Player Gear
Player safety comes first, and it’s important that players have the appropriate gear. All players at a minimum must have the basic protective gear to participate in training sessions.
While we do lend and hire gear for some leagues, DIHA do not sell gear. Here are some places that you can purchase necessary items
Centre Ice https://centreice.co.nz/
Awesome Sports – https://www.facebook.com/p/Awesome-Sports-NZ-100063721775002/
NZ Hockey Tape https://www.hockeytape.co.nz/
Hockey Locker https://locker.co.nz/
You can also get second hand gear online on places like Trademe, Facebook market place, and dedicated gear Facebook pages such as
https://www.facebook.com/groups/newzealandicehockeygear/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670487579856079
With our youth players gear often gets handed along or sold second hand, so it pays to ask around for specific pieces. We also have a second hand buy and swap meet at the beginning of the year during registrations.
Gear needs to be looked after so that it goes the distance and stays safe to wear. Players should air their gear out after each training session until it’s dry, and wash it when it becomes dirty or smelly.
This will prevent the development of rust, and keep your gear smelling fresh. You can use antibacterial spray to keep your gear fresher for longer.
Don’t leave damp gear in a sealed bag as this will lead to mildew and bacteria growth
Air your padding and hard gear: After every training session
Wash clothing next to your skin: After every training session
Wash your jersey and hockey socks: Weekly or when they begin to smell
Wash your padding: When it starts to smell – at least once a season