Equipment 101

Proper fitting equipment is essential for maximum comfort and safety. Parents need to ensure that your son's helmet, skates and pads are the correct size. Generally, hockey websites will utilize sizing comparison charts which are a helpful tool. If you plan on making an online equipment purchase be sure to use a soft tape measure to confirm the appropriate size beforehand. 

For skates, hockey is not a situation where you buy skates that are larger than the child's foot, so the child can grow into them. Hockey skates are probably the most important and most expensive equipment purchase and there are nuances that you need to be aware of before you buy (some brands are a size and a half lower than the acutal shoe size!). An improper fitting can lead to an uncomfortable experience for your child.

It is strongly recommended that each skater takes the time before the season to visit a brick and mortar retailer to confirm the best skate size is being worn.



Skates are recommended to be sharpened every 15-20 hours of ice time. Some websites encourage even less at 10-15 hours. A good rule of thumb for recreational hockey is once a month. Sharp skates allow your child to turn and maneuver better - and even keep their balance.

It is important to buy skates where they will sharpen them before you leave the store. All new hockey skates have flat blades and cannot be used until a hollow with edges is made by grinding.  If you buy at store that does not sharpen, you will have to trek to a store location that does so. 

See "Brick & Mortar Resources" below for locations which offer skate sharpening services.

You can first shop online to compare prices for youth hockey skates with store prices to get an idea of what to pay and to understand equipment sizing. These sites all have equipment sizing information for each of the major equipment vendors:

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/

http://www.purehockey.com/

http://www.hockeygiant.com/

http://www.discounthockey.com/



Hockey Monkey and Pure Hockey have big box retail locations near New York City. These places are full service temples to the sport.  

For immediate needs and skate sharpening, below are stores where you can buy hockey equipment in the NYC area. It is strongly encouraged to make appointment 2-3 days in advance with either shop if you plan on purchasing any equipment. If you are purchasing appearal and/or accessories reservation are not necessary.