Good protective Hockey equipment is not cheap, so we’ve assembled some sizing charts to help you out when you are heading out to the annual “warehouse sale”. Player equipment is covered first followed by Goaltender sizing grids. One of the most valuable sections of this document is the section that details Hockey Sticks, Replacement Blades and Shafts. There are some very detailed comparisons from different vendors so as the players increase in size, weight and ability they can adjust their stick of choice to best fit their shooting/playing style. Want a Bauer blade that matches your old Easton…..? You can find it in here. Enjoy!!!!

HELMETS
To Measure for Proper Helmet Size:
Place a tape measure 1" above the eyebrows and measure the distance (circumference) around the head. Match the player's size to the suggested helmet sizing.
Fitting:
When fitting a helmet, open the helmet up to its largest setting and position the helmet so the rim is one finger width above the eyebrows. Gradually downsize the helmet (if necessary) until a comfortable, snug fit is achieved. The helmet must be snug enough to prevent any movement or rotation with the sizing secured and the chin strap securely fastened. An oversized helmet can lead to unnecessary injuries.
Certification:
Most leagues require a helmet to be CSA and/or HECC certified for use. The face cage or shield must also meet these standards and be approved for use with the helmet they are attached to. While it is usually recommended that you match the brand of your helmet and cage/shield, most helmets are certified for use with a variety of cages from other manufacturers. Check with the documentation included with your helmet to make sure the cage is approved for use with the helmet. It is recommended that you replace your helmet after every 2 years of use regardless of the fit or condition. The sweat and wear a helmet takes going through the rigors of hockey and constant storage in damp hockey bags can cause the liner to harden and lose some of its protection capabilities.
How to buy:
When choosing the best helmet you should factor in a number of benefits and features in your decision. The level of hockey that you play is important, however all certified helmets are approved for any level of play. The more expensive helmets often exceed the certification standards for protection, provide better ventilation and are lighter with a thinner, more dense liner. EPP liners, composite sub-shells and other new materials have made it possible for companies to develop more protective helmets that are much lighter than traditional helmets. These materials and the cost of product development are a big factor in increasing the price of a helmet. Another factor to consider is adjustability. Some helmets offer a tool-less adjustment to make it easier to fit the helmet to your head, and many top-end helmets are developing ways to adjust the helmet side-to-side as well as front to back. The additional adjustment features can ensure a much better fit across a wider variety of head shapes & sizes. This in-turn makes the helmet more protective by minimizing movement that can lead to concussions and other serious injuries. With all of this considered it all comes down to comfort and fit. Hockey can be a dangerous sport, but making sure you have the right sized protective equipment can go a long way in preventing injury.
Ice Skates
To Measure for Proper Skate Size:
The best way to measure for a pair of skates is with a brand-specific Branic(r) device, but in the absence of that, you can get a good idea of your size based on your US dress shoe size (Sneakers and sandals often vary in size or are worn larger than your true shoe size, so the results are far less accurate using those options as a base for sizing). A half size larger can often be used for a child's skate to allow room for growth. Using a skate that is more than one half size too big can result in damage to the player's ankle, premature breakdown of the skate and could hurt the player's skating ability. The width of the skate is designated by the letter following the number size on a skate. A "D" or "R" signifies a standard width skate, while an "E," "EE" or "W" signifies a wide skate.
Note:
When selecting a skate for a woman subtract 2 sizes from the US woman's shoe size to find the corresponding men's shoe size before consulting the manufacturer's suggestions (does not include women's specific skates).
Nike Bauer
1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. These skates are traditionally more narrow in the heel and mid-foot than other brands. (Skates from 2002 and prior for Nike only were sized at the same size as shoe size)
CCM
1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. These skates are wider in the heel, mid-foot and toe than other brands.
RBK
1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. These skates fit similar to the CCM only slightly wider in the mid-foot.
Graf
1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. Graf offers a variety of different fits across its skate options.
Mission
Same size to .5 smaller than shoe size. Mission skates fall in the middle of the pack in terms of width.
Tour
Same size to .5 smaller than shoe size. These skates fit a little wider than other brands of skates.
Easton
1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. These skates have a slightly more narrow heel and slightly wider toe.
Fitting:
When fitting a new pair of skates, kick the heel of the foot back into the skate and lace the skate up. For an ideal fit, your toe should be able to brush the end of the skate prior to heat molding or breaking in the skates. As you break in a new pair of skates the player's heel will push further back in the pocket to allow additional room. The foot should feel comfortable with minimal to no movement side-to-side or front-to-back. Any movement could result in discomfort or blistering.
Breaking in your skates:
Many new models of skates offer the ability to heat mold the boot for a faster break-in and more comfortable fit. While not necessary, the heat molding process can alleviate additional uncomfortable break-in time and can help customize the fit of the skate to the shape of your foot. Most pro shops offer heat-fit machines specific to the brand of skate which will work the best in customizing the fit, however they usually charge for this service. If you're looking for an effective way to break-in the skates on your own, the answer is quite simple: Lace the skates up when you are at home. Use a pair of hard skate guards and walk around the house or wear the skates while you are watching TV. The heat from your feet will help mold the skate to your foot, and the more you wear them before stepping on the ice, the better they will feel when you take that first stride.
How to buy:
The biggest thing to think about is fit. Every manufacturer we carry has excellent quality skates, but if the fit is not right for you(,) then your skating will suffer because of it. Take into account the shape of your foot. Little information like "My foot tends to be narrow in the heel and wide at the toe" can help greatly in determining what brand of skate might work best for you. If you need any help with fitting feel free to contact us. We realize that buying skates online can be intimidating, but we are trained to help.
As for skate features, the buzz word around modern skates is "Light." Many people ask us what is the lightest skate on the market, but this is not the only thing to consider when buying a pair of skates. The level of skater you are makes a big difference in your decision. Pro level skates are great for the top level skaters, but they can be hard to break-in for players that only skate once or twice a week. Generally speaking, the lighter the skate is, the sooner it will break down (although companies are working on new materials to get around this problem), but this is a trade-off well worth it to many players. Lighter skates can help you to be quicker and more agile, even late in a game.
Look for the skate that has the right balance of support, comfort, durability, protection & weight for you. You don't have to spend top dollar to get a skate that will work great for you, most companies offer affordable skate options that are durable enough for most levels of play with great features, comfort and support.
GLOVES
Measuring for Gloves:
With the player's forearm bent, measure the distance between the fingertips and the elbow pad. Use this measurement to select the corresponding inch size for gloves. If you use a shorter cuff glove, or have particularly long fingers, a wrist guard can be used to help cover any gaps between the glove and the elbow pad.
(general guidelines for glove sizes based on height)
Measuring for Gloves
Glove Size / Player Height
8"-9" / up to 3'8"
10" / 3'8"-4'0"
11" / 4'0"-4'4"
12" / 4'4"-4'8"
13" / 4'8"-5'4"
14" / 5'4"-6'0"
15" / 6'0" and up
Fitting:
Hockey gloves should fit loose enough so your fingers are not jammed into the end of the glove, but snug enough so you do not loose grip on the stick. A good fitting glove will give you ample wrist protection, but allow plenty of room for mobility in the fingers. A tight fitting glove could sacrifice protection and mobility.
How to buy:
Select a glove that provides ample protection and still gives great mobility. You want a palm that is durable and soft enough to provide a good feel of the stick. All gloves will break-in as you play with them, but gloves with segmented fingers and stretch gussets can provide a much more flexible and broken-in feel right out of the box. PE (plastic) inserts in the fingers and thumb can help add protection for higher levels of play but are generally not necessary for younger players. The cuff style is usually a big deciding factor in which glove to purchase. Some players prefer the mobility of shorter, more open cuffs, while others prefer the better protection provided by gloves with longer cuffs. Look for a glove that suits your balance of protection and mobility.
Leather vs Nylon:
Most players prefer the durability and look of a leather (or synthetic leather) exterior for their gloves. Nylon gloves are historically a little less durable, however many professional players prefer to use a nylon exterior for their glove because nylon is lighter and sheds water more easily.
Shoulder Pads
Measuring for Shoulder Pads:
With the player standing upright, measure the player's chest size (circumference) just below the arm pits. Use this size to determine the proper size shoulder pad to select.
Fitting:
Shoulder pads should fit snugly but provide plenty of mobility. Protection is important; Make sure the shoulder caps sit securely on top of the shoulders and the arm guards cover the entire distance from under the shoulder cap to the elbow pads without leaving any gaps.
How to buy:
Choose the right fit of protection and mobility for your needs. Shorter, lighter shoulder pads are often selected by forwards and more agile skaters because of the improved mobility. The longer shoulder pads with greater protection can be a great fit for the more physical player or one that is constantly blocking shorts or digging in the corners. Features like extended stomach protection, reinforced spinal or collarbone protection and adjustable length bicep guards can help provide additional protection in key areas without adding a lot of bulk to the pads.
The shoulder caps generally fall into two categories, standard and low profile. Low profile caps sit closer to the shoulders and tend to extend a little further down, where as the standard caps sit more upright and add more protection by increasing the distance between the shoulder and the pad.
Shin Guards
Measuring for Shin Guards:
While the player is sitting, measure the distance from the center of the kneecapto the top of the skate boot (not the tongue). Match this size to the corresponding inches in the shinguard.
(general guidelines for shin guards based on height)
Measuring for Shin Guards
Shin Guard Size / Player Height
8" / 3'4"-3'8"
9" / 3'8"-4'0"
10" / 4'0"-4'4"
11" / 4'4"-4'8"
12" / 4'8"-5'0"
13" / 5'0"-5'4"
14" / 5'4"-5'8"
15" / 5'8"-6'0"
16" / 6'0"-6'4"
17" / 6'0" and up
Fitting:
Shin guards can be worn inside or over top of the skate tongue. If you wear the shin guard inside of the tongue of the skate you may use a slightly shorter shin guard than someone who wears the shin guard over top of the tongue. A properly fit shin guard should cover the entire distance down to the top of the skate boot without spaces or gaps.
How to buy:
Look for a shin guard with ample protection for your level of play. Many models of shin guards offer increased protection for the calf that can help reduce the risk of injury resulting from a slash or skate blade. Usually more expensive shin guards offer greater protection and provide better comfort by providing improved liners (some that help remove moisture during play) and allowing for better ventilation to keep you cool. A removable liner can help extend the life of the shin guards by allowing you to air everything out completely to prevent bacteria buildup.
Shin guard straps can help keep everything in place and can reduce the need to tape around your socks.
Elbow Pads
Measuring for Elbow Pads:
Sizing for elbow pads can be tricky. The true size is an inch measurement from your shoulder pads to the cuff of your gloves, however differences in the style of elbow pad or glove can be a big factor in how this measurement converts to sizing of the elbow pad. Because of this some companies shy away from posting specific sizing guidelines, while others give suggestions based on height. Here is a general guideline to help you choose what size might be right for you based on the shoulder pad to cuff measurement.
CHART (general guidelines for elbow pads based on height)
Measuring for Elbow Pads
Shin Guard Size / Inch Size / Player Height
Youth Sizes / 7"-9" / 3'3"-4'7"
Jr Small / 9"-11" / 4'3"-4'7"
Jr Medium / 10"-11" / 4'5"-4'9"
Jr Large / 10"-12" / 4'7"-4'11"
Sr Small / 12"-13" / 5'1"-5'8"
Sr Med / 13"-14" / 5'7"-5'11"
Sr Large / 14"-15" / 5'9"-6'0"
Fitting:
Elbow pads should fit securely around the arm without rotating. The best fitting elbow pad should cover the entire distance from the shoulder pad's bicep protection to the end of the glove's cuff. If there is a gap in this distance, a wrist guard can be used to help protect the forearm/wrist.
How to buy:
Select an elbow pad that fits your needs for protection and mobility. Additions of forearm guards and bicep protection can help prevent injury, however some players choose to sacrifice the protection for a smaller, more mobile elbow pad. The elbow cap can be soft (protected by foam) or hard (protected by plastic). Some leagues require a covered elbow cap so companies have used an extra covered piece of material over the hard plastic to give the protection, but still meet the league guidelines.
Hockey Pants
Hockey Pants / Breezers Measure
Measure the distance around the player's waist. Select the pant with the corresponding waist size. For particularly tall players, a larger waist size may be needed to allow for enough length to cover the legs down to the top of the shin guards. In this instance suspenders should be used to help secure the pants.
Fitting
A properly fit pair of pants will allow you freedom of movement without getting in the way of the shin guards kneecap. Sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice a little fit in the waist or length of the pant to ensure plenty of protection without impeding skating.
How to buy
All pants have plastic inserts to protect against injuries, however the higher level pants have fewer gaps, more dense protection and can often have added features to improve the fit, protection or weight. It is important to choose a pant suitable for your level of skill and play. Added tailbone and spine protection can be a big positive in some pants, while other features such as skate zippers, vented materials and stretch gussets can add to the convenience and comfort of a pant. Look for a pant with good adjustability including a belt and lace system that provides sufficient opportunity to cinch to pant to fit your waist. A few pants have come out with adjustability features beyond this allowing for height adjustment on the pant.