How to put on hockey gear in the right order

Hockey gear goes on from the bottom up. Each piece holds the next one in place.

Here is the order most players follow:

1. Base layer
2. Jock or jill
3. Shin guards
4. Hockey socks
5. Hockey pants
6. Skates
7. Shoulder pads
8. Elbow pads
9. Neck guard
10. Jersey
11. Helmet and mouthguard
12. Gloves

The NHL’s learn to play page starts the same way: cup, shin pads, socks, pants, then skates (NHL Learn to Play).

1. Base layer

Start with a light shirt and pants that pull sweat away from the skin. Under Hockey Canada’s dressing room policy, this layer is the least a player wears in the room (Hockey Canada fitting guide).

2. Jock or jill

Jock or jill shorts have the protection built in. The Velcro tabs on the legs hold up the socks in step 4 (Hockey Canada fitting guide).

3. Shin guards

Shin guards come in a left and a right. Line up the round cap with the middle of the kneecap (fit guide).

4. Hockey socks

Roll each sock up over the shin guard, wide end first. Press the top onto the Velcro tabs on the shorts (Source for Sports). Some players add a wrap of clear tape to keep the socks and shin guards from sliding (HockeyMonkey).

5. Hockey pants

Pull the pants up until the belt sits level with the top of the hips (Source for Sports). The pants should overlap the top of the shin guards a little.

6. Skates

Skates go on before the shoulder pads, while bending over is still easy. Smooth out the socks first, because a wrinkle under a tight skate rubs (equipment tips). Lace from the bottom to the top, tight enough that the ankles do not bend (NHL Learn to Play).

7. Shoulder pads

Pull the shoulder pads over the head. Fasten the straps around the chest.

8. Elbow pads

Slide on the elbow pads and fasten the straps. The cup of each pad sits on the point of the elbow.

9. Neck guard

Fasten the neck guard so it covers the throat. Some players put it on before the shoulder pads. Others put it on after the jersey (Ice Warehouse). Either way works if it stays on. USA Hockey asks for a protector that covers as much of the exposed neck as possible (USA Hockey).

10. Jersey

The jersey goes over all the upper body pads.

11. Helmet and mouthguard

Put on the helmet and buckle the chin strap. Add the mouthguard if your league requires one.

12. Gloves

Gloves go on last. Bare hands make the laces and straps easier.

Tips for dressing a young player

• Have them use the bathroom before any gear goes on.
• Lay out the gear in this order before you start.
• Practice once at home before the first ice time.
• Tie their skates until they can pull the laces tight on their own.

Taking it all off

Take the gear off in the opposite order (HockeyMonkey). At home, pull everything out of the bag and let it dry in the air. Gear left in a closed bag stays wet, and wet gear smells.

Missing a piece? Here is the full list of gear a new player needs.