Equipment
Stick
Ice hockey players use a stick that is 152cm long and that can be made of wood or metal. Its blade is covered with a special material to prevent the puck from slipping. The puck is a hard rubber disk that the players hit with their stick. The puck itself is 2.54cm thick and 7.62cm in diameter. It weighs between 156 – 170 kg and reach speeds of 160km/h.
Clothing
Players wear head guards and a series of protective pads underneath their clothing, including those for the shoulders, knees and elbows, as well as shin guards and large gloves. Their skates are leather and lace up over the ankle. Ice hockey skates have a short blade to allow for quick turns. They are 3mm thick.
The goal-keeper wears additional protection, including complete leg and body pads as well as a helmet and metal visor. The stick is also longer than the blade used for general play – 39cm instead of 32cm.