Taping your Stick

Every NHL player tapes their stick differently. Some do 1 strand of tape around the blade, while others will cover the entire blade.

Everyone chooses what is comfortable to them.

The majority of players tape from the heel of the blade to the toe of the blade.

The reason we tape our blades is to have a better feel for the puck as we stick-handle and to avoid ice build up on the blade. There are many different colors of tape for you to choose from. Once again this is all preference. Many players like to use black because they feel it hides the puck from the goalie.

Some players like to put stick wax on their tape. Wax is also used to help prevent ice, but to also have a good grip and feel to the puck as well.

Hockey players will also tape the knob of their stick. This is to have a good handle with your top hand so the stick doesn't slip. Some players have a wide knob so it is easy to pick up their stick off the ice with their gloves.

Skate Sharpening

Players should always have their skates sharp to ensure they can skate to the best of their ability. A general rule of thumb is you should sharpen your skates every 15-20 hours of ice time.

When you take your skates to your local hockey shop to get sharpened you will be asked “what hollow would you like them sharpened”?

Here are your options:” - ⅞” - ¾” - ⅝” - 9/16” - ½” - 7/16” - ⅜”

½” is the standard that most Hockey Players sharpen their skates.

The less bite you have, the more glide and speed you can create with your edges. But not as much control in your turns.

The more bite you have, the less glide and speed you have, but more control in your turns.

½’ is a great middle ground for good speed and good control.

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are another required piece of equipment. You can purchase mouth guards at any sporting goods store as mouth guards are used for multiple sports and are not hockey specific. Every player should make sure their mouth guard is properly molded to their mouth, and do their best to keep it in their mouth while playing.

Skate Guards

Skate guards are used to prevent your blades from getting dull or chipped. Players should do their best to have skate guards on their skates whenever they aren't being used.

Neck Guards

Neck guards are now required by USA hockey to be worn at all times. There are a few options for neck guards. You can get a neck guard that is connected to players under garments or you can purchase it as a separate piece of equipment. Every player should have a neck guard to ensure their neck is protected.

Sock tape

Sock tape is a clear tape that is used to secure the players socks and shin guards so they do not sag while the players are skating. Some players also use sock tape to secure their elbow pads.

Getting USA Hockey Number

It is very important to get a USA Hockey ID Number. This will get you into the USA Hockey system and will help your Organization board you onto their rosters. Registering through USA Hockey also provides insurance to your player in case of an incident. To get your USA Hockey number visit https://www.usahockey.com/

Helpful Resources

Find your organization

https://www.utah-hockey.com/

https://www.utahhighschoolhockey.com/

Helpful Reminder to Parents

Enjoy your child’s youth hockey experience. Your player's hockey career goes by fast. Enjoy the moments with your child on the way to practices and games. Enjoy the highs of the wins and embrace the teaching moments of the losses. Hockey is a family. Enjoy it!