Equipment Rental & Equipment How-To Videos

Hockey equipment for Learn to Play through 14U skaters is available on a first come first serve basis for the winter hockey season. If a skater has some of his/her own equipment, individual pieces may also be rented during the season. You will be asked to complete an online form indicating what pieces have been rented, and all rental equipment is expected to be returned at the end of each season.

Available Rental Equipment from LHIA includes:

• Helmet
• Neck Guard
• Chest Protector
• Elbow Pads
• Gloves
• Breezers
• Shin Guards
• Hockey Socks
• Jock/Jill (cup/supporter for boys & girls) in XXS and XS only
• Skates (newer Bauer skates may require a deposit)
• Stick

Equipment can also be purchased at Breakaway Sports in Eagle River, Goal Line in Wausau, Pure Hockey, Dicks Sporting Goods or various other online retailers.

NOTE: The goal of the rental program is to help keep the cost associated with hockey down for families who are just starting out.  The rental equipment program’s focus will be on the Learn to Play, 6U, and 8U families. Most of the equipment that we have available is smaller youth-sized. Very limited larger sizes are available for older kids and this equipment will be available at pick up events on a first come first served basis.

EQUIPMENT & HOW TO DRESS YOUR YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYER

Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents, and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 

1) Your child must be adequately protected

2) Fitting allows freedom of movement so your child can properly perform the necessary skills.

By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will have more fun playing hockey.

A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. The most important thing to remember is equipment must fit properly to provide maximum protection.

Skates – Purchase skates that will fit your child today with no more than ½” allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe, and instep areas, improperly fitted skates will hamper your child’s ability to skate.

Helmet – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin strap must always be fastened.

Facemask – Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).

Stick – Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.

Shin Pads – Check for proper lengths so they protect the knee and shin completely.

Supporter and Cup – Essential protective equipment.

Gloves – Check for proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.

Shoulder Pads – Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.

Pants/Breezers – Should close all the way in the front when tightened. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips, and thighs.

Elbow Pads – Properly fitted so they do not slide.

For goaltenders, special equipment is necessary such as gloves (catching and stick), chest and stomach protection, goalie skates (with protective shell), leg pads and shoulder and arm protectors. The goaltender’s equipment is especially important, so seek advice from a knowledgeable source.