We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Hockey Equipment Guide on COHL, a helpful and easy-to-navigate page designed to support players, parents, and coaches with clear, practical information on what gear is needed to play safely and confidently in the COHL.
Why We Created This Resource
Choosing the right hockey equipment can be confusing, especially for new families entering the sport. The purpose of this guide is to make the process simpler, safer, and more consistent across our league. Whether you’re a returning player or just getting started, this page gives you a full breakdown of the required and recommended gear based on your position.
The goal is to reduce the guesswork, improve safety, and make sure all COHL participants hit the ice properly equipped from head to toe.
What You’ll Find on the Page
The Hockey Equipment Guide is divided into two main sections: one for skaters and one for goalies. Each list is straightforward and broken down into must-have items, optional gear, and safety notes.
For Skaters
The checklist includes everything a player needs to participate in COHL games:
- Helmet (CSA, HECC or ASTM certified)
- Face shield or cage
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Hockey gloves
- Protective pants
- Jock or Jill
- Shin pads
- Hockey skates
- Hockey stick
- Neck guard
- Hockey socks and jersey
Each item is accompanied by clear guidance on fit, safety certifications, and what to look for when purchasing or replacing equipment. The list also reminds families about practical things like mouthguards and equipment bags.
For Goalies
The goalie section outlines the full set of required gear for anyone playing in net, including:
- Goalie helmet or mask
- Chest protector
- Blocker and catcher
- Leg pads
- Goalie skates
- Neck guard
- Jock or Jill
- Stick
We also include notes on proper fit and safety for goalie-specific gear, which is especially important due to the demands of the position.
What This Means for COHL Families
This new page isn’t just a checklist. It’s a tool to help:
- Make informed buying decisions
- Understand what is actually required to play
- Reduce unnecessary purchases
- Stay compliant with league safety standards
Families no longer need to search across different websites or guess whether certain gear is mandatory. Everything you need to know is now in one central location on COHL
How This Supports the League
The guide also helps coaches and league organizers by standardizing expectations around equipment. It ensures all players show up prepared, reducing delays and avoiding safety risks due to missing or improper gear.
What’s Next
We encourage all parents and players to visit the new Hockey Equipment page before the season begins. Whether you’re purchasing gear for the first time or checking your current setup, the guide is built to help you make better choices and feel game-ready.
This is the first step in a broader effort to expand OPHL.net with more helpful content for our community. Stay tuned for more guides, tips, and tools designed to make hockey more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
You can view the full guide here:
https://ophl.net/hockey-equipment
