Hockey gear guides, organised by what you need.

How we recommend

Our picks are categories of gear, such as helmet and cage combos, neck guards or shin guards, never particular models or brands. Each pick says who it suits and what to check before buying. We do not publish hands-on reviews of products we have not tested, and we do not rank individual products.

We do not quote or compare prices. The buttons take you to current listings so you can compare for yourself. Product links are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you; that never decides which categories we include.

Rules first

Hockey has no single rulebook, and the equipment rules differ by body, age and level. Each guide names the body and the edition: the IIHF Official Rule Book 2026/27 for international competition, the NHL Official Rules 2026-2027, Hockey Canada's 2026-28 Playing Rules, and USA Hockey's 2025-29 rules. USA Hockey's online rulebook could not be read for this site, so where we rely on USA Hockey memos, news or state association notices instead, we say so.

Some examples of why it matters:

• Helmet stickers. In USA Hockey play a helmet needs a HECC sticker that is still in date, because HECC certification lasts six and a half years, per USA Hockey's 2013 memo. Hockey Canada's 2022 reminder says CSA certification has no expiry and only the CSA sticker is checked in Canada.
• Face protection. Under Hockey Canada's 2026-28 Rule 3.6(e), a full facial protector is compulsory in every category except Senior and Major Junior. Under the IIHF's 2026/27 rules, men's senior players born after 1974 need at least a visor, while U18 players and women's senior players need full-face protection.
• Neck guards. Hockey Canada's 2026-28 Rule 3.6(c) requires a BNQ-certified throat protector in minor and female hockey; USA Hockey says its 2025-29 rules require neck laceration protection for youth, girls and high school players; the NHL's 2026-27 Rule 9.8 sets a cut level for players with no NHL games.

We never say a particular helmet, mask or neck guard is certified or legal for play. Check the sticker or label on the item itself, and your association's current rules. Our helmet sticker checker explains what a helmet's sticker date means.

Where to start

• New to hockey? Read the beginner gear guide first. Some learn-to-play programmes supply or lend the kit for the first sessions.
• Head and neck? Helmets and face protection come first, then neck guards.
• Feet and stick? See skates and sticks.
• The rest of the kit? The protective gear guide covers shoulder, elbow and shin pads, gloves, pants, mouthguards and jocks or jills.
• In net? The goalie gear guide covers kit the rulebooks measure piece by piece.
• Practising away from the rink? See training aids, alongside a coach's plan.
• Buying for someone else? The gift guide sticks to items that need no certification and little or no fitting.

How we handle claims

Rulebooks and standards bodies are our primary sources. Where a maker or retailer describes its own products or explains a rule, we label it as a claim. Where sources disagree, as they do on how often to sharpen skates and on the age range of some neck guard rules, we give each version and who says it. Rules are summarised as of October 2026; check your association's current rules before you buy or play.