Hockey is the best sport out there, but it might also be the most complicated. Here are some guides that can help you navigate the world of hockey equipment, rules, and terminology so you can get on the ice and play!
Where to buy gear:
For new gear, there are a ton of great options, with Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey being some of the best. The closest store to The Ogopogos’ Coachella Valley home is in Anaheim, but you can order online and return anything within 30 days. Of course, being able to go to an actual store is best because then you can have someone help get you fitted.
For used gear, Sideline Swap is a great site. You can get some pretty decent stuff at good prices. Just be aware that some things (like chest protectors and gloves) can be REALLY stinky if the person didn’t air them out regularly. I mean like, a horrific stench that sticks to you for days. And even for used gear, look up each manufacturer’s size guide to find what fits best. Each company is a little different, so don’t assume a size in one brand with be the same as another.
PLAYER GEAR
Player gear guide coming soon!
GOALIE GEAR
Quick note: Aside from base layers, virtually nothing transfers to a goalie setup from a player setup. Every piece of gear is different. Please do not get in the net with any kind of player gear, as you will not have enough protection and could risk serious injury.
REGULAR vs. FULL RIGHT
This basically refers to left or right handedness. “Regular” is what most people use (glove on left hand & blocker and stick on right). “Full Right” is the opposite (why they don’t just call it left I don’t know). Full right gear is less common and more limited, so if you’re comfortable in Regular definitely go with it!
HELMET/MASK
Helmets and skates are the main things you don’t want to save money on. Get the absolute best you can! I (Tom) like Bauer helmets, but it’s all about what fits best. More expensive = more protective, sadly.
The Bauer 940 is the lowest level I’d recommend (or another brand’s equivalent). Even if you’re not expecting to take super hard shots, you never really know what can happen so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The mask should be snug but not uncomfortable. It shouldn't wiggle too much when you shake your head, and the backplate should fully cover the back of the head, leaving no gaps along the side.
It’s also a good idea to have a clear plastic protector under the mask (called a “dangler”). This helps protect the throat and neck.
SKATES
Goalie skates are super different from player skates, but I think they’re easier to get the hang of. Turning is tricky, but they’re SUPER stable since they’ve got big ‘ol blades. They’re made for digging into the ice, pushing off of posts, and attaching pads. They also give you more ankle flexibility and more foot protection.
If you buy skates at a store, they’ll bake them for you to help them mold to your foot. True-brand skates can easily be baked in a home oven following their included instructions.
Just like a player, get your skates sharpened every 8-10 ice times. ½” is the most common hollow for sharpening, but you can adjust if you want more “bite” or more “glide.”
BASE LAYERS
You need a solid foundation for the rest of your gear and that’s the base layer! The normal hockey base layer top is fine, just be sure it’s designed to wick away sweat. For the bottom, compression pants with built in protection are definitely the way to go. They’ll keep legs from getting scratched by pads and also have built in velcro tabs for attaching socks. Then you’ll put a goalie jock on the outside of the pants. It’s kinda like wearing two cups/jills, but it’s important.
PANTS
Goalie pants are huge and super padded. Don’t use player pants. They have a lot of protective gaps in areas where you’ll probably be hit pretty often. I like using suspenders with pants because it helps to keep them in place. You don’t have to be super fussy with pant sizing and sometimes a little bigger is better. Whatever feels comfortable!
CHEST/ARM PROTECTOR
Get something comfy with lots of protection. They all fit differently, so it’s really about what’s most comfortable. You can run suspenders from your pants over the chest protector to keep it in place. Most pants also have laces that can be run through a loop on the bottom of the chest protector to keep it in place.
This is also likely to become your stinkiest piece of gear, so using some gear spray after every ice time is highly recommended.
NECK GUARD
This goes under the chest protector and fills in any gaps around the collarbone. One with a kevlar bit around the neck will help protect against skates too. This has been my favorite so far.
GLOVE
Honestly anything will work to start, but the more comfortable the better. Some gloves are really tough to close while others are tough to open. I like Warrior gloves because they’re comfy and you can usually take out the entire palm to wash it/replace it if it gets funky.
BLOCKER
Blockers are super simple, so whatever feels comfy is good. You just need to be able to hold the stick and move your hand easily. Better to have one that’s a bit too big than too small (you can often find glove and blocker sets on Sideline Swap for like $100).
LEG PADS
Aside from the helmet, these are probably the most recognizable part of a goalie’s setup. Most pads from the last 5-10 years will be designed for butterfly saves/slides and have lots of side padding and protection. There are plenty of used pads on Sideline Swap for pretty cheap. The important thing is to try and get a size where the middle of your knee lands right in the middle of the knee block when you drop down in a butterfly (butterfly = landing on the ice where your pads flare out to the sides and you try to have little to no gap in the middle).
Pads have two measurements, so you’ll see something like “34+1”. The first number is the measurement to your knee and the knee block. The additional number is how many extra inches the pads go above your mid thigh. +1 is common, but it’s all personal preference. What’s important to remember is that a 33+1 is NOT the same as a 34” pad, since it will still only be 33” to the knee.
Every set of pads is slightly different with how they attach to skates and stuff, and they can all be customized if you find a specific way that you like best.
KNEE PADS
100% a necessity. You kneed knee pads! They make dropping down to the ice much more comfortable, but also give knee and thigh protection from pucks. Get the most “pro level” pads you can, as they’ll have the most protection for the thigh and side of your knee. I personally prefer Warrior Pro+ pads, as they’re super comfy and very protective. You can just put regular player socks over the knee pads.
STICK
Goalie sticks are measured by paddle size (so a 25” stick has a 25” paddle). You want to be able to have the stick blade flat on the ice while on your knees without it pushing your blocker hand up too high. I’d recommend most adults start with a 25” or so stick and adjust to a bigger/smaller size if necessary.
JERSEY
“Goalie Cut” jerseys fit over the big chest protectors and have bigger arms. But you can sometimes use an XL or XXL player jersey if the goalie ones feel too much like wearing a bedsheet. Just be aware that the arms on player jerseys can often be tight.
HOCKEY VOCAB TERMS
Bet you didn’t expect to learn a new language when you decided to play hockey! Here are a few common terms and definitions so you can grind out some sick bar downskies before crushing a sando after praccy.
General Terms
Assist: A pass or play that directly leads to a goal.
Blueline: The lines that divide the offensive and defensive zones from the neutral zone.
Backcheck: Defending against the opponent's offensive rush by skating back towards your own goal.
Boarding: A penalty for checking an opponent dangerously into the boards.
Breakaway: When a player has a clear path to the opponent’s goal without any defenders in front.
Breakout: When a team moves the puck out of their defensive zone.
Coast to Coast: When a player carries the puck from one end of the ice to the other.
Delayed Penalty: A penalty that will be called once the offending team gains control of the puck.
Deke: A move where a player fakes out an opponent to get past them or to create a better scoring opportunity.
Diving/Embellishment: A penalty for attempting to draw a penalty by exaggerating a fall or contact.
Drop Pass: A pass where the player leaves the puck behind for a teammate to pick up.
Faceoff: The method used to begin play at the start of each period or after a stoppage.
Feather Pass: A light pass designed to be easily received.
Forecheck: Pressuring the opponent in their defensive zone to regain possession.
Goal: The puck crosses the red goal line into the net. The puck must cross the line entirely for a goal to count.
Gordie Howe Hat Trick: Scoring a goal, getting an assist, and having a fight in the same game.
Half Boards: The area along the boards halfway between the goal line and the blue line.
Hat Trick: When a player scores three goals in a single game.
High Sticking: A penalty for making contact with an opponent or the puck with a stick above the shoulders.
Holding: A penalty for grabbing an opponent or their equipment.
Hooking: A penalty for using the stick to slow down or impede an opponent.
Icing: When a player shoots the puck across both the center red line and the opposing team's goal line without it being touched
Linesman: An official responsible for calling offside and icing, and assisting with faceoffs.
Major Penalty: A more severe infraction, resulting in five minutes in the penalty box.
Match Penalty: A penalty for injuring another player with intent, resulting in the player being ejected from the game and potentially further discipline.
Minor Penalty: A less severe infraction, resulting in two minutes in the penalty box.
Offside: When an offensive player enters the opponent's zone (crosses the blue line) before the puck.
One-Timer: A shot that is taken directly off a pass without stopping the puck first.
Penalty: A punishment for breaking the rules, resulting in the offending player spending time in the penalty box.
Penalty Box: The area where penalized players serve their time.
Penalty Kill: When a team is shorthanded due to a penalty and must defend against a power play.
Penalty Shot: A free shot awarded to a player who was fouled on a clear scoring opportunity.
Point: The position near the blue line, often occupied by defensemen during offensive plays.
Power Play: When a team has a numerical advantage due to an opponent's penalty.
Referee: The official responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order on the ice.
Screen: When a player positions themselves to block the goalie’s view of the puck.
Shift: The time a player spends on the ice before being substituted.
Slashing: A penalty for swinging the stick at an opponent.
Shorthanded: When a team is playing with fewer players due to a penalty.
Slap Shot: A powerful shot where the player winds up and slaps the puck.
Snapshot: A quick shot with a snap of the wrists, combining elements of a slap shot and a wrist shot.
Too Many Men: A penalty for having more than the allowed number of players on the ice.
Tripping: A penalty for using the stick or body to trip an opponent.
Wrist Shot: A quick and accurate shot that uses the wrists for power.
Player-Specific Terms
Center: A forward position that takes faceoffs and often plays both offense and defense.
Dangle: To skillfully handle the puck and maneuver around opponents.
Defenseman: A player position focused on defense. Women can be defensemen so don’t let the name fool you.
Enforcer: A player known for their physical play and willingness to fight.
Forward: A player position focused on offense.
Grinder: A hardworking player known for their physical play and checking.
Line Change: Substituting players on the ice, usually done during play.
Playmaker: A player known for setting up goals with precise passes.
Sniper: A player known for their accurate and powerful shooting ability.
Toe Drag: A move where a player uses the toe of their stick to drag the puck around an opponent.
Winger: A forward position that plays along the sides of the ice.
Wraparound: A goal scored by skating around the back of the net and tucking the puck in.
Goalie-Specific Terms
Blocker Side: The side of the net that corresponds to the goalie's blocker.
Butterfly: A style of goaltending where the goalie drops to their knees to cover the lower part of the net.
Crease: The area of blue paint in front of the net.
Five-Hole: The space between a goalie's legs.
Frozen Puck: When the goalie covers the puck to stop play.
Glove Side: The side of the net that corresponds to the goalie's catching glove.
Paddle Down: A technique where the goalie lays their stick flat on the ice to cover the bottom part of the net.
Poke Check: When the goalie or a player uses their stick to knock the puck away from an opponent.
Post-to-Post: Moving from one goalpost to the other to cover the net.
Pull the Goalie: When a team removes the goalie for an extra skater, usually late in the game when trailing.
Rebound: When the puck bounces off the goalie after a save.
Stacking the Pads/Pad Stack: A save technique where the goalie lies on their side with both pads stacked on top of each other.
Stand-up: A style of goaltending where the goalie stays on their feet as much as possible.
Slang Terms
Barn: Slang for an ice hockey rink or arena.
Biscuit: Slang for the puck.
Bucket: A helmet.
Chirp: Trash-talking an opponent.
Celly: Short for celebration, usually after scoring a goal.
Mitts: Hands or gloves, often referring to skillful stickhandling.
Pillows: A goalie’s leg pads.
Sauce: A saucer pass that lifts the puck off the ice to avoid a defender’s stick.
Snipe: A precise and powerful shot that scores a goal.
Sin Bin: The penalty box.
Sweater: Another term for a jersey.
Top Shelf: The upper area of the net, often called "where mama keeps the peanut butter."
Twig: Another term for a hockey stick.
MISC HOCKEY INFO!
Here are a few notes for players and goalies that don’t really fit into the above sections.
KEEP COOL!
Obviously you’re already cool because you play hockey, but don’t just drink your water, also spray some on your neck, back, and head to help stay cool. When on the bench, take gloves off and let your hands cool down if you’re feeling extra overheated (just keep hands below the bench in case a puck goes out of play).
HYDRATE!
Stay hydrated! I bring two bottles to every skate. One with water and one with Biosteel electrolyte powder in it. You will sweat and get dehydrated very quickly. Start drinking as much water as possible the day before you plan to play.
EAT!
Have a solid meal an hour or two before getting to the rink, and bring a snack like a protein bar or something in case you start to feel weak at any point.
STRETCH!
Stretching on the ice is good before doing any drills or playing, but stretching before coming to the rink or before getting dressed in your gear will help you play better and prevent injuries. I know it’s hard to believe, but sometimes the 3 minute warmup before a 9pm game on a Tuesday isn’t always enough to get those muscles fully warmed up.
WASHING GEAR
Sometimes airing things out isn’t enough. There are a lot of tutorials on YouTube about washing gear. Some people mix everything in a bathtub with OxyClean while others use a washing machine on the gentle cycle. Just be sure that your washing machine does not have a center agitator (front loading machines don’t have one and some top loading machines don’t either). Also be sure to fasten any velcro straps before putting gear in the wash. Let gear air dry instead of using a dryer.
AIR OUR YOUR GEAR!
Hockey stuff will start to stink in no time. Take everything out of your bag when you get home and spread it out in a garage or room somewhere where it can air out. Have a fan blow on it if possible. I spray mine with this Clear Gear antibacterial spray to keep it as non-stinky as possible and to get rid of bacteria and germs.