Helmet  
Should fit snug and remain in place when chinstrap is properly fastened.  Helmet should fit just above the eyebrows and must be *CSA certified.  Never paint or add stickers as this may weaken the structure and removes *CSA certification.  Replace loose or missing screws immediately.  Check inside and outside of helmet for cracks or deterioration and replace if neccessary. 
Facemask  
When fitting, a proper measurement should be taken fron the front of the helmet to the bottom of the player's chin.  The chin should fit comfortably into the cup of the facemask.  Masks come in both cage and polycarbonate visor styles and also in different 'types'.  Type I - is for player's 10 yrs or older (except goaltenders) and is denoted by a white CSA sticker.  Type II - is for player's under 10 yrs old (except goaltender) and is denoted by an orange CSA sticker.  Type III - is for goaltenders of any age and is denoted by a blue CSA sticker.   Type IV - is for players at the major junior level and up and is denoted by a yellow CSA sticker.  An internal mouthguard may be attached to the facemask to reduce the risk of concussion and help protect the player's teeth.  All breaks or cracks should be replaced.  Check that the mask is compatible with the helmet.  Never cut or alter a facemask.
Guide to Fitting Hockey Equipment
Underwear -  Jock/Jill -  Shin Pads -  Pants -  Skates -  Shoulder Pads -  Sports Bra -  Elbow Pads

Gloves -  Throat Protector -  Helmet -  Face Mask -  Stick -  Goaltender Equipment
Jock (Jill) Strap
This piece of equipment should be fitted according to waist size and should feel comfortable for the player. Any tears, especially where the two leg straps attach to the protective cup, should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Protective cups come in sizes to suit all players.
Shin Pads
When sizing, wear loosely fitting skates in order to get the proper length of the shin pad.  The cap of the shin pad should be centered on the kneecap.  The bottom of the pad should fit where the foot and the leg meet at a 90 degree angle (on top on the skate - covering the first 2 or 3 rows of lace).  If the pad is too short, it leaves an unprotected area at the top of the skate.  If the pad is too long, it will restrict movement and create discomfort for the player.  Shin pads are sized in 'inches' and come in both junior and senior sizes.  Cracked pads should be replaced or properly repaired immediately.
Pants
Fitting should be done with shin pads properly in place.  The pant should slightly overlap the top of the shin pad.  Pants are sized according to waist size.  The pants must completely protect the front and side of the thigh, tailbone, hip and kidney areas throughout the entire range of motion.  When fitting pants for females, fit hips first then check the length of the pant.   Frequent checks for tears and irregularities within the padding must be performed.
Skates
Before sizing skates, check the foot for irregularities which would affect the size of skate.  The player should
wear the same foot hosiery that they would in a game or practice (ie. socks, barefoot, etc).  With the foot in an untied skate, have the player push the foot forward so the toes touch the front of the skate.  There should be a one-finger width space between the players heel and the back of the boot.  Before lacing up, have the player kick the heel back in order to ensure a snug fit.  When completely laced, there should be approximately a 2 inch spacing between the eylette rows.  Never buy skates to grow into as this puts the player at risk of injury and will inhibit their skating ability.  Laces should never be wrapped tightly around the ankle as this may inhibit blood flow.  Blades should be completely dried after each use.  Skate guards should be used during transport and when walking on non-ice surfaces.  Never dry skates over direct heat as this will crack and damage the composition of the skates.
Shoulder Pads
should protect the shoulder joint through a full range of motion.  Arm pads should extend to just above the elbow to ensure full protection.  Back pad should meet the top of the pants.  For female players, a chest protector gives added protection to the chest area.  When lifting arms, pads should not dig into the neck of the player as this may cause injury.  Check pads and straps regularly for damage, repair immediately as needed. 
Sports Bra
Every female player should wear a properly fitted sports bra to ensure appropriate support.
Elbow Pads
when fitting, place the point of the elbow in the circular area on the inside of the elbow pad and fasten all straps properly.  The top of the elbow pad should meet the bottom of the shoulder pad.  The bottom of the elbow pad should extend down the arm and fit inside or at least to the cuff of the glove.  Check straps regularly and have damaged straps properly repaired or replaced immediately.
Gloves
Should fit the player's hands snugly but not too tight.  Gloves should overlap the elbow pad through the entire range of motion.  Padding on the back of the glove should absorb all shock.  Check this by pressing on the back of the glove, the player should not feel any pressure on the backside of the hand.   Be sure that the palms of the gloves are always soft and without rips, holes or tears.  Always leave laces (if present) in the cuff.  Check gloves for damage frequently and repair or replace immediately.
Throat Protector    (although not mandatory in all hockey, their use is highly recommended)
All minor hockey players under Hockey Canada must wear a throat protector with a *BNQ certification label on it.  They should fit snugly and should completely cover the throat area.  Hang to dry after every use.
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Stick  
In street shoes, the stick should reach between the chin and the mouth of the player and just below the chin when on skates.  Junior sticks should be used for younger players as these sticks have features which are more suitable to this age group.  When purchasing a goal stick, the blade of the stick should be flat on the ice when the goalie is in a crouch position.  Be aware of players' personal preferences when purchasing sticks. 
Goaltender Equipment  
Goal pads should always be fitted with goaltender skates on.  The kneecap should be in the middle of the knee roll.  When completely fastened, the pads should extend from the skates to 4 inches above the knee.  Extra (supplimentary) kneepads are often worn under the pads.  Always dry and store goalpads in an upright position.  Check straps regularly.  Goaltender pants should fit the same as regular pants but be loose enough to fit the belly pad inside.  Pants should be expected to be heavier than regular pants because of their extra padding.  Belly pad should tuck in about 2 inches below the belly button.  Upper body protection should cover the colarbone, chest, abdoman and should extend down the arms to the wrist.  Goaltenders should wear the "special" goaltender jock/jill.  The blocker and trapper should fit to the hand size of the player and should overlap arm pads.  Never warp the blocker as this reduces its structural integrity. 
When purchasing hockey equipment, the most important aspect to consider is that the equipment is properly fitted.  When equipment is not suitably fitted, the player is exposed to injury. 
This guide is intended to be used by players, parents, coaches and trainers when selecting appropriate protective equipment before stepping on the ice.  The information herein should only be used as a guideline when purchasing hockey equipment.
Three important factors that should be stressed when evaluating hockey equipment:

  A.          Equipment is in proper (good) condition
  B.          Equipment is (has been) properly maintained through its lifetime
  C.          Equipment fits properly

            A. - if a piece of equipment is cracked or structurally unsound, it should be replaced immediately or properly
                  repaired by a professional.  Equipment should be inspected often so that any breakages can be
                  recognized immediately and properly attended to.
            B. - all equipment should be hung to dry after every game or practice.  This reduces deterioration in the
                  equipment's structure and quality.  Skate blades and holders should be completely dried immediately
                  after every game or practice then again about 1 hour after hanging at home.  This will prevent
                  deterioration (rust & corrosion) of the blade.  Proper maintenance involves examining all equipment
                  frequently throughout its lifespan.
            C. - equipment should cover the entire area of the body it is meant to cover.  Equipment should never be
                  bought to grown into.  This leaves the player at risk of serious injury,  as equipment that is too big will
                  slide away from the area that it is supposed to be protecting.
The following are guidelines that will assist a parent when fitting and purchasing hockey equipment for either their children or for themselves.

Underwear
Wear snug fitting, cool, comfortable undergarments during all games and practices.  When fitting all other equipment, the same undergarments should be worn in order to get the proper sizing.  Wash after every use.
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