Equipment
Protective gear is needed by all our players so they can play safely and enjoy the sport. Besides hockey stores, there options are Play It Again Sports, hockey swap facebook groups and every year the Chiller hosts a used equipment sale benefiting the the CBJ Foundation.
Please note that although USA hockey currently does not require a neckguard, CCYHA does strongly recommend players wear one. Jersey and socks are included when you register for our house hockey program.
For our 8 and under players, we prefer a player's name on the helmet so we can get to know your player quickly (white hockey tape with a black sharpie is best).
With the number of players during our ADM practice sessions, there is limited locker room space so arriving at the rink partially dressed a good idea. It's also a good idea for your player to learn to dress themselves so why not do it in the comfort of home!
Required Gear
Each player is responsible for ensuring that they have all the necessary equipment before taking to the ice. If a player does not have all the required equipment, they will not be allowed to take the ice per USA hockey policy.
The hockey stick
For young kids and those completely new to hockey, a wooden stick is good choice. Young kids do not understand or can use flex in composite sticks, they haven't decided what they like in a stick. Wood sticks are heavier and help new players keep their stick blade on the ice.
There a few ways to tape your stick and you will see different tape colors available. It's one way a player can show their personality! Many young kids have sticks taped red/white for Christmas, green/orange/white for St Patrick's day, pink for Breast Cancer awareness, etc. Taping your stick is personal preference. Some players add a piece of tape to the blade before wrapping tape around it for extra protection of the blade.
Taping the blade of your stick
Step 1: Tear off a piece of tape about 8" long. Attach it to the bottom of the blade. Press down firmly on it so that it sticks to both sides of the stick. This strip will serve as added protection at the point of greatest contact between the ice and blade.
Step 2: Begin wrapping the blade from the heel. Apply your tape tightly and avoid any wrinkles. How far apart each revolution is placed is up to you. By placing the intervals close to each other you get lots of cushion. If you like a firm surface spread the tape out.
You should end the tape job about a 1/2 inch from the toe. Always place the end of the tape on the backhand side.
Taping the butt end
First wrap the very top of the butt end with cloth tape. Many wraps if you want a large knob and less if you want a smaller knob.
Next, twist about a foot of tape, making sure that the sticky side is on the outside. Then, wrap it around the stick, spiral fashion, starting at the knob and going down.
After the twisted tape has been applied, wrap tape over it. It may be necessary to add another layer of tape. Push down to establish a firm bond.
Taping the Goalie Stick
There are two reasons for making a knob on the end of your goalie stick.
- To stop the stick from sliding out of your blocker hand - especially on poke checks
- The knob helps you grab the stick off the surface of the rink.
Never apply tape to the shaft of your goalie stick. The stick must slide smoothly in your hand.
Begin and end your tape job on the back side of the blade. If your wraps are wide apart, your stick will be lively. if your wraps are close together and you apply more layers, your stick will have a cushion.
Remember, each layer adds weight. Most goalies avoid using frictiono tape on their blade and they rarely wax the tape.
After you have taped your blade, add single layer Xs which cross the grain of the tape job. This will give your blade a better grip on the puck.