• Start cheap: borrow, rent, or buy used gear; a starter kit plus extras runs $300–$400, while full new gear starts at $500.

• Prioritize helmets and skates for safety and comfort; everything else can be budget-friendly or secondhand.

• Kids grow fast. Don’t stress about matching brands, use swaps/hand-me-downs, and save your budget for upgrades later.

Now let’s get to the details

Before you start shopping, check with your local hockey association. Most offer rental gear for free or at a very low cost, which is perfect for beginners. You can also look for used equipment from other families, or visit pro shops at the rink (such as Elevate Sporting). Kids grow fast, so there’s usually a steady supply of hand-me-downs available.

If that’s not an option, or if you’d prefer gear that doesn’t already smell like someone else’s hockey bag, you can start with a youth hockey equipment starter kit. These kits include most of the protective gear in one box. Popular options include:

• Bauer Vapor Xtend Youth Hockey Starter Kit

• TronX Youth Player Ice Hockey Equipment Starter Kit

• Sher-Wood Playrite Basic Youth Hockey Kit

Starter kits run anywhere from $125–$250 depending on the brand. Keep in mind you’ll still need to buy some essentials separately (helmet, skates, stick, etc.).

Here’s what every player needs and I am adding here the cheapest gear I would buy while making sure I don’t sacrifice the safety of my child:

• Helmet with cage/face mask $50 - $150

  • Bauer Prodigy Hockey Helmet Combo ($59.99 at Pure Hockey).

  • The helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment. Always prioritize fit and certification over brand.

• Skates $80–$200 (used skates are a great option, kids outgrow them quickly)

  • Bauer Vapor X4 Ice Hockey Skates ($89.99 at Pure Hockey)

  • These are heat-moldable, which makes break-in easier and ensures a better fit. Used skates are also a great option since kids outgrow them quickly.

• Stick $40–$100 (starter sticks are lighter and designed for kids)

  • Beginner tip: Start with a straight wooden stick (e.g., Sherwood, $23). After 10 practices, observe which side your child prefers before buying a curved stick.

  • Budget composite option: Bauer Vapor Grip Composite Stick ($52.49, Pure Hockey).

  • I will make a post about how to buy and customize sticks separately, but if you don’t want to think about it, you can't go wrong with the P28Y curve and 20 flex.

• Gloves $30–$70

  • Bauer S24 Bauer X Youth Hockey Gloves - Youth ($44.99 at Pure Hockey)

• Shoulder pads $40–$80

  • Start with these

    • Bauer X Hockey Shoulder Pads Youth ($36.99 at Pure Hockey)

  • Later you can upgrade to something like this

    • Bauer Supreme Mach Hockey Shoulder Pads - Youth ($79.99 at Pure Hockey)

• Elbow pads $20–$50

  • For smaller kids: Bauer X Hockey Elbow Pads - Youth ($26.99)

  • For larger/taller kids (due the additional strap above the elbow): Bauer Supreme MACH Hockey Elbow Pads - Youth ($49.99)

• Shin guards $30–$70

  • Bauer X Youth Hockey Shin Guards - 2024 Model $29.99

• Hockey pants $40–$80

  • Bauer X Ice Hockey Pants - Youth ($29.97 at Pure Hockey) - these are great to start, whoever for starters I would recommend adding some protective pads underneath that are easy to find on Amazon. It is very painful to fall on the tailbone.

• Neck guard $15–$25 (required in USA hockey for all ages!)

  • Bauer Premium Neckguard Collar - Youth ($29.99 at Pure Hockey) this is probably the cheapest on the market. And I don't expect this to be a miracle. I carry a spare one in my coaching bag in case somebody forgets one, but I bought both of my daughters a top baselayer shirt with a built in neck guard:

    • Bauer Neckprotect Long Sleeve Baselayer Top - Youth $89.99

    • Warroad Tilo Pro Neck & Wrist Top - Youth $129.99

• Jock/jill with cup/pelvic protector $25–$60

  • Jocks for boy, you can go with shorts or long pants

  • Gills for girls Shock Doctor Women's Girl's Loose Hockey Short for $23

• Mouthguard $10–$20

  • Not needed under 12 years old, but recommended, there are good deals on amazon

• Hockey socks (the fabric ones that go over shin guards) $10–$20

• Practice jersey $15–$30

• Bag $40–$80

  • Go with the cheapest bag you can find, don’t bother with wheeled bags, you will be the one carrying it anyways.

  • Bauer S24 Core Carry Bag - Youth $49.99

  • If you don't care about the budget and want to get something with good access and visibility (bags that don't have black interior) I am happy with Pacific Rink bags.

Remember the fit matters more than the brand (or price). This is especially important with helmets and skates.

On top of that, don’t forget the small but constant extras: hockey tape, laces, and water bottles.

What It All Adds Up To

• Used gear route: $150–$250 total if you shop smart.

• New starter kit + extras: Around $300–$400.

• All new, piece by piece: $500+ (easy to spend much more if you buy top brands).
  

Final Tips for Parents

• Invest in a good helmet and good skates. These two make the biggest difference in safety and comfort.

• Don’t stress about everything matching or being brand new, kids grow out of gear every season or two.

• Ask other parents or your coach about swaps, Facebook groups, or used gear sales. Most hockey families are happy to pass things along.

Starting hockey can feel overwhelming (and expensive), but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With some smart shopping, your child can hit the ice safely and comfortably, and you’ll still have money left for those all-important post-practice hot chocolates.