First hockey kit checklist for a new player

By Julien Levadoux. Updated Oct 28, 2026.

A new youth player needs about a dozen pieces: four are required by USA Hockey's rules for every age below Adult (HECC helmet and facemask, neck guard, hockey skates), the mouthguard is required from 12U, and the rest are the protective pads the rules recommend. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF)) Before buying, check what a free or Learn to Play program already supplies.

Required by USA Hockey (every age below Adult)

Helmet, HECC-certified, chin strap fastened. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF)) Measure the head ½ to 1 inch above the eyebrows and buy the size that fits now. (Pure Hockey: how to buy a hockey helmet) Buy new: see the HECC sticker.
Facemask (cage), HECC-certified and certified for that helmet. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF); HECC: consumer information for players and families)
Neck guard (neck laceration protector), required in all games and practices since Aug 1, 2024. (USA Hockey: neck laceration protector requirement starts Aug 1 (Jul 19, 2024)) It must be HECC-certified; BNQ-only guards count only through the 2026-27 season. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF)) It should sit snug without restricting breathing or head movement. (HockeyMonkey: hockey neck guards explained)
Mouthguard, colored (not clear), required from 12U through 18U and Girls' 19U, and recommended for every player. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF))
Hockey skates: figure and speed skates aren't allowed. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF)) Kids' hockey skates fit about a size smaller than shoe size, and the heel shouldn't lift. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear; Pure Hockey: how to fit hockey skates) Pure Hockey's two skate guides differ on buying a half size up for growth. (Pure Hockey: how to fit hockey skates; Pure Hockey: how to buy hockey skates)

Recommended by the rules, and in every standard kit

Shoulder pads: measure around the widest part of the chest, just below the arms. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear)
Elbow pads: measure from the shoulder-pad cuff to the glove cuff. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear)
Gloves: youth 8 to 9 inches, junior 10 to 12; no gap between the glove cuff and the elbow pad. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear; HockeyMonkey: hockey glove sizing guide)
Hockey pants: sized by waist; the top padding meets the shoulder pads. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear)
Shin guards: measure from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot. (Pure Hockey: kid's hockey gear)
Jock or jill: sized mainly by waist. (HockeyMonkey: Shock Doctor jock and undergarment sizing)
Stick: standing in shoes, an upright stick shouldn't reach above the chin. (USA Hockey parent handbook 2018-19 (PDF)) A retailer rule of thumb for flex is half the player's weight in pounds. (HockeyMonkey: youth hockey equipment buying guide) Every stick page lists its age groups, flexes and curves.
Hockey socks, a jersey and a bag; mesh socks over knit ones are suggested. (HockeyMonkey: youth hockey equipment buying guide) USA Hockey also recommends cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. (USA Hockey 2025-29 Playing Rules (PDF))

HockeyMonkey's youth checklist matches this list: helmet with mask, mouthguard, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, athletic cup, pants, gloves, shin guards, skates and a stick. (HockeyMonkey: youth hockey equipment buying guide) Gear is put on in this order: cup, shin pads, socks, pants, skates, shoulder pads, elbow pads, jersey, helmet with facemask, gloves, stick. (NHL Learn to Play: equipment)

What free and Learn to Play programs supply

Program	Ages	Gear	Families bring
USA Hockey Try Hockey For Free (next dates Feb 27, 2027)	4 to 9	Rinks have at least 40 helmets, skates and gloves to lend	Minimum: skates, helmet and winter gloves (a bike helmet is allowed)
NHL / NHLPA Learn to Play	4 to 9 (some clubs 4 to 10)	Head-to-toe gear that players keep; about 4 to 8 weekly sessions, small fee	Mouthguard, jock or jill and, at many clubs, the neck guard

Kits and fees vary by club: the Kraken's kit leaves the neck guard to families, the Lightning's includes one ($315), and the Capitals' page lists it both ways ($279 to $349). (NHL Learn to Play: Kraken; NHL Learn to Play: Lightning; NHL Learn to Play: Capitals) Learn to Play is for first-time players. (NHL Learn to Play: about)

Used or new?

Pads, pants, gloves and sticks are commonly bought used; helmets, cages, mouthguards and jocks new. Item by item: is used hockey gear safe?

Sources

Every rule and figure on this page links to its source where it appears. The main ones:

Show all 18 sources

Rules are USA Hockey's 2025-29 Playing Rules, current for the 2026-27 season. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.