What Everyday Hockey Players Can Learn From NHL Equipment Choices 

Here’s what amateur players can learn from NHL pros about choosing the right equipment for their playing style and skill level. 

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Give an NHL player off-the-rack gear, and they would still skate circles around amateur players. Let them customize equipment to suit their playing style, however, and their game goes to the next level. While gear doesn’t make the player, it can help anyone – from pros to amateurs to rec leaguers – make better shots, win more faceoffs, and reduce their risk of injury. 

Fit: Leveling the Field 

Put on gloves that are too big or skates that are too small, and your performance won’t match your potential. 

For example, while skates should be tight enough that your feet don’t slide around, they shouldn’t make it feel like your toes are going to fall off. After a few shifts with too-small skates, both your speed and control start to suffer. Loose gloves, meanwhile, can make it harder to control your game. If you’re a forward, scoring goals becomes more difficult. If you’re a defenseman, poke checks become problematic. 

Here’s a quick rundown of fit fundamentals: 

Gloves: Gloves should be tight enough to offer protection while still allowing wrist and finger mobility.  

Shoulder pads: Think comfortable without compromise. Protection is paramount, but if you can’t turn your shoulders, you won’t have much luck on the ice. 

Skates: Skates are usually sized 1-1.5 sizes smaller than everyday shoes. The fit should be snug, which is essential for supporting your ankles and keeping you in control. Ideally, toes should touch the cap without feeling crowded or crushed. 

Helmets: Your helmet should feel snug and secure. If you shake your head, it shouldn’t slide or bounce. For improved safety, add a face cage or shield. 

 Protection: Keeping Players on the Ice 

Hockey is a physical sport. From cuts and bruises to sprains and the occasional broken bone, taking and making hits is part of the game. 

Protection is a priority for NHL players. Consider visors.

Many exempt players opted to go without visors, but since they retired, visor use has become the norm. Today, only a handful of players leave their faces uncovered.  

Stick Specifications: Making the Big Plays 

Get the right stick in your hand, and you’re magic on the ice. You’re scoring goals, making passes, and stealing pucks. Try the same thing with a stick that’s the wrong length, flex, or feel, and it might look like the first time you’ve played the sport. 

Of all hockey equipment, the nuances of stick choice get very specific. Players of similar weight and height may use vastly different stick configurations to post similar results, and some may opt for combinations you might not expect. 

Consider some examples from hockey history. 

• Phil Kessel used an Easton stick with low flex, said to be below 70, while most players preferred around a 90. Kessel’s stick was less suited to powerful one-timers; however, combined with a low kick point, he could still shoot high in stride. 
• Martin St. Louis opted for an extremely long Warrior stick, unusual for a player standing at 5’8”. To keep his blade on the ice, St. Louis had his sticks customized with a very low lie. Mike Cammalleri received a batch of Easton sticks with a flaw in the blade that he liked. The defect created two lie angles: a flatter toe for puck control and a standard heel for shooting. 

When it comes to customizing your stick, the pros make it clear: There are no wrong answers—experiment and find what works. 

If you’re considering an upgrade, it’s worth asking, “How much are NHL hockey sticks?” The answer depends on multiple factors, including stick materials, kick point, and shaft technology, and blade and core design. Hockey sticks range from about $120 for entry-level and mid-range models to more than $400 for premium NHL-caliber options. 

Gearing Up for Success 

Generic gear gets the job done, but may limit your impact on the ice. Customized gear that matches your skill level and playing style can help you make the most of your game. 

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Matt Stathopoulos is Marketing Coordinator for ProStockHockey.com, an online retailer specializing in authentic pro stock hockey gear originally made for NHL players. He is a lifelong hockey fan and avid hockey equipment enthusiast. His passion for hockey and knowledge are on display in every blog post, social post, and fan/customer interaction. Stathopoulos lives and breathes hockey!