Gear and sizes
Get the size right before worrying about brands. Size rules come from governing bodies and official brand charts; the models listed are common choices, not paid picks.
Helmet with facial protector (cage)
CSA-certified hockey helmet with a CSA-certified full facial protector (cage or full shield); mandatory in Canadian minor hockey.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Age 10 or under, non-goaltender (CSA facial protector type) | Full facial protector Type B2 or 2 – orange CSA sticker.Hockey Canada Rule 3.6(e): the orange-sticker cage is the type intended for players 10 and younger; it differs from the adult type only in penetration requirements (smaller openings). | Rule |
| Any age, non-goaltender (CSA facial protector type) | Full facial protector Type B1 or 1 – white CSA sticker.A full facial protector is compulsory in all minor and female hockey. | Rule |
| Goaltenders, any age (CSA facial protector type) | Head and face protector Type D1 or 3 – blue CSA sticker.Goaltenders must also wear a BNQ-certified throat protector even if the mask has a throat attachment. | Rule |
| Age 18 or older (visor) | Eye protector (half visor) Type C or 4 – yellow CSA sticker.Half visors are only for adult categories (Senior, Major Junior); minor hockey players must wear a full cage or shield. | Rule |
| All players including goaltenders (Hockey Canada Rule 3.6(b)) | CSA-certified hockey helmet with a CSA-certified facial protector securely attached and not altered.Hockey Canada: only the CSA sticker is checked in Canada; HECC certification (used under USA Hockey) does not apply in Canada. | Rule |
| PCAHA games (Greater Vancouver minor hockey) | Helmet and CSA facial protector worn whenever on the ice, including warm-ups; the cage must be secured in the J-clip near the ear piece; ear guards may not be removed.PCAHA: a faded but intact CSA sticker is acceptable; uncertified equipment draws a minor penalty and must be removed or replaced. | Rule |
| City of Surrey arenas | Helmet must be CSA approved; non-CSA approved helmets are not allowed in City of Surrey arenas. Helmet should fit snugly without pressure points.City of Surrey parent's guide to kids' hockey equipment. | Rule |
- BauerProdigy 2.0 Helmet ComboYouth, Youth (single size listed)Brand page
- BauerRe-Akt 155 Youth Helmet ComboYouth, Youth (single size listed)Brand page
- BauerRe-Akt 55 HelmetListed in Bauer's youth/beginner helmet collection, S, M, LBrand page
- BauerRe-Akt 70 HelmetListed in Bauer's youth/beginner helmet collection, S, M, LBrand page
Neck guard
BNQ-certified neck laceration protector; compulsory in Hockey Canada minor and female hockey.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Minor and female hockey (Hockey Canada Rule 3.6(f)) | BNQ-certified neck laceration protector is compulsory.Look for the BNQ logo on the product. | Rule |
- BauerLS Cut-Resistant Neck Protect Base Layer, YouthYouth, XS, S, M, L, XLBrand page
Hockey skates
Hockey skates in youth, junior, intermediate and senior size ranges.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| All players (Hockey Canada Rule 3.4) | Hockey skates only: speed skates, figure skates or any skates that may cause injury are not allowed; goaltender skates may be worn only by goaltenders.A child moving from figure skating or a learn-to-skate program needs proper hockey skates before joining a team. | Rule |
| Youth players (fit guidance) | Hockey skates generally fit 1–2 sizes smaller than street shoe size; the heel should be held firmly with little extra space at the front.City of Surrey guide; it also advises buying equipment that fits rather than too large. | Rule |
- BauerLil' Rookie Adjustable Skate YouthYouth (a junior version is also sold), Length-adjustable; youth size options listed as 7/10 and 11/1Brand page
Hockey stick
Player stick in youth, junior, intermediate or senior length/flex.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| All players – maximum size (Hockey Canada Rule 3.3(b)) | Player stick: no longer than 1.60 m (63 in) from heel to end of shaft; blade no longer than 31.75 cm (12.5 in), and 5.08–7.62 cm (2–3 in) wide.These are upper limits for all ages; youth and junior sticks are much shorter. Hockey Canada's rule book sets no separate youth stick size. | Rule |
| Goaltenders – maximum size (Hockey Canada Rule 3.3(c)) | Goalie stick: no longer than 1.4 m (55 in) from heel to end of shaft; blade no wider than 8.89 cm (3.5 in) and no longer than 39.37 cm (15.5 in). | Rule |
- BauerPulse 2 White Stick YouthYouth, 46 in; flex 20Brand page
- BauerProto2 Black Grip Stick JuniorJunior, Flex 30 (50 in), flex 40 (52 in), flex 50 (54 in)Brand page
Shoulder pads
Upper-body protection for shoulders, chest and spine.
Elbow pads
Elbow and forearm protection.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| All players (Hockey Canada Rule 3.7(d)) | Elbow pads must have a soft outer covering at least 1.27 cm (1/2 in) thick; pads without it are considered dangerous equipment. | Rule |
Hockey gloves
Padded gloves sized in inches.
Hockey pants
Padded pants protecting hips, thighs and tailbone.
Shin guards
Knee and shin protection sized in inches.
Jock / jill (pelvic protector)
Pelvic protector with cup (jock) or pelvic shield (jill), often built into compression shorts.
Mouthguard
Intra-oral mouthguard.
Youth protective kit
Bundled youth protective set (e.g. gloves, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin guards) sold as one kit.
- BauerVapor X-Tend Protective Kit (5-in-1 Youth Kit)Youth, Adjustable; shoulder pads adjust from small through largeBrand page
Puck
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| U7 (Hockey Canada; required for U7 games in Alberta) | Blue lightweight puck, 4 oz (regulation black puck is 6 oz).Hockey Canada recommends the blue puck for U7; Hockey Alberta requires it for U7 games and recommends it for all Intro to Hockey programming. | Rule |
| U9 (Hockey Canada) | Blue 4 oz puck or black 6 oz puck.The regulation black puck weighs 6 oz; the blue puck is lighter for young players. | Rule |
Goaltender equipment
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| U7 vs U9 (Hockey Canada / Hockey Alberta) | U7: no full goalie equipment needed – any player may play goal (Alberta: goalie stick only). U9: goalies wear full goaltender equipment; each team dresses two goalies.Hockey Canada recommends no full-time goalies at U7 and U9, so families usually do not need to buy goalie gear at these ages. | Rule |
Kids outgrow gear fast, so it doesn't have to be new: used and sports gear stores across Canada · gear swaps
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