First Time Hockey Parent

This is an exciting time of year for those of us who consider ourselves 'seasoned hockey parents'. But for parents entering into their first year of hockey, it can cause a little stress as well. If that is you, we want to help you navigate this exciting world so both you and your player can have an enjoyable season.

WHERE SHOULD I PURCHASE HOCKEY EQUIPMENT?

Whether you are purchasing equipment for a player or a goalie, Edmonton has many options. For new gear, Pro Hockey Life and United Sport & Cycle are excellent sources for quality gear with knowledgeable staff who can ensure your child has proper fitting equipment so they can hit the ice with confidence. You can also find quality used gear at Totem Outfitters in their Sports Exchange shop, or at Play It Again Sports. 

What equipment does my player require? Here are the basics for player equipment:

Hockey equipment checklist

Having properly fitted equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience for your player. Need tips on getting your player properly fitted for equipment? Watch this Hockey Canada Equipment Fitting video for equipment fitting and maintenance information.

WHICH WAY SHOULD MY SON OR DAUGHTER SHOOT?

This is one of the questions ALL first time hockey parents wonder. To discover the answer, you have to ask this question... which hand do they use to write or color?

It's all in the creativity
The top hand on your stick is the 'control' hand. It is the hand which makes all of the major movements and is THE hand that controls stickhandling, passing and where the puck goes when they shoot. It is the CREATIVE part of the stick so is normally controlled by the CREATIVE hand! Your child writes using the creative side of their brain which controls the opposite side of the body. The left part of the brain controls the right hand.

So if your player writes with their right hand, then their right hand should be at the top of the stick to control it. So this means your child would typically shoot LEFT! Yes... Left. I know this sounds confusing but if you are going to buy your player a stick with a curve, then it is typically a left-handed stick for a right-handed player. For lefties, it is typically a right-handed stick. When looking at the curve for a new player, ensure it is not too big of a curve! A curve too pronounced will inhibit your player from learning to stickhandle properly and make a good pass from the forehand or backhand.

Sometimes, new players will switch sides when shooting as they try to figure out which side feels "right". If you do not yet know which way your player shoots, you can try out a stick from a friend, or try both out in the shooting lane at the hockey store (United Sport & Cycle and Pro Hockey Life have shooting lanes for trying sticks). 

To recap: While it is not an absolute rule, typically, if your child writes their name with their right hand then they shoot LEFT. If they use their left hand then they shoot RIGHT. Ultimately, whatever feels the most comfortable when holding a stick and handling the puck is the correct way.

CONCUSSION AWARENESS

Our players' well-being is of utmost importance to all involved with hockey. Directors, referees, coaches, players and especially parents all want our children to have fun and stay healthy.

One aspect of all minor sports, not just hockey, to finally get the attention it deserves are the problems associated with blows to the head. Coaches are teaching our players how to play without hits to the head and referees are calling penalties for anything close to the helmet. Education is key to reducing the long term effects of head injuries.

The Four R’s

  1. Respect for all players, especially yourself.
  2. Read, download and print HOCKEY CANADA'S CONCUSSION CARD and bring it with you every game and practice.
  3. Recognize the symptoms of concussion.
  4. React to it.

Prevention for Players

  1. Respect all players, coaches and officials.
  2. Make sure your hockey helmet fits and is fastened properly.
  3. Be aware - play heads-up hockey.
  4. Wear a properly fitted mouth guard.
  5. Always use correct body checking techniques and never hit another player from behind or in the head.


ALERT - Repeat concussions can severely affect one's lifestyle. It is a Hockey Canada Policy not to send a player back on the ice unless that player has fully recovered and has been cleared for return to play by a physician.

Coach and Safety Person Protocol

  1. Keep your concussion card handy.
  2. During the pre-game talk, check and remind players of team attitude.
  3. Discourage hits to the head.
  4. In case of injury, check for symptoms of concussion/neck and spinal injuries.
  5. Monitor the player for listed symptoms, if present remove the player from the game.
  6. Permit the player to return to play only on advice of a physician. Written approval from a physician is required for a player to return to play from a confirmed, or suspected, concussion.
  7. Instruct parents/guardians to inform medical personnel if it is a repeat concussion.

For more information, please check out the following concussion resources: