DESCRIPTION OF A SKATER'S EQUIPMENT:
HELMET: A protective covering for the head, usually made of a substance called vinyl nitrile, which disperses force and absorbs the impact of hits by pucks, sticks, skates or contact with the ice, reducing the chances of concussion; can feature an optional face cage or visor to protect the player’s face and eyes.
JERSEY: Piece of clothing that fits over the pads and usually carries the team’s logo, oversized so a player can have full range of motion with his arms. Also referred to as a “sweater” traditionally, due to it originally being made from sweater material, such as wool. The team captain will display an uppercase “C” on the upper right side of the jersey. Assistant captains will display an “A” in the same spot.
SKATER'S GLOVES: Protective covering for the hands and wrists, constructed with a very thin palm and fingers while providing substantially more padding to the outside of the hands.
SOCKS: Ankle-to-thigh garments worn over protective gear; they are form-fitting, traditionally made of a cotton or synthetic rib-knit fabric; athletic tape is generally used below the knee to hold the sock in place, and sometimes at the ankle as well; considered part of a team uniform under and are required as coverage for protective equipment (shinguards); usually decorated in designated team colors, complementary to the team jersey.
STICKS: Composed of a long, slender shaft and a flat extension at one end called the blade; made of wood or composite materials, usually has a taped handle that fits the requirements of the player; there is some variance on the height of the stick in preference of the player – a player favoring fast stick handling and good puck control would opt for a shorter stick, while a player wanting a harder, faster shot would opt for a longer stick; the blade’s angle depends on the height of the stick, but is usually positioned around 45 degrees; the blade is often curved in the direction toward which the skater moves forward, to aid in retaining or lifting the puck off the playing surface.
SKATES: Boot is generally made of molded plastic, leather (often synthetic), and ballistic nylon; unlike figure skates, hockey skates have a rounded heel and no toe picks as these can be dangerous in a collision on the ice; blades also are rounded to make it easier for players to turn on the ice.
