I'm a bit new to this all

[ubitsa 0]

I had two questions for you guys about hockey equipment...I am wanting to play soon and will probably be made into a defenseman. The first question is about the blade pattern that a defenseman would typically use...I was of the impression that a blade with less curve was better for slapshots, passing and backhands, but worse for wrist shots. Then I heard the other day that it was better for slap shots too?! Can you guys straight me out here? The second question pertains to the equipment/padding that's worn on the legs/waist area. What all do you wear? I know you wear shin pads, but I've also seen girdles, hockey pants, hockey shells and all that stuff. What all is actually typically worn below the waist. Thanks in advance for your help!

[bbruins8 0]

The main difference D men I play with like in their curves is a square toe which makes scraping pucks off the boards easier. The depth of their curves varies greatly.

[shifter 0]

if you like slapshots flying get a heel wedge and practise with it. You want something flying lower get a mid curve may not be as great but decent but as explained it varies.

[Rustpot 1]

You'll need pants. A girdle with a shell is an alternative some people prefer. It allows them to keep the same pads and change the outside color. Other people prefer the fit of a girdle over traditional hockey pants.

You'll also need a jock (for men) or a jill (for women). Socks are worn over shinguards and there are two methods to keep the socks up. The first is to wear a garter belt with clips, the second is a pair of shorts (compression or traditional, with or without a cup integrated) with velcro patches on the front and back of the leg.

Best of luck!

[mack 44]

if you like slapshots flying get a heel wedge and practise with it. You want something flying lower get a mid curve may not be as great but decent but as explained it varies.

I'll go ahead and promote skill and say practise with whatever you do use. If you get frustrated by not being able to get a shot up, don't use a crutch and get a curve that will compensate.

[Doctor Hook 0]

I agree with Mack, just find a stick that feels good in your hands (that's what she said) and practice before pigeonholing yourself into a particular curve pattern.

Oh, and I'd get a pair of Itech Jockshorts for groin protection. Then you won't have to fiddle with a garter belt to hold up your socks, because it has velcro tabs to keep the socks up.

Also, depending on how new you are to the sport, I'd suggest you try playing wing at least at first. Much less responsibility and as long as you hustle and get in the crease on offense, you'll pick it up. Just my thoughts.

[ubitsa 0]

So the actual protection for the upper leg is provided by the hockey pants which is this, correct? http://hockeymonkey.com/itech-hp6600prohockeypantsr.html

[Doctor Hook 0]

So the actual protection for the upper leg is provided by the hockey pants which is this, correct? http://hockeymonkey.com/itech-hp6600prohockeypantsr.html

Exactly, and your knees and shins will be protected by the shin guards. Ankles will be covered by skates.

[ubitsa 0]

I agree with Mack, just find a stick that feels good in your hands (that's what she said) and practice before pigeonholing yourself into a particular curve pattern.

Oh, and I'd get a pair of Itech Jockshorts for groin protection. Then you won't have to fiddle with a garter belt to hold up your socks, because it has velcro tabs to keep the socks up.

Also, depending on how new you are to the sport, I'd suggest you try playing wing at least at first. Much less responsibility and as long as you hustle and get in the crease on offense, you'll pick it up. Just my thoughts.

I'm not really new to hockey at all, just to playing it. I know the responsibilities of a defenseman perfectly well, it's just a matter of doing it. I only said they'd probably make me a defenseman because I'm big and like laying hits and would probably be more useful wailing on slap shots than trying to skip through the slot getting of backhands.

[mack 44]

There is no correlation to the type of curve to the position you play. Other than the mentioned preference for a square toe (which isn't always the case) a d-man can use any curve. The only curve to use is the one you like.

[ubitsa 0]

I guess this is sort of related...but what is with guys taping (I'm guessing that's what it is) their socks up? You always see these clear bands wrapping around them.

There is no correlation to the type of curve to the position you play. Other than the mentioned preference for a square toe (which isn't always the case) a d-man can use any curve. The only curve to use is the one you like.

I only thought a straighter blade would be more useful for a defenseman because I thought they were better for slapshots, but I guess was mistaken.

[mack 44]

people tape their shin pads because otherwise they'll flop around and no one wants that.

In theory yes, a small straight curve would be better for that but playing D is more than just a shot. Use what you like and just that. Tinker around with different curves.

[ubitsa 0]

people tape their shin pads because otherwise they'll flop around and no one wants that.

In theory yes, a small straight curve would be better for that but playing D is more than just a shot. Use what you like and just that. Tinker around with different curves.

I just figured that the shin pads would strap around the back of the leg like a catcher in baseball. So the tape is their for the shin pads and not the socks?

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Taping the socks is an alternative to the aforementioned choices of holding your socks up. The clear bands are just pieces of clear tape.

As for the curve question, mack said it. No curve is really better than any other, it's how it suits you. Take mack for instance, he uses a 9 iron in hockey stick form, while TBLFan uses meat hooks. It's all personal preference, they may both have good slapshots, but it's not because of the curve itself, it's how comfortable you are with it. Try several curves and stick with the one you're most comfortable with.

[ubitsa 0]

Oh, and I'm guessing you guys would recommend shoulder pads that actually provide abdominal protection?!

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Well more than likely, yes. But depending on the level of the other people you play with determines how much abdominal protection you would need. If you are playing with other people who are inexperienced, then it's not was important. If you play with some snipers however, then you would want something more protective. Hate to take a missile to the chest with minimalist's on.

[mack 44]

That's...going to be up for what you like. I wear shoulder pads that are pads in name only.

[ubitsa 0]

I see. I'd probably err on the safe side. I think any person would probably be more likely to lay down in front of a shot or whatever if they knew they weren't gonna take one directly off of the gut. Also...what the hell are with the padded shirts you see? What is the point of that? I'm guessing that would be a poor substitute for true shoulder pads...yes, no?

[ashtonhutch05 0]

You could use them as that, or as added protection for under your normal pads.

[ubitsa 0]

Ok, thanks guys! I think you've answered all my questions :)

[ashtonhutch05 0]

No problem.

[ubitsa 0]

Is it actually possible to wear a hockey shell over hockey pants or are those only worn over the padded girdles?

[Rustpot 1]

Is it actually possible to wear a hockey shell over hockey pants or are those only worn over the padded girdles?

It's possible and many players do it. Pros going to the Olympics or special games like the winter classic wear shells over their normal pants.

[ubitsa 0]

Thanks, you guys are awesome :) Are there any sticks (not necessarily blade patterns..although if you have suggestions there too, then they are welcome) you guys would recommend for a starter?

[Doctor Hook 0]

people tape their shin pads because otherwise they'll flop around and no one wants that.

In theory yes, a small straight curve would be better for that but playing D is more than just a shot. Use what you like and just that. Tinker around with different curves.

I just figured that the shin pads would strap around the back of the leg like a catcher in baseball. So the tape is their for the shin pads and not the socks?

Most shin pads will have some back of the leg protection. But tape is always used to get them tight since you'll be moving your legs a lot.

For starter sticks, I'd go with a woodie over a composite. No need to break bank right off the bat.