Mound Westonka Hockey

It is the responsibility of each travel team participant to have the following
mandatory equipment. For parents new to hockey, this list is organized in the
recommended order of dressing.

1. Protective cup/pelvic protector
2. Shin pads and socks
3. Black breezers (hockey pants)
4. Elbow pads
5. Shoulder pads
6. Jersey
7. Skates
8. Black helmet, with full protective face cover (HECC approved)
9. Mouthguard, attached to the helmet
10. Neck guard
11. Gloves-Black or Red
12. Stick

Travel team players are loaned two association game jerseys. Players are expected to take *reasonable care of their jerseys. If a jersey is returned in unacceptable condition as deemed by the equipment manager, the player is required to pay for repairs or replacement.

*Jerseys should be stored in a garment bag; not in a hockey bag with skates and equipment.
 

Mite/U8/Termite Levels:

No piece of equipment is more important than skates. No other hockey skill can be developed until a minimum level of competence in skating has been achieved. Skates need to fit and be tied properly. In the early years, support is of utmost importance while still being comfortable. Laces tied too tightly is as bad as if they were too loose.  As kids get older, they may prefer to adjust the "snugness" of the fit to their own specifications.

Traveling Team Levels:

While all of the above is important at the traveling team levels (Squirts, U10, etc.), another factor comes into play: the profile of the skate blades. Skate profiling has been around for awhile, but most families new to hockey never really hear much about it if their favorite skate sharpener doesn't offer the service.  So what is it?  Profiling is grinding and shaping the "rocker" radius of the skate blade. What is the "rocker?"  Think of a rocking chair and the shape of the rocker. If you change the rocker's curve, the chair will either rock faster or slower depending on how it is shaped. If you alter a skate's rocker, it's performance will change too.

Unbeknownst to most parents, skates come from the factory with blades that have varying rockers; and they don't always fit the skater. A skate with the wrong profile can lead to bad skating habits and unnecessary exertion during practice and competition.  There is a lot of information about this on the web.  Just do a search using the keywords hockey skate profiling and you'll get some good information on the subject.

If you have equipment you would like to donate for families in need please help us get it listed here. If your child has outgrown skates, shin pads, shoulder pads or other equipment please consider donating it.

Thank you...MWHA.