Ice Hockey Gear Guide
Girls Hockey Gear Guide: What Your Daughter Needs to Play (2026)
Most of the kit is identical to boys' gear. A few pieces are worth buying with a girl's fit in mind.
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The Short Answer
Girls play with the same core equipment as boys: skates, helmet with face protection, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, neck guard, mouthguard, and a stick. At the youth level most of it is sold in unisex youth and junior sizes, so a girl can wear the same gear as a boy of the same size.
Where girls' gear differs is fit and one extra item. Female-specific gear focuses mainly on the chest and hips, and girls' and women's hockey is generally non-checking, so protection is built around mobility rather than heavy contact. Most girls also add a pelvic protector (often called a "jill") in place of a cup.
Full Equipment List for a Girl Starting Hockey
| Item | Girl-Specific Version? | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Skates | Mostly unisex in youth sizes; fit by foot volume, not gender | Girls skates guide |
| Helmet and cage | Unisex; fit and hair management matter | Girls helmets guide |
| Shoulder pads | Unisex youth; women's cuts exist at older ages | Girls protective gear |
| Pelvic protector (jill) | Yes, replaces the cup | Girls protective gear |
| Elbow pads, shin guards, gloves, pants | Unisex | Pads guide · Gloves & pants |
| Neck guard and mouthguard | Unisex | Safety requirements |
| Stick | Unisex; flex by weight, length by height | Sticks guide |
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| Approach | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Association loaner gear plus new helmet, neck guard, mouthguard | $100–$200 |
| Mix of used and new (see used gear guide) | $250–$450 |
| Full new entry-level youth kit | $300–$550 |
Cost estimates vary widely by source and level. Treat these as starting points and check with your association, since many keep loaner gear for first-year players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my daughter need girls-specific hockey gear?
For most youth players, no. Youth and junior gear is largely unisex, and the pieces that benefit most from a girl's-fit option are the pelvic protector and, at older ages, shoulder pads and skates.
Can she wear her brother's old gear?
Yes for pads, pants, and gloves if they fit and are in good condition. Buy helmet, neck guard, mouthguard, and pelvic protector new.
Is girls hockey non-checking?
Girls' and women's hockey is generally non-checking under USA Hockey rules. Confirm with your league, since it affects how much protection you need to buy.
What's the first thing to buy?
Skates, fit properly. See the skates guide and girls skates guide.