Pond Hockey/Stick and Puck Sessions...

[badkarma 4]

Im new to the ice, making a transition from inline hockey...I plan on just playing local pick-up pond hockey and going to stick and puck sessions. During regular weekly pick up pond hockey (non-tournament) almost no one wears a helmet...so my choices are between no helmet and a beanie or knit cap OR helmet and visor w/ mouthpiece...I understand the visor is not giving me the 100% protection like a cage, but a helmet and visor is better than nothing, even if I am the only one with it...what is the general consensus for pond hockey? Helmet and visor or nothing?

[jonesy9020 77]

I'd definitely get at least a helmet and visor, and strongly consider a cage. Most rinks also require a helmet, and, depending on your age, a full cage for S+P.

Regardless of rink requirements, to be quite blunt about it, sh** happens. Whether it's catching an edge weird and taking a dive, a friend with an errant stick getting around your eyes, or a slap shot that veers off course and towards your mouth/eyes, you want to be as well protected as you can be. Especially coming from inline and getting used to ice, you don't wanna fall and smack the back of your head either.

[badkarma 4]

True...good point...I just bought an Easton E400 w/ cage combo...however, this weekend I stopped to watch a small pick up pond hockey game in my area and 1 person out of about 15-20 had a helmet on. I do realize that, especially on ice, since things are moving so fast, sh@t happens, so I am going to wear the helmet, but but I thought the cage may be overkill on the pond because people aren't shooting hard slappers or checking on purpose so I figured at least a helmet and visor would be better than a hoody and beanie like everyone else...

On another note: do people ever show up in pond hockey with the standard shin guards under hockey socks and breezers/hockey pants just for pick up shinny? or is it usually just shinguard under regular sweatpants or jeans? Again, I ask because it seemed as if most people had any gear on at all...a few had shin guards, most had at least gloves, but there was a good amount of people that were just playing with sticks and regular winter gloves...I just want to know what would be equipment overkill for the pond...right now I'm thinking helmet/visor (which I have), gloves (which I have), and shin guards, which I am still in the market for...im trying to figure out if I should just go ahead and get a girdle and shell or breezers and hockey socks to round it all off, or would this been seen as doing too much? LOL thanks

[jonesy9020 77]

Depends on where you are and what people do I guess. I'm from philly so we don't typically get anywhere cold enough for pond hockey most of the time. I think you're right that hockey pants and socks might be overkill, and the shinpads under sweatpants is pretty typical in my experience at S+P.

I like to go with elbow pads too at S+P because I have gotten an unexpected shove and landed directly on my funny bone when I didn't -- not fun, ice can be pretty hard. You can kinda skimp here and go with a smaller, more comfortable pad though, as it's more about protecting your elbow from impact than your bicep/forearm from a slash or shot.

Also, a cup is always a solid, if minimal, investment.

If you're looking to play pickup at an indoor rink, they might have their own rules too. I've typically seen that pants and shins are required at rink shinny but shoulders and elbows aren't. Hope this was in some way helpful haha.

[badkarma 4]

it was helpful...I just wanna go out and play and not look crazy while I'm out there...lol...maybe ill look into a padded jock to save my hips...lol...

[ChrisMolnar 14]

When I play outdoors what I wear depends on who I play with. I have a group of friends that like to go game 7 so we all wear full lowers and gloves. Helmets are optional. When I play at a local spot outside I usually just wear a track/warmup suit, gloves and a helmet with at least a visor. I'll throw on a cage if I can tell there's going to be some wild sticks flying around. At skate and shoot (or stick and puck, whatever you want to call it) I always wear full equipment.

[benson 8]

When I play outdoors what I wear depends on who I play with. I have a group of friends that like to go game 7 so we all wear full lowers and gloves. Helmets are optional. When I play at a local spot outside I usually just wear a track/warmup suit, gloves and a helmet with at least a visor. I'll throw on a cage if I can tell there's going to be some wild sticks flying around. At skate and shoot (or stick and puck, whatever you want to call it) I always wear full equipment.

What he said.

Most of the time, for park/pond hockey I'll wear warmup pants with shin guards under, gloves and a helmet if I'm playing, or winter hat if I'm just goofing around.

Stick and puck is full gear usually. I am practicing so I like to practice like it is game time.

[badkarma 4]

while outside, especially when the temp REALLY drops, do guys go: long jock, shin guards, hockey socks to hold them in place and give a bit of warmth, then throw on sweat pants on top of that? With the velcro tabs on the hockey jock, it seems like you can strap on your shins, thrown the hockey socks over and get both warmth and the tight fit under your sweats...anyone do this? thanks

[benson 8]

while outside, especially when the temp REALLY drops, do guys go: long jock, shin guards, hockey socks to hold them in place and give a bit of warmth, then throw on sweat pants on top of that? With the velcro tabs on the hockey jock, it seems like you can strap on your shins, thrown the hockey socks over and get both warmth and the tight fit under your sweats...anyone do this? thanks

I'm in Minnesota, so I've seen some cold days. Usually I go with long johns under my shin guards then. I haven't needed more than that. So in those cases, it would be base layer (long johns), shin guard, warmup pants. Upper would be a t shirt, insulating layer (usually a Smart Wool long sleeve), and a hoodie. That usually keeps me warm enough especially since we are skating.

[Caihlen 67]

I've played in single digits with just a long john base layer and my regular gear. Seemed plenty warm to me...

[strosedefence34 175]

stick and puck in an indoor rink - full gear. I like to practice like a play

outdoor shinny on a rink - full gear since we are shooting on a net with a goalie, and the group I play with aren't the best skaters most of them are new to the game

pond hockey with pond hockey goals - sweats shins long johns hockey gloves and a hat

[Larry54 243]

Indoor rink, full gear no matter what. Sometimes only the helmet is required but I like to practice in full gear.

Outdoor rink, most people only wear hockey gloves. I also wear street hockey shin guards under my sweats, and elbow pads. Outdoors, it's a rule to keep the puck on the ice during a game except for the occasional saucer pass. Once a guy iced the puck hitting me right in the shin. Everyone stopped and gasped until they realized I was wearing shin guards. They also scolded him for his brain fart. That's why I wear the shins.

[enis750 48]

Indoor stick and puck or pick up, full gear no question

Outdoor / Pond hockey ... skates, warm clothes, toque and hockey gloves and thats it

If anyone is playing hard enough (or isn't a junior or a beginner) that I need to wear anything else outdoors - A) calm down its for fun B) I'll play elsewhere

[badkarma 4]

Would an ice girdle like the Easton Synergy or the Bauer Supreme TotalOne fit under sweatpants without too much budge? I have fallen enough in the last few days just getting use to my skates, much less trying to play pond hockey! LOL Before my first pond game I will at least have helmet, shins, elbows, some type of girdle or pant and shins...

[strosedefence34 175]

Would an ice girdle like the Easton Synergy or the Bauer Supreme TotalOne fit under sweatpants without too much budge? I have fallen enough in the last few days just getting use to my skates, much less trying to play pond hockey! LOL Before my first pond game I will at least have helmet, shins, elbows, some type of girdle or pant and shins...

depending on how you like you sweatpants to fit it could. If you are putting your shins on under your sweats then a girdle should fit fine. You could always look into a cheaper roller girdle if you decide to go with a traditional hockey pant.

[badkarma 4]

ok...right now, I want something to protect my hips and tailbone while I am learning my edges and learning how to stop...I am a bit bruised up as we speak from yesterday! LOL I was thinking about the Easton Synergy girdle because its looks slim and easily concealable with sweatpants...has anyone tried putting the Easton girdle under sweat pants? Then when I move into playing pick up, I can just buy a shell and socks and I won't have to buy another set of breezers...

[badkarma 4]

got myself a Warrior Project girdle...should be here right after new years...Ill update on the fit and feel...I just hope it fits slim enough to wear under sweatpants! LOL

[TPRO 1]

You can also look at 3-5 pad football pants. A lot of refs were them on the ice.

[trinituner 10]

Pond hockey, If I ever had the chance I would wet myself with excitment, It is very near to the top of my bucket list as something I really want to do...