I remember the first time I walked into a sporting goods store to buy gear for high school lacrosse.
The wall of sticks, pads, helmets, and gloves looked like it went on forever. I had no idea where to start.
You’re probably in the same spot right now. Your kid just made the team (or you did) and you need equipment fast. But which stick? What kind of gloves? Do you really need all that protective gear?
Here’s the thing: the right equipment matters. Not just for performance but for staying safe on the field.
I’ve put together clear checklists for the main stick sports in high school. Lacrosse, field hockey, and ice hockey. Each one has different requirements and I’ll walk you through exactly what you need.
No guessing. No buying stuff you don’t need. Just the essentials that will get you ready for your first practice.
We cover sports gear regularly at hssgamestick and I’ve talked to coaches, players, and equipment managers to make sure these lists are accurate. This is what teams are actually using right now.
You’ll see what’s required, what’s optional, and what you can skip until later.
Let’s get you geared up.
Why Your Equipment Choices Matter More Than You Think
You might think any stick will do the job.
I used to think that too. Then I watched a teammate take a shot that sent his stick flying because it wasn’t the right flex for his weight. (He never lived that down.)
Here’s what most players don’t realize. Your equipment isn’t just about showing up to play. It affects everything from how you move on the field to whether you walk off without an injury.
Let me break this down.
Get the Right Stick for Your Game
A properly sized stick changes how you play. When the weight and length match your build, your handling gets smoother. Your shots get more accurate. You stop fighting your own gear.
I recommend measuring your stick against your body before you buy. It should hit between your chin and nose when you’re standing in skates. Too long and you lose control. Too short and you can’t reach passes.
Safety Isn’t Optional
Some players say protective gear slows them down. That it’s overkill for high school games.
But here’s what they’re missing. One bad hit without proper padding can sideline you for weeks. Certified gear exists because concussions and fractures are real risks every time you step on the field.
I always tell players to invest in NOCSAE-certified helmets. Your brain is worth more than saving fifty bucks on a cheaper model.
Know the Rules Before You Suit Up
High school leagues don’t mess around with equipment standards. Show up with non-compliant gear and you’re sitting out. No exceptions.
Check your league’s requirements before each season. Rules change and what worked last year might not fly now.
You can find detailed setup specs at hssgamestick instructions from hearthstats if you need a reference point.
Your equipment choices set the foundation for everything else you do on the field. Choose wisely.
The Ultimate Lacrosse Gear Checklist
You’re about to play your first lacrosse game.
Or maybe you’re gearing up a kid who just joined a team.
Either way, you’re staring at a shopping list that looks like it came from a medieval armory. Helmets, pads, sticks with weird mesh pockets. It’s a lot.
Here’s what you actually need.
The Crosse (Your Stick)
Let me break this down because the stick isn’t just one thing. It’s three parts that work together.
The head is the plastic frame at the top. The mesh is the woven pocket that catches and holds the ball. The shaft is the handle you grip.
Attack and midfield players use shorter sticks (40 to 42 inches). Defense players carry longer ones (52 to 72 inches). Goalie sticks have wider heads to block shots.
(Think of it like choosing between a sniper rifle and a shotgun. Different tools for different jobs.)
Mandatory Protection for Men
You need a NOCSAE certified helmet. That’s the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Don’t skip this certification.
Shoulder pads are required now and they must meet the new NOCSAE standard that went into effect recently. Arm pads protect your forearms from stick checks. Gloves keep your hands safe while you’re battling for the ball.
And grab a mouthguard. Your teeth will thank you.
Mandatory Protection for Women
Women’s lacrosse has different contact rules so the gear requirements are lighter.
You must have SEI certified goggles or eyewear. That’s the Safety Equipment Institute stamp. Plus a mouthguard.
Headgear and gloves are optional but plenty of players wear them anyway.
Footwear and Extras
Get cleats made for the surface you’ll play on. Turf cleats for artificial fields. Molded cleats for grass.
Men should wear an athletic cup. Seriously, don’t skip this.
Some players add rib pads for extra protection but they’re not required.
Want more gear breakdowns? Check out hssgamestick for equipment guides.
Now go suit up.
Field Hockey: Equipping for Speed and Precision
You walk into a sporting goods store and stare at rows of field hockey sticks.
They all look the same.
Some people say just grab the cheapest one and go. They argue that gear doesn’t matter as much as skill. And sure, a great player can work with basic equipment.
But here’s what they’re missing.
The wrong stick slows you down. The wrong shoes? You’re slipping when you need to cut. And if you skip the required safety gear, you’re not even getting on the field.
I’m going to walk you through what actually matters.
Choosing Your Stick
Wood sticks work fine if you’re just starting out. They’re cheap and they’ll teach you the basics.
But once you get serious, composite is where you want to be. These sticks are lighter and give you better ball control. The difference is real (I’ve seen players shave seconds off their reaction time just by switching).
Length matters too. Stand the stick upright next to you. The top should hit somewhere between your hip and waist. Too short and you’re hunched over. Too long and you lose control.
Then there’s the toe shape. Shorti toes are great for quick stick work and dribbling. Midi gives you balance between control and hitting power. Maxi is for players who take a lot of shots and aerial passes.
Required Player Gear
Let me be clear about this.
Shinguards and a mouthguard aren’t optional. Every high school league requires them. No exceptions.
I don’t care how tough you think you are. A stick to the shin or a ball to the face will change your mind fast.
Specialized Goalie Armor
Goalies need a full setup. Here’s the complete list:
- Helmet with throat protector
- Chest protector
- Padded shorts or girdle
- Leg guards
- Kickers
- Gloves (blockers)
Skip any of these and you’re asking for an injury. Field hockey balls move fast and they don’t care about your pain tolerance.
Footwear for the Field
Turf shoes versus cleats. Which one?
If you’re playing on artificial turf (which most high schools use now), go with turf shoes. They grip better and won’t damage the surface. Plus they’re more comfortable for the quick direction changes that hssgamestick mechanics demand.
Cleats are for natural grass fields. They dig in and give you traction when the ground is soft or wet.
Some players keep both in their bag and switch based on conditions. That’s the smart move if you play on different surfaces.
Ice Hockey: Head-to-Toe Protection on the Rink
Let me be clear about something.
Hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. Players hit speeds of 20-30 mph on skates while getting checked by opponents who weigh 200+ pounds (according to USA Hockey data).
Some people say all that gear is overkill. That it slows you down and makes you look bulky.
But here’s what the numbers show. The National Safety Council reports that proper protective equipment reduces hockey injuries by up to 60%. That’s not a small difference.
The Hockey Stick
Your stick matters more than you think. Flex should match your weight. Most players use a flex rating that’s about half their body weight. So if you weigh 160 pounds, you’re looking at an 80 flex.
Curve pattern affects your shot type. A deeper curve helps with wrist shots and lifting the puck. Lie depends on your skating posture and how upright you stand.
The Full Suit of Armor
Start from the ground up. Skates come first, then shin guards that cover from ankle to knee. Hockey pants protect your hips and thighs. Your jock or jill is non-negotiable.
Shoulder pads shield your chest and back. Elbow pads cover the joint and forearm. Top it off with a helmet and full cage (required in high school play).
That’s your foundation.
Critical Accessories
A neck guard isn’t optional anymore. Most leagues mandate them after studies showed they prevent serious injuries. Add a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw.
Base layers matter too. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry and regulates temperature. At hssgamestick, I’ve seen players improve their stamina just by switching to better underlayers.
The gear works. The data proves it.
Play Safe, Play Smart, Play Your Best
You came here to figure out what equipment you actually need for high school lacrosse, field hockey, or ice hockey.
Now you have those answers.
I know how confusing it can be when you’re staring at a wall of gear at the store. You’re not sure what’s required and what’s just nice to have. You don’t want to show up to tryouts missing something important.
These checklists solve that problem.
Use them when you shop. Get fitted properly (this matters more than you think). Make sure everything meets your league’s regulations before you hand over your money.
When you step onto that field or rink, you’ll know you’re ready. You’ll have the right protection and the right tools to compete.
hssgamestick is here to help you make smart decisions about your setup. We give you the information you need without the confusion.
Take these lists with you. Check off each item as you go. Then get out there and play your best game.