Playing hockey during perimenopause feels like your body is fighting a two-front war. The cold rink air battles against sudden, intense heat waves that strike without warning. I spent 45 days testing the best perimenopause-friendly hockey cooling layers, and the difference between struggling through hot flashes and staying comfortable comes down to the right base … Read more
Returning to hockey after having a baby is a huge milestone that comes with unique challenges. Your body has changed, your gear might not fit the same way, and you need base layers that provide the right combination of comfort, support, and protection. The best postpartum return to hockey base layers accommodate your changing body … Read more
As a female hockey player, I know finding the right pelvic protector (often called a “jill” in hockey terminology) is essential for staying safe on the ice. After testing dozens of options over the past few seasons, I’ve learned that not all women’s hockey pelvic protectors are created equal. The best ones combine comfortable fit, … Read more
After testing 15+ neck guards over the past two seasons and analyzing cut resistance ratings from ANSI testing labs, I’ve identified the best hockey neck guards with cut resistance for adults that actually protect against skate blade injuries. The tragic incident involving Adam Johnson in reminded every hockey player why neck protection matters, yet many … Read more
Playing outdoor shinny hockey in freezing temperatures is an experience like no other. The crisp air, the frozen pond, the absolute freedom of the game. But there is one thing that can ruin it faster than a bad skate sharpening: getting cold and staying cold. After testing gear in temperatures ranging from 20F down to … Read more
After testing dozens of hockey compression shorts over three seasons, I’ve learned that velcro sock tabs are the game-changer most players don’t appreciate until they try them. The best hockey compression shorts with velcro sock tabs eliminate the hassle of tape or traditional garter belts while keeping your socks securely positioned throughout intense gameplay. Whether … Read more
If you have ever stepped off the ice with that familiar burning sensation in your groin area, you know jock itch is not just uncomfortable, it can sideline you from the sport you love. Hockey creates the perfect storm for this fungal infection: heavy padding that traps heat, intense sweating during shifts, and limited airflow … Read more
If you have ever stepped off the ice with raw, burning skin on your inner thighs, you know how quickly chafing can ruin a good hockey session. I have talked to dozens of players who quit early or could not focus because their undergarments were doing more harm than good. The problem is that most … Read more
Few things frustrate hockey players more than constantly adjusting shifting shoulder pads and elbow pads during gameplay. I’ve spent countless hours on the ice watching players pause mid-shift to pull down riding sleeves or recenter shoulder protection that’s migrated during skating. The best hockey compression shirts with shoulder pad grip solve this exact problem through … Read more
When I first started playing hockey as a teenager, I watched a teammate get taken off the ice after a skate blade caught his inner thigh. The cut was deep, and it could have been prevented with proper cut-resistant base layer pants. That memory stayed with me, and now as someone who tests hockey gear … Read more