Hockey Pads
When it comes to hockey pads, there is really not much difference in the version at which the player plays with the exception of overall padding. Ice hockey requires a bit more padding with their pads. There are quite a few that should be discussed. Therefore, lets consider and explore all of them.
Hockey is a very rough, tumble, and violent type of sport. Therefore, the requirement for padding is an absolute must. There are certain parts of the body that must be protected and especially with ice hockey, the ice is as hard as the concrete that is directly under it and can cause injuries very easily. From the shins to the head, it all must be protected and is. So, lets start from the ground and work our way up the body exploring the many different padding that is involved with keeping the body safe during the very active and violent sport.
Shin pads are the beginning. These are quite similar to the shin guards that soccer players use. These protect both the fibula and the tibia and have a hard outer plastic shell that are shock absorbent. These also usually incorporate the knee pads too. The pants have a tail bone, hip, pelvic, and thigh pads that are sometimes built right into the pants themselves. They are quite similar to football pants and the pads that they incorporate.Then there are the jock strap that incorporates the cup for protection of the genitalia.
The shoulder are also quite similar to that of football, however, they are a bit more smaller and incorporate both spine and stomach protection and are designed to protect from both puck and player collisions.
The elbow pads are geared toward both forearm and elbow protection. Some even incorporate upper arm protection however, this upper arm pad does limit movement and shooting abilities, therefore it is rarely used for this reason.
Gloves are probably one of the most important pieces of padding that a player could have. It is the most prone area for contact with both the puck and the sticks and without this padding many broken hands would surely occur. Therefore, the gloves have a thinner inner hand layer designed for gripping the stick and a thicker pad on the outside portion designed for protection. There is also a brace built right into the thumb portion to prevent the thumb being bent backwards.
The neck guard is also one of those pieces of protective equipment that is the choice of the player. However, it will provide protection to the throat area.The helmet is basically another of the optional equipment pieces. However, it is required for collegiate and scholastic play. Most players do however, choose to utilize it as part of their overall protection.There are many hockey pads that are each designed for certain area protection and in conjunction they provide overall body coverage.
