When I first started getting my son involved in a youth hockey program, there was a lot of equipment terms that sounded very strange to me and I really had no idea what these things were. Some of this equipment sounded like something a woman could be wearing: hockey girdle, garter belts, hockey socks, so it was somewhat confusing to me. The intent of this post is to educate some of the newer hockey parents that are out there on what an ice hockey girdle is all about, and why you should or shouldn’t get one.
First off, what is a hockey girdle? In simple terms, a girdle is a modified hockey pant. To make sure everyone understands what a hockey pant is we’ll start there. A hockey pant is a piece of protective gear that goes from the waist to the knee’s. It has pads built into the pant to protect a player’s thighs, hips, kidneys, and tail-bone. Nylon covers these pads to keep out the water. The pants are generally loose fitting to provide comfortable movement and provide a great deal of protection from flying pucks and the occasional fall to the ice.
How does a girdle differ from a hockey pant? Same principal applies, a hockey girdle has pads built into to provide protection. The hockey girdle is more form fitting then a hockey pant. Think of a pair of spandex pants that has pads built into it, covered by nylon. A nylon shell is then worn over the girdle to make it appear like a pair of hockey pants. The one advantage this allows is for teams to all have the same color pants on game day.
So, what’s the difference? Both an ice hockey girdle and hockey pants provide similar protection from pucks and falls. However, I have heard that hockey pants provide slightly more protection based upon the padding that is included in the pant. A hockey girdle also seems more popular for in-line hockey that is not played on an ice surface. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. Does your son or daughter want the tighter fit of a girdle or the looser fit of a pant? Based upon my observations, 90% of the kids out there are wearing hockey pants, not a girdle. With the pant you also have one less thing to worry about or purchase, that’s the nylon shell. Both hockey girdles and hockey pants come in a wide variety of sizes and prices, but both will cost you about the same.
There you have it. You will need either one or the other to dress appropriately for the game, but you don’t need both. In my opinion, I like the hockey pant. It’s very easy to help get my son dressed for practice or a game. While I don’t think a girdle would be any more complicated, I really don’t see any advantage to using a girdle instead of the hockey pants. If you have an opinion, please let us know. I’m sure there are numerous parents out there that would value your feedback.
- Share this post:
Recommend on Facebook- Share with Stumblers
- Tweet about it
- Tell a friend
15 Responses to “A Hockey Girdle – Seriously?”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
[...] to the world of ice hockey, you may be wondering what is the difference between a hockey pant and a hockey girdle. This article will attempt to explain the two products and identify the differences between [...]
I stumbled across this post as I was glancing at your site. Kind of funny, I’m a new (or newer) hockey parent and never really knew what the heck a girdle was used for.
[...] helmet with a cage, mouth guard, shoulder pads, neck guard, elbow pads, hockey pants or a hockey girdle, shin pads, hockey socks, hockey skates, and of course a hockey stick. By purchasing this, you can [...]
[...] hockey pants or hockey girdle with a [...]
At first I was wondering what is the use girdle in hockey. Funny yet I figure out its really an important tool when your in to hockey…
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
[...] very simple terms, a hockey girdle is a hockey pant, well sort of. A hockey pant looks like an oversize pair of shorts that is worn [...]
Really nice post,thank you, best website ever
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
I’m glad I found this blog post. It is exactly what I was wanting to know. Cheers!
Brilliant blog post, lots of helpful knowledge.
hey there I just wanted to comment your blog and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and I’ll be back to read more soon mate
Awesome post Jeff! You guys are doing awesome work!
Well, I was totally blown away with that. I told my wife and she agreed. I would like to hear whatever else you have on this. Excellent!
Hey! Just thought I’d chime in. I really enjoyed your post. Keep up the awesome effort.