs. |
| Stick | Required after early practices | With skates on: blade on ice, stick tip at chin. New players: flat (no‑curve) blade until handedness set. |
Bonus gear: thin performance socks, light base layers, and a roomy mesh practice jersey to go over pads.
Smart Shopping & Maintenance
- Gear Swap & Used Finds – Check MCYH seasonal swap or local consignment for gently‑used pads and sticks.
- Sharpen Smarter – Indoor skates = sharpen every 5–10 hours; outdoor pond = every 3–5.
- Wash What You Can – Gloves, elbow pads, and base layers can all go in a cold wash + air dry to beat the hockey smell.
Helmets: Inspect Before Every Season
Expired helmet = No ice time. Officials can pull a player mid‑game if the HECC sticker date has passed.
- Locate white HECC sticker inside back left shell.
- Verify the expiration year is ≥ current season end (e.g., good through the current year).
- Replace immediately after any significant head impact or visible crack.
Dressing Tips for Busy Families
- Suit Up at Home – Arrive in base layers + lower pads; finish with skates, gloves, helmet at rink.
- Label Everything – Use a Sharpie on tags; lost elbow pads look the same in the puke bucket!
- Velcro Socks Rule – Hockey shorts with Velcro keep socks up—add two wraps of clear tape around shins for no‑slip fit.