Required Equipment (Minto Minor Hockey Association)

Hockey skates                                     Elbow pads

Hockey stick                                         Wrist guards(optional but recommended)

Shin guards                                          Neck Guard

Hockey socks                                       Hockey jersey(game jerseys NOTto be worn at practice)

Jock/Jill support                                    CSA approved helmet and  full screen or visor

Chest/shoulder pads                            Mouthguard

Hockey Pants                                        Hockey gloves

Adviseable to carry in bag: stick tape, clear(sock)tape, skate hone(whetstone), multitool(screwdriver/pliers), extra helmet screws/snaps, extra pr. laces,bandaids,towel

HELMETS

A properly fitting helmet/screen is the most important piece of equipment a player can wear. Helmets have an expiry date on the back. Please ensure that your child's helmet has not expired. The plastic in a helmet becomes brittle over time and the foam shock absorber loses it's effectiveness, increasing the risk of head injury. CHIN AND SCREEN STRAPS ARE TO BE SECURELY SNAPPED AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE ICE.

 MOUTHGUARDS

Next to the helmet, the mouthguard is the most important piece of equipment worn, which reduces the risk of brain injury. Mouthguards which are custom made by a dental professional DO NOT require a tether attached to the screen. Store bought mouthguards(boil and bite) must be attached to the screen by a tether and because they are tethered, they can be any colour, including clear.

Under no circumstances should the tether be cut off, or the length of the mouthguard be cut so that it does not cover all existing teeth.

Mouthguards should be inspected regularly to ensure  they are fitting properly. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO WEAR MOUTHGUARDS WHICH ARE CHEWED OR NOT FITTING PROPERLY. Encourage them to wear them properly and not chew on them. If the store bought variety causes mouth irritation, it may be necessry to have one custom made. Clinics are offered locally, at the beginning of each season where custom made mouthguards can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

There is some confusion as to the purpose of mouthguards. Obviously, dental protection is the one that usually comes to mind, however did you know that a properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of concussion by up to 75% ? Recent research shows that a significant percentage of concussions are caused from the impact of the lower jaw being thrust into the base of the skull during a collision or fall. A properly fitting mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, reducing the force of the blow being transmitted to the skull and brain, and thus reducing the liklihood , or severity, of a concussion.

NECKGUARDS

Neck guards are required, NOT optional, at all levels in MMH. Neckguards protect a very crucial area and reduce the liklihood of a nearly fatal injury, like Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers suffered last year. Remember, your children are on the ice with up to 20 pairs of sharp skates !!

Please check the fit and condition of all equipment regularly. Improperly fitting or damaged equipment significantly increases the risk of injury. Encourage your children to inspect their gear regularly. If you are uncertain about the proper fit of any protective gear, consult your sports specialist, coach or trainer.

Hockey can be a rough game, and not all injuries are preventable. Injuries resulting from improperly fittng or improperly worn equipment ARE preventable. Insurance does not cover injury in cases where proper gear was not being worn... therefore...

MOUTHGUARDS AND NECK GUARDS ARE TO BE WORN PROPERLY
AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE ICE

ALL AGES...ALL LEVELS...ALL PRACTICES...ALL GAMES... ALL THE TIME !

FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN PLAYER SUSPENSION