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Youth Hockey Equipment Checklist for a First Season

Start with your program’s list. For a first season of youth ice hockey, plan for skates, a helmet and face protection, neck protection, a stick, gloves and pads. Ask what the program supplies or lends before buying.

For U.S. youth skaters. If your child is playing goalie, ask for the program’s goalie list.

Ask for the list for your child’s age group and first session, then bring it to the fitting.

Make a first practice plan Use our message to the rink

Prices below are illustrative U.S. budget allowances. See the full budget worksheet.

Equipment to plan for

  • Hockey skates

    $60–$250

    Try both skates on. If you’re considering used skates, have a technician check the boot, holder and blade. Look up a starting CCM size.

    Fit first

  • Helmet and face protection

    $40–$120

    USA Hockey requires HECC-certified helmets and face protection for youth play. Check the labels, fit and compatibility. See the HECC fitting guidance.

    Check certification and fit

  • Neck laceration protector

    Check current price

    USA Hockey requires certified neck protection for youth games and practices. Its rule specifies HECC certification and accepts BNQ certification through the 2026–27 season. See Rule 304(g).

    Check the certification label

  • Hockey stick

    $20–$80

    Check length and flex with your player. Find a starting stick flex.

  • Hockey gloves

    $25–$80

    Try them with the stick and check that your child can grip it comfortably.

  • Shin guards

    $20–$60

    Try them on with skates to check how they sit and what they cover.

  • Hockey pants (breezers)

    $30–$100

    Check coverage and overlap with the other pads.

  • Shoulder pads

    $30–$90

    Check that the caps cover the shoulders while your child moves.

  • Elbow pads

    $20–$60

    Check coverage with the gloves and shoulder pads on.

  • Athletic cup or pelvic protector

    $10–$25

    Check the program’s list and follow the manufacturer’s sizing instructions.

    Budget for new

Confirm with your program

  • Jersey and hockey socks

    Ask your program

    Find out which pieces come with registration and whether you need a separate practice jersey.

  • Mouthguard

    Check current price

    Under USA Hockey’s Rule 304(f), players in Youth 12U through 18U, including high school, and Girls 12U through 19U need a colored mouthguard. Ask your program what it requires for younger groups.

Extras to consider later

  • Hockey bag

    $30–$80

    Start with a bag that fits the equipment and is manageable for the trip to the rink.

  • Hockey tape

    $3–$8

    Ask the coach what they use for sticks and socks.

  • Skate guards

    $5–$15

    Ask the shop which guards work for the surfaces your child will walk on off the ice.

  • Equipment drying rack

    $20–$50

    Check where you can air out the gear at home before buying a rack.

  • Base layer

    $15–$30

    Try it under the pads during the fitting.

Before the first practice

  1. Put the kit on at home once. Check that the jersey fits over the pads and that your child can bend their knees and grip the stick.
  2. Ask a skate shop whether the blades need their first sharpening. Pack the helmet and neck protector where you can check both before leaving.
  3. Bring a labeled water bottle and ask the rink when to arrive and where beginners get dressed.

See the NHL Learn to Play dressing guide for the order the pads go on.

What to do next

Look up a starting skate size

Find the CCM chart entry to bring to the fitting.

Plan your equipment budget

Compare illustrative new and mixed gear costs.

Inspect secondhand gear

Know what to check before buying used.

Compare two Bauer youth skates

See the model details and what to ask at a fitting.

Gear Playbook checked the 2025–29 USA Hockey rules and HECC headgear guidance on . Confirm local requirements with your program.