Section 2: Equipment
The Puck
The official NHL puck is made of vulcanized rubber, is one inch (1") thick, three inches (3") in diameter, and weighs between five and one-half ounces (5.5 oz) and six ounces (6 oz). Pucks are frozen before each game to reduce bouncing and provide a more consistent playing surface.
Sticks
Players' sticks must be made of wood, composite materials, or a combination thereof. The blade of the stick must not exceed 12.5 inches in length or 3 inches in width. The curvature of the blade must not exceed three-quarters of an inch (3/4"). Goaltender sticks have wider blades and a widened lower portion of the shaft. Any stick that does not conform to the specifications is deemed illegal and results in a minor penalty.
Skater Equipment
- Helmet: All players must wear an approved helmet with a chin strap properly fastened. Players who entered the league after June 1, 2013 must also wear a visor. Full face shields are not required for skaters but are permitted.
- Gloves: Padded gloves must be worn by all players. Gloves must not be altered to add hard materials or rigid structures.
- Shoulder, Elbow, and Shin Pads: Protective padding is mandatory. All protective equipment must be worn entirely under the uniform.
- Skates: All players must wear approved hockey skates. The blade guards must be of a design and material consistent with safety standards.
- Athletic Protection: All players are required to wear athletic cups or comparable pelvic protection.
- Mouthguard: Mouthguards are strongly recommended but not mandatory in the NHL.
Goaltender Equipment
- Mask: Goaltenders must wear an approved mask or helmet-and-cage combination at all times during play.
- Leg Pads: Goaltender leg pads must not exceed 11 inches (28 cm) in width when worn on the leg. Maximum height is 38 inches.
- Blocker and Trapper: The blocker (stick-hand glove) and trapper (catching glove) must conform to specific dimensional limits.
- Chest and Arm Protector: Must conform to dimensional standards and must not extend beyond the outside edge of the shoulder when arms are at the goaltender's sides.
- Jersey: Goaltender jerseys must conform to size limits and may not be oversized in a manner that creates an unfair advantage.