Tips on the fit and storage of hockey pads

Good protection is a must for every ice hockey player. But no protection is good if it doesn't fit properly. It's also important to take care of them properly between games and training sessions.

Here are some tips and advice from Magnus Sandberg at Team Sportia for your purchase.

1. Shin guards

What should you consider when it comes to the fit?

- It is important that the length of the shin guard goes over the tongue of the skate so that it protects the ankle. The fit comes in different variants and it's all about what you prefer. Some models are more voluminous - wider shin guards - while others are tighter around the leg.

How do you take care of the shin guards between training sessions and matches?

- The inner material of the shin guard is removable so that it can be washed. This can be done a few times per season. It is important to do this at 40 degrees otherwise bacteria will accumulate which can cause irritation. There are also good sprays that are antibacterial that you can use, these also counteract bad odors. Make sure the protection dries properly between training sessions and matches.

Is it possible to modify/make shin guards if necessary?

- You should not modify the protection on your own as it is designed to provide optimal protection. If the protector breaks, such as a Velcro strap, a shoemaker can usually repair it.

2. shoulder protection

What should you consider in terms of fit?

- First and foremost, it's important to find a protector that gives you good mobility, but also fits the level you play at. If you are a little older - from 11 years - and have started tackling, you should have a slightly more robust protection that can withstand harder blows. There are different fits for different needs.

How do you take care of the shoulder protection between trainings and matches?

- You can machine wash the protector at 40 degrees and also use antibacterial sprays. Make sure the protector dries properly between training sessions and matches.

Is it possible to modify/make the shoulder protector if necessary?

- You should not modify the protector on your own as it is designed to provide optimal protection. Should the protector be broken, for example by a Velcro strap, a shoemaker can usually repair it.

3. jockstraps

What should you consider when it comes to suspenders?

- The traditional jockstrap is made in three sizes - Youth, Jr, and Sr. However, the most commonly used is the so-called jockstrap pant, where the jockstrap is integrated into a pant. There is also a Velcro strap on the leg where you attach the damask. The pants are machine washable at 40 degrees and the jockstrap is removable.

4. Helmet

What should you consider when it comes to fit?

- Since we all have different head shapes, there are many different fits to choose from. It's important that the helmet fits comfortably and doesn't put too much pressure on the side of the head, for example. Nowadays there are helmets with a so-called rotation protection that prevents concussions in case of blows coming from the side. These are available in different price ranges.

Is it possible to fix the helmet if necessary?

- The thing to do is to tighten the screws on the helmet at regular intervals so that you don't lose any screws. Should this happen, spare parts are available for purchase.

5. Gloves

What should you consider in terms of fit?

- The gloves are usually made in three different fits and here you simply have to choose what you prefer. If you play a lot, you should look for a slightly better glove where the palm is reinforced, as the tape on the club's knob puts a lot of wear and tear on the material.

How do you take care of your gloves between practices and matches?

- As with most protections - use antibacterial sprays to prevent odors.

Can the gloves be modified/made if necessary?

- Yes, there are synthetic skins that you can use to reinforce the palm if your favorite glove breaks.