Hockey Skates Come First
Copyright (c) 2011 Sandra Tiffany
Of all the sports in the world, none requires as much specialized equipment as hockey. Hockey players boast an impressive array of gear.
By a wide margin, the most important piece of equipment in a hockey players' arsenal are his or her skates. If they're smart, they'll invest in a pair of Easton skates. One of the most respected skate manufacturers on the market, Easton hockey skates come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Moreover, there are models for all levels of hockey players, from pee wee to pro. They are built to exacting specifications and are well priced.
Many people don't know the difference between hockey skates and figure skates, and there are several crucial distinctions. First, the boot construction is different. Figure skates are commonly made of leather. Hockey skates are usually made of plastic or specialty materials designed to be lightweight and withstand impacts.
The blade is also different. The blade of a figure skate has a different curve, and has toe picks on the front end. These are used to dig into the ice when performing tricks, such as a toe loop. Because hockey players use their legs differently than figure skaters, the blades of Easton Hockey skates are one continuous curve, and do not have picks.
Because of the high impact nature of the sport, players wear a lot of protective gear. Shin guards protect the lower leg and knee from impact by pucks and sticks, which is a serious risk in hockey. These are covered by hockey socks, which are longer and thicker than the regular variety.
Protecting the upper leg and hips are hockey pants. The pants guard against impact from falls on the ice. Accordingly, they tend to be fairly heavy. Chest pads protect the torso and shoulders from the many hazards that ice hockey players face in the rink, and elbow guards perform the same function for their namesake.
Athletic cups are used to protect the crotch, and mouth guards are used to protect the teeth. Before these became mandatory, hockey players might have been wearing classy Easton Hockey Skates but they were often known for less than perfect smiles. Many people are also surprised to learn that players use hockey gloves. These are stiff, heavy affairs that protect the wearers digits from the otherwise painful effect of a fall or stray puck.
Though there are many important pieces of equipment in hockey, however, none are as important as Easton Hockey Skates.
About the Author
Sandra Tiffany is more than an ice hockey fan--she's a fanatic. Learn here about Easton Hockey Skates, hockey equipment, hockey sticks, Ccm Hockey, goalie equipment, eBooks, auctions and great "Deal of the Day" opportunities.
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