Parent Guide
What Hockey Gear Does My Kid Actually Need?
The no-fluff guide for Colorado hockey parents — what's required, what's optional, what to buy used, and where to find it locally.
Colorado
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6 min read
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Built by hockey families
01
The Required Gear — No Exceptions
Every youth hockey league in Colorado requires these items. Your player will not be allowed on the ice without them. Don't skip any of these.
Hockey Skates
Properly fitted skates are the single most important piece of gear. A bad fit causes blisters, weak ankles, and poor skating development. Get them fitted at a local hockey shop — don't guess on size.
Required
Helmet with Full Cage
USA Hockey requires a full cage (not a visor) for all players under 18. Make sure the helmet has a current HECC certification sticker — expired helmets are not allowed.
Required
Neck Guard
Required for all youth players in Colorado. A non-negotiable safety item that protects against skate blade cuts. Bauer and CCM both make solid options for under $20.
Required
Shoulder Pads
Protects against falls, pucks, and contact. More important as players move into checking levels, but required at all ages.
Required
Elbow Pads
Young players fall — a lot. Elbow pads protect against both falls and errant sticks. Make sure they cover the entire elbow and forearm.
Required
Hockey Gloves
Protect hands and wrists. Should fit snugly without restricting movement. The cuff should overlap with the elbow pad to leave no exposed skin.
Required
Shin Guards
Cover the knee down to the top of the skate boot. Should stay in place during skating — if they're spinning around the leg, they're too big.
Required
Hockey Pants (Breezers)
Cover the hips, thighs, tailbone and kidneys. Essential protection. Sizing matters — they should sit above the knee and not drag on the ice.
Required
Jock / Jill
Required for all players. Boys need a hockey jock or jock shorts with a cup. Girls need a jill or pelvic protector. Not optional.
Required
Hockey Stick
Stick length should reach your child's chin when standing in skates. For beginners, a basic composite or wood stick is fine — don't spend $150 on a stick for a 7-year-old.
Required
Hockey Socks + Skate Laces
Hockey socks go over shin guards and are held up with a garter belt or velcro tabs on the breezers. Grab two pairs — you'll thank yourself on back-to-back game days.
Required
Mouthguard
Required in most Colorado youth leagues. Protects teeth and reduces concussion risk. A basic $5 boil-and-bite works fine for young players.
Required
02
Strongly Recommended Gear
Not always required by the rulebook, but experienced hockey families almost universally use these. Worth including from the start.
Hockey Bag
A proper hockey bag keeps everything organized and contained. Your car will thank you. Wheeled bags are worth it once your player has a full set of gear.
Recommended
Skate Guards
Protect your blades when walking off the ice. Cheap, essential, and easy to lose — buy two pairs.
Recommended
Stick Tape
Black tape for the blade, white or clear for the handle. Re-taping is part of hockey life. Buy a few rolls and learn to do it — your kid will love watching you.
Recommended
Garter Belt or Velcro Tabs
Holds up hockey socks. Some breezers have built-in tabs — check before buying separately.
Recommended
Extra Skate Laces
Laces break at the worst times. Keep a spare pair in the bag always. Waxed laces stay tied better and are worth the small upgrade.
Recommended
03
What's Optional (For Now)
These items are nice to have but not necessary when you're just starting out. Save the money until your child has proven they're committed to the sport.
Compression Shorts / Base Layer
Comfortable and helps with moisture management, but a basic t-shirt and shorts works fine for beginners.
Optional
High-End Stick
A $150+ composite stick makes zero difference for a player still learning to skate. Start cheap, upgrade when they're ready.
Optional
Shooting Pad / Training Aids
Great for motivated players who want to practice at home. Not necessary in year one.
Optional
Custom Jersey / Socks
Your team will likely provide jerseys. Wait until you know what your association requires before buying extras.
Optional
04
If Your Child is a Goalie
Goalie gear is a completely different category — more expensive, more specialized, and much bulkier. Here's what's different:
Goalie Skates
Different blade profile and boot construction than player skates. Do not put a goalie in player skates.
Goalie Only
Goalie Pads (Leg Pads)
The most expensive single piece of gear in hockey. Buy used for young goalies — they grow out of them fast.
Goalie Only
Blocker + Trapper (Gloves)
Replaces regular hockey gloves entirely. Sized separately from player gloves.
Goalie Only
Goalie Stick
Wider blade and different flex profile. Don't use a player stick for a goalie.
Goalie Only
Goalie Mask
Must be goalie-certified — a player helmet is not sufficient. Certification requirements vary by level.
Goalie Only
Chest & Arm Protector
Much larger than player shoulder pads. Covers the chest, arms, and belly.
Goalie Only
Money-Saving Tip for Goalie Parents
A full set of new goalie gear for a youth player can run $800–$1,500+. Always buy used for young goalies. Many Colorado hockey associations have goalie gear loaner programs — ask your association before spending anything.
05
What Should I Buy New vs. Used?
This is one of the most common questions new hockey parents ask — and the answer is nuanced. Here's a simple guide:
Always Buy New
- + Helmet — safety item, never buy used
- + Neck guard — cheap new, don't risk it
- + Mouthguard — hygiene, obviously
- + Jock / Jill — hygiene
- + Skate laces — a few dollars, always new
Fine to Buy Used
- + Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards
- + Hockey pants
- + Gloves
- + Skates (if properly fitted)
- + All goalie equipment
- + Hockey bag, sticks
Pro Tip
Most Colorado hockey associations and rinks host annual used gear sales in August and September before the season starts. These are the best places to build out a full kit at 50–70% off retail. Ask your association when theirs is happening.
06
What Does It All Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown for a first-year player's full kit in Colorado. Used prices assume good condition gear from a hockey swap or Play It Again Sports.
Helmet + Cage
$60–$120
Buy new
Shoulder Pads
$40–$80
$10–$30
Elbow Pads
$25–$60
$5–$20
Shin Guards
$30–$70
$8–$25
Hockey Pants
$40–$90
$10–$35
Neck Guard
$15–$25
Buy new
Jock / Jill
$20–$40
Buy new
Hockey Bag + Extras
$40–$80
$15–$40
Estimated Total
$420–$945
$150–$400
Bottom Line
A smart first-year kit bought mostly used runs $150–$250 for most families. Buying everything new at a big box store can easily hit $600+. Go used for everything except the helmet, neck guard, mouthguard, and jock/jill.
07
Where to Buy Gear in Colorado
Colorado has solid options for both new and used hockey gear. Here's where to look:
Local Hockey Pro Shops
The best place to get skates properly fitted and sharpened. Staff know hockey and can help with sizing. Worth the extra cost for skates specifically — don't buy skates at a big box store.
Best for Skates
Play It Again Sports
Multiple Colorado locations. Great for used pads, pants, gloves, and bags. Hit or miss on selection but prices are hard to beat. Check in August before the season.
Best Used
Association Gear Swaps
Many Colorado associations run annual gear swaps. Free or very cheap gear from families whose kids outgrew it. Ask your association coordinator when theirs happens.
Best Deals
Facebook Marketplace / OfferUp
Surprisingly good for hockey gear in Colorado hockey communities. Search by size and location. Meet at a rink for safety.
Good Option
Find Local Gear Shops on Rink Link
Browse Colorado hockey pro shops, skate sharpening, and local gear retailers near you.
Find Local Shops →
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