Roller hockey is a fun but dangerous sport. It is a great form of exercise and can teach people about teamwork and leadership skills. If you or your children are looking to participate in or join a roller hockey team it is crucial that you get all necessary gear. Here is an important gear checklist for roller hockey that can keep you safe.
1) Helmet
The dangers of roller hockey are similar to all other contact sports and may even be a little more hazardous due to the puck. If a person is struck in the head with a hockey puck, they can become seriously hurt. The best way to protect yourself from a head or brain injury from a hockey puck, fall, or collision is to wear a helmet. There are many different helmets on the market so be sure to purchase one that is specifically designed for roller hockey. It should fit snugly on your head and should have a face shield to protect your eyes.
2) Skates
Another essential piece of roller hockey gear is the skates. You can play roller hockey indoors and outdoors so it is important to find skates for the environment you are looking to play in. If you are going to play in both locations you may choose to purchase two sets of wheels and change them out as needed. This can help reduce your costs and help you save money.
3) Knee Pads
Knee pads are another necessity for roller hockey players. They help protect your knees from falls, which are very common, especially among beginners. They can also help protect your knees from a puck and hits from another person’s stick while playing.
4) Elbow Pads
Elbow pads are a great piece of protective gear. They can easily be worn over a shirt or under a baggy shirt to protect your joints. These are great for protecting yourself from injuries due to falls and collisions.
5) Hockey Stick
A hockey stick, also referred to as a composite stick, is a required piece of equipment for all roller hockey players. You will use your stick for every position. There are many different brands of hockey sticks that come in an assortment of styles, sizes, colors and more. It is important for you to get a stick that you feel comfortable holding and that fits your height. You can use a standard measuring chart to determine what size stick you will need or you can get help from a professional in choosing the right stick for you. The stick will be held at a slight angle, so you need to take this into consideration when choosing the right stick.
6) Hockey Puck
Another essential for roller hockey players is a hockey puck. A puck will be used during the game to score into the goals. While each player will not need to bring their own puck to a game, one will be necessary for practice. Some people like to practice using a tennis ball or other soft ball, but hitting a puck is much different than hitting a ball. If you are going to practice at home, you should consider investing a small amount of money to get a hockey puck.
7) Padded Shirt
A padded shirt or shoulder pads should always be worn when playing contact roller hockey. If you are just playing with your friends for fun, you may not need one. However, if you are playing in a serious and competitive game there will likely be bumping, shoving, checking and more. A padded shirt or shoulder pads can help protect your upper body from getting hurt. The pads protect you from other players, hockey sticks and the hockey puck. They provide insulation for your body against falls as well.
8) Gloves
Another great piece of equipment to use when playing roller hockey is a pair of gloves. Gloves allow you to better grip the hockey stick and can protect your hands from accidental hits from other players. They can also provide some support if you fall and will help prevent against serious injuries. If you are looking to be a goalie, you will need a specific pair of gloves that are designed for goalies. Since a goalie is much more susceptible to hits from a puck, their gloves have more padding that they can use to catch and stop the puck from entering the goal. Be sure to get gloves that fit your hands snug and allow you to grip your stick better.
