New to Hockey!

[Styrr 0]

I have not even started playing Hockey yet, but I played lacrosse for about 3 years. Here is a little about myself (that might have something to help). I am 16 years old and live in North Carolina (the southern most part) and weight around 150 pounds at 6'1" tall (I am built more for speed and dodging than checking). I have only skated once but I picked up on it very quickly and I would like to start playing Hockey.

Now here is how you guys can help. I need some gear recommendations for a beginner. I plan on going to my LHS to try out some skates and different curves on sticks. Since I am totally new it would be great if I could get some words of advice as well.

Thank you all!

[n3ss 0]

I'm partial to ccm and nike for pads/skates and reebok for sticks. Ultimately, go for whatever your low/mid level gear your LHS has. Try things on and see how you like the fit.

[yrhmblnr8r 69]

The general advice I've heard on this board is get as good a helmet and as good a pair of skates as you can. You only get one brain, so protect it. Skates are your connection to the ice, so fit and feel is very important. N3ss is right about rounding out your kit with low/mid level gear. Find something that fits right for now so you can get out there. It can be replaced piece-meal over time as you continue with the sport.

IMHO, I'd say resist the urge to buy an expensive OPS. Woodies or a reasonably priced shaft/blade combo will let you test drive various patterns on the cheap until you find the one that's right for you.

[Styrr 0]

I decided to get the RBK 8k Helmet, the '08 version seeing as how its cheaper and doesn't look to have any changes. Skate wise I have no clue as of yet.

[Ahriman 1]

Aye, a good bucket and the 2nd tier skates will be ideal while scraping the bottom of the protective barrel is generally decent advice. As far as a stick I'd suggest getting a cheap/used/borrowed/given away shaft and a few wood blades that are very different in style. Try to get one simple flat/straight curve, an open face curve like a lidstrom and something more traditional mid curve. You'll quickly find which one fits you best. If you go and get an expensive stick but your form/style doesnt fit the curve you might give up assuming your shot "just sucks"

[crazy-luke-finch 0]

also, if you're a beginner, look for closeout deals on older equipment from last year. You can pick up some very good gear at very low prices.

[Styrr 0]

I found some of last years RBK 9k gloves at a local store on closeout for $60, would this be a good buy? Or should I go cheaper?

Thanks for all your help so far!

[chippa13 1844]

For someone just starting out, skimping on protective is a bad idea. Get yourself, at the very least, decent shin and elbow pads. They don't have to be top of the line but you don't want bottom of the barrel. Your knees and elbows will thank you for it.

[aarondevera 0]

That's not a bad deal at all. Great price for a top-end glove.

As far as your other gear goes, just go with what fits best, and what you're most mobile in. Don't think that all the top-end gear is necessarily the best for you, either. Skates, for example, are probably the one thing you're gonna want to spend the most time fitting and researching. If you're still working on your basic skating skills, a super-stiff top end skate might hold you back. Those skates are meant for experienced guys who are on the ice 4+ times a week, often at a high level.

Hockey's an expensive sport, so find your deals where you can. Just get something that's comfortable, and make sure your LHS guy knows what he's talking about.

[duch 0]

Great advice from all the previous posters. My advice stick to mostly middle of the line equipment for protective and like previously wisely posted look for last years clearout items, the price will be substantially lower than any newer equipment presently out. For skates you'll want to look for roughly middle of the line or slightly higher because a top of the line or level below might be a bit too stiff for you if your not a agile skater yet. And the most important thing with skates is get what fits you the best not what other guys consider most popular or coolest looking on the ice, your feet will thank you down the road. Also, with a stick, get one reasonably priced, you don't need a $200 to $300 one piece carbon/composite stick that glows different colors when you move it on the ice . Very important, as well, is limit the curve on the blade until you become more accustomed to handling the puck well in different situations on the ice. Once you are fairly competent at stick handling you can try more of a curve to help improve the lift on your wrist and snap shots. Some very good players like Dave Keon and Syndney Crosby use sticks with very little of a curve and are among some of the best stick handlers on the ice. The length of your stick is also important. It should be cut to a length so it is at at about top of your chest level while standing on your skates if you hold it straight up against you on the tip of the blade. For me that works out to about the bottom of my chin when I'm just standing normally on the floor in my street shoes. If your stick is too long ,sure you'll have a good reach, but your stickhandling will suffer, especially in close to the boards or in a crowd of players. It leaves you no room to move your stick and you could end up spearing yourself in the mid-section if the stick is driven into the boards. Hope some of this helps.

[shoeshine boy 249]

I have some non-equipment advice for you since you stated that you're a lacrosse player: you can't whack at people in hockey like you do in lacrosse. the league I play in has it's share of converted lacrosse players and almost all of them slash at the arms and hands like they're on the lacrosse field. when they get called for it they almost always argue with the refs about it. keep your stick down and don't be that guy. :)

[yrhmblnr8r 69]

Good point about stick cutting, Duch. I've seen too many guys buy a stick from the pro shop, tape it, and take it onto the ice. Personal Preference aside, the manufacturer's stick length can't be right for everyone.

When I got back into hockey a few years ago, I started very short. This really helped my stickhandling early on. Once my hands softened up, I gradually went longer so I could get the benefit of extra reach until I hit my current length which is a good balance for me.

[Styrr 0]

I have some non-equipment advice for you since you stated that you're a lacrosse player: you can't whack at people in hockey like you do in lacrosse. the league I play in has it's share of converted lacrosse players and almost all of them slash at the arms and hands like they're on the lacrosse field. when they get called for it they almost always argue with the refs about it. keep your stick down and don't be that guy. :)

Oh yes I know. Lacrosse players can be pretty ignorant, heck most Laxers are converted football players ("American" football that is).

[hockeysc23 0]

I would focus on taking some skating lessons. You said you only skated once and caught on but playing ice hockey and skating around are completely different.

You should focus on skating first before worrying about gear. Maybe take some entry classes and some power skating once you have moved on. Then worry about gear. But I have had several friends that thought they were pretty good on skates only to quit when playing ice hockey because they couldn't keep up.

Most importantly keep your head up.

[Styrr 0]

I would focus on taking some skating lessons. You said you only skated once and caught on but playing ice hockey and skating around are completely different.

You should focus on skating first before worrying about gear. Maybe take some entry classes and some power skating once you have moved on. Then worry about gear. But I have had several friends that thought they were pretty good on skates only to quit when playing ice hockey because they couldn't keep up.

Most importantly keep your head up.

Probably should have mentioned that I am taking lessons as well as going down to the Ice around twice a week to practice. But, I totally understand what you are saying.

[Steve_v3 289]

In terms of a stick I would agree with yrhmblnr8r. Go with a shaft blade combo and go with a wood blade. You will be able to feel the puck a lot better plus you can try different curves. You will develop your stick handling easier and you will help you be more accurate with your shooting and passing. As many have said start out with average level gear and work your way up as you learn what you like best. You probably don't want high end skates because they will be expensive but also judging by your weight and height they will be so stiff you have trouble breaking them in while your improving your skating.

A good rule of thumb is get the best equipment you can afford. That doesn't mean the most expensive but what is best for you. IE: best fit for you & what gives you appropriate protection to the level your playing.

[dumbpolak9 1]

i would recommend mission skates. xp's are great defensive skates and have alot of protection. as for the ag's they are very flexible and are key for your leg movement and have great transition to the ice shoulder pads. i would get something that your going to be in for a while im in the same shoulder pads for about 3 years now and still have alot of life in them. shins should be protective but not to long or short.

[Styrr 0]

Okay, so it seems that I am going to be getting 3 or so 20-40 dollar woodies, now what curves would you say? I see the Crosby is barely curved, but other than that, would you guys say to get something with a medium curve, something with a toe, or something with a heel.

Sorry for all my new guy questions, but I would just like to say thanks to all of you for your help!

[dumbpolak9 1]

go with sherwood sticks. with a coffey curve= amazingness lol

[Styrr 0]

go with sherwood sticks. with a coffey curve= amazingness lol

Sher-wood does seem to have the largest selection.

I'll have to try the Crosby, Coffey, Iginla, and possibly the Spezza

[dumbpolak9 1]

i absolutely love sherwood sticks. i used them for varsity hockey and looked like a weirdo since everyone else was using composites. i finally switched over to composite when my last one broke now i cant find anymore =( but would highly recommend sherwoods

'

[chippa13 1844]

Okay, so it seems that I am going to be getting 3 or so 20-40 dollar woodies, now what curves would you say? I see the Crosby is barely curved, but other than that, would you guys say to get something with a medium curve, something with a toe, or something with a heel.

Sorry for all my new guy questions, but I would just like to say thanks to all of you for your help!

I would recommend that you go with a two-piece stick option. That way you can try several different curves without really breaking the bank. Finding your curve will take some trial and error so the best bet is using wood blades until you find that one that works best for you.

[Styrr 0]

Okay, so it seems that I am going to be getting 3 or so 20-40 dollar woodies, now what curves would you say? I see the Crosby is barely curved, but other than that, would you guys say to get something with a medium curve, something with a toe, or something with a heel.

Sorry for all my new guy questions, but I would just like to say thanks to all of you for your help!

I would recommend that you go with a two-piece stick option. That way you can try several different curves without really breaking the bank. Finding your curve will take some trial and error so the best bet is using wood blades until you find that one that works best for you.

Ah, good point. So I just need a Woodie shaft. Thanks for you help!

[chippa13 1844]

You'd actually be getting a composite shaft. Getting one that takes standard hosel blades would be better because those blades tend to be easier to find in a variety of curves. Hit your local store and see what shaft feels the best in your hands.

[Styrr 0]

You'd actually be getting a composite shaft. Getting one that takes standard hosel blades would be better because those blades tend to be easier to find in a variety of curves. Hit your local store and see what shaft feels the best in your hands.

Thank you, as you can easily tell, very new to this whole thing.