YOUTH HOCKEY GUIDES
For parents and young players. Covers equipment, age classifications, house vs travel decisions, the American Development Model, and what to expect at every level from Learn to Play through Midget.
Hockey Parent's Handbook
What to expect at your kid's first season — from buying equipment to game day etiquette.
House vs Travel Hockey
How to choose the right level for your kid — recreational house, select, or travel/AAA.
USA Hockey's ADM Explained
The American Development Model — what it is, what the stages mean, and why early specialization hurts.
How to Tie Hockey Skates
Step-by-step lacing for beginners — the standard crisscross plus how to fix lace bite.
How to Fit Hockey Equipment
How to fit every piece — helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, pants, gloves, jock/jill, and mouthguard.
How to Fit a Helmet
HECC certification, ASTM F1045/F513 standards, the shake test, and when to replace.
How to Fit Shoulder Pads
Cap over the shoulder, sternum pad centered, sleeve length, and sizing for growing kids.
How to Fit Elbow Pads
Elbow cup centered, forearm coverage, and how to avoid the gap above the glove.
How to Fit Hockey Pants
Waistband position, kidney pad coverage, thigh guard length, and sizing by waist.
How to Fit Shin Guards
Knee cup centered, no gap at the skate, length measurement, and sizing by age.
How to Fit Hockey Gloves
Palm gap test, finger length, cuff overlap, and stick feel — the most personal piece.
How to Fit a Jock or Jill
Jock vs jill, cup or shield position, sock tabs, and sizing for kids.
From Youth to Junior Hockey
What it takes to make the jump from youth travel hockey to junior leagues.
Skate Fitting Guide
How hockey skates should fit, common sizing mistakes, and what to look for at a fitting.
How to Choose the Right Stick
Blade curve, flex, kickpoint, and length — what actually matters when buying your next stick.
Breaking In New Gloves
The best method to soften up new hockey gloves without damaging them.
Off-Ice Training for Young Players
Dryland exercises appropriate for youth players — building athleticism without burnout.
Eating for Performance
Nutrition strategies for youth hockey players: pre-game meals, hydration, and recovery eating.
Looking for adult guides?
If you're an adult getting into hockey — learn-to-play programs, beer league, rules, and positions — head to the adult section.
View adult guides →