What Gear Does a 10-Year-Old Need to Start Hockey?
Your 10-year-old wants to play hockey. Here's every piece of equipment they need, exactly what sizes to look for at that age, what it'll cost, and how to avoid spending more than you need to on a first season of gear.
Updated for 2026 · 7 min read · Written for parents of Squirt/PeeWee-age players
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The quick answer: what a 10-year-old needs
A 10-year-old playing organized youth hockey (typically the Squirt or Mite level, depending on their league) needs the same 9 pieces of equipment as any other player. No exceptions — most rinks won't allow a player on the ice without all of it. Here's the full list with sizing guidance specific to this age group.
Complete gear list with sizing for age 10
Sizing at 10 varies widely. An average 10-year-old is around 4'6"–4'9" and 75–95 lbs, but check each item — some are sized by height, some by weight, some by body measurement.
Most 10-year-olds fit a youth medium or youth large helmet. Measure the circumference of the head just above the eyebrows. All youth players must use a full cage — no half visors.
Typical size at 10: Youth Medium (54–56 cm head circumference)
Shop on Amazon →Skates run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than regular shoes. A 10-year-old in a size 4 shoe will typically wear a size 2.5–3 skate. The fit must be snug — no room to grow. Get them sharpened before the first use.
Typical size at 10: Youth 1–3 (depends on shoe size). See full sizing chart →
Shop on Amazon →Length should reach between the chin and nose when standing in socks. Most 10-year-olds use a youth or junior stick. Look for a flex rating of 30–40 — anything stiffer is too hard for a child to load and shoot effectively.
Typical: Junior stick, 40–50 flex, cut to chin height in socks
Shop on Amazon →Should fit snugly at the waist and reach to about mid-kneecap. At 10, most players are in youth medium or youth large. Check the manufacturer's weight and waist chart — sizing varies significantly by brand.
Typical size at 10: Youth Medium or Large
Shop on Amazon →Sized by chest measurement and height. At 10, most players fit youth medium. The cap should cover the shoulder joint fully, and there should be no gap between the shoulder pad and elbow pad when the arm is at 90 degrees.
Typical size at 10: Youth Medium (chest 28–30")
Shop on Amazon →Sized by arm length from the tip of the elbow to the mid-bicep. Should cover the elbow cap fully and not shift when the arm is bent. Check that the forearm wrap reaches down to overlap with the glove cuff.
Typical size at 10: Youth Medium
Shop on Amazon →Measure from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot — that's your shin guard length. Most 10-year-olds need an 11" or 12" shin guard. They should cover the knee fully with the cap centered over the kneecap.
Typical size at 10: 11" or 12"
Shop on Amazon →Measured from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger in inches — that's the glove size. Most 10-year-olds wear a size 10 or 11 glove. They should feel snug but allow full finger bend without restriction.
Typical size at 10: 10" or 11" gloves
Shop on Amazon →Required in most youth leagues. A basic bib-style neck guard is fine. Sized by neck circumference — most 10-year-olds fit a youth or small adult size. This is one piece where cheap is fine.
Typical size at 10: Youth / Small
Shop on Amazon →A 30"–33" bag is enough for a 10-year-old's gear. You don't need wheels at this age — a basic carry bag works fine and saves money.
Shop on Amazon →Save $100–$200: Buy pants, shin guards, elbow pads, shoulder pads, gloves, stick, and bag used. Buy the helmet and skates new. This is the standard advice from every experienced hockey parent — and it's exactly right.
Don't forget these extras
These aren't part of the protective gear list but are required before hitting the ice:
- Skate sharpening — new skates are not pre-sharpened. Most pro shops charge $8–$15. Do this before the first practice.
- Hockey socks — thin socks worn over the shin guards. Usually 2–3 pairs. About $10–$15 each.
- Garter belt or velcro tabs — holds the hockey socks up. Some pants have built-in velcro tabs; check yours first.
- Athletic shorts or compression pants — worn under the hockey pants. Any athletic shorts work.
- Jock or jill — protective cup, required. Youth jock shorts run $15–$25.
- Water bottle — ideally a squeeze-top bottle that works with gloves on.
Printable gear checklist
10-year-old hockey gear checklist
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