Player Equipment

Buying skates can be complicated, but we will help you as much as we can throughout the entire journey of finding the right size, the right model, and the right fit for you.

Learn more about skates below:

Selecting the right hockey gloves is crucial for your comfort and safety on the ice. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:

1. Fit: Hockey gloves come in various fits. Some players prefer a tighter fit for better feel and control, while others opt for a looser fit for increased mobility. Be sure to try on different models to find the one that best suits you.

2. Protection Level: Higher-priced gloves typically offer advanced protection, which is essential for safeguarding your hands during play. Ensure that the gloves provide adequate protection without sacrificing mobility.

3. Models: Different brands usually offer several models of hockey gloves. It’s beneficial to compare two to three options to assess their advantages and disadvantages regarding fit and protection.

If you need assistance selecting the right hockey gloves, don’t hesitate to contact us at MonkeySports. We are here to help you find the perfect pair tailored to your needs and playing style.

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There are a wide variety of helmets on the market today, with prices starting around 500 SEK and going up. Generally, higher-priced helmets often offer additional features, but a more expensive helmet doesn’t always mean better protection.

Key differences in helmets include materials, impact protection systems, ventilation, and weight. Choosing the right helmet depends on your specific activity and comfort preferences.

At MonkeySports, we know that regular skate sharpening is essential for peak ice hockey performance. Follow these steps to keep your skates in top condition:

 Choose the Right Hollow or Grind Depth

Understand Your Options: The standard hollows range from 3/8” to 5/8”.

Deeper Hollow (3/8”): Provides stronger grip and control, perfect for players prioritizing quick stops and tight turns.

Shallower Hollow (5/8”): Allows for smoother, faster glides, ideal for those focused on speed and longer strides.

Use a Professional Skate Sharpening Machine

We recommend trusting a skilled technician at a skate shop. Professional sharpening machines ensure a precise edge and balanced feel, enhancing performance on the ice.

Maintain Regular Sharpening Routine

Frequency: Sharpen your skates every 10-15 hours of ice time or whenever you notice reduced grip or glide.

Sharpness Test: Gently run your finger along the blade edge to feel for sharpness before heading onto the ice.

Visit MonkeySports for Expert Skate Sharpening

Our locations provide professional skate sharpening to meet every player’s needs. Stop by any MonkeySports shop for expert assistance!

For consistent performance and confidence on the ice, make MonkeySports your go-to for skate sharpening services.

There are several types of hockey pucks, each designed for different purposes and player levels. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Match Pucks – These pucks are used in official games and are of the highest quality. Match pucks are designed not to leave marks when they come into contact with boards or the goalkeeper’s equipment. They are built for durability and consistent performance during games.

Training Pucks – Similar in size and weight to match pucks, training pucks are used in practice sessions. However, they may not be as durable as match pucks, as they are made for repeated use in training drills.

Blue Pucks – Blue pucks are lighter, typically weighing around 125 grams. They are often used by younger or beginner players, making them easier to handle and shoot. As players progress, they usually transition to a standard black puck, which is heavier.

The primary difference between training pucks and match pucks lies in their durability and intended use. Training pucks are designed for practice, while match pucks are used in official games to ensure high-quality performance and longevity.

For advanced ice hockey players, choosing the right skates is crucial for maximizing performance, comfort, and durability. Consider the following factors when selecting skates:

Fit and Comfort: Advanced hockey skates should offer a tight fit that provides excellent support and comfort throughout the game. Look for models with customizable footbeds and insoles for a more personalized fit, which enhances comfort and power transfer on the ice.

Stiffness and Support: To achieve maximum speed and control, advanced skates need to be stiff, offering solid ankle and foot support. Stiff skates help you maintain control during high-speed movements and quick directional changes.

Material Quality: High-performance skates often use advanced materials like carbon fiber, making them lightweight yet incredibly durable. This combination of strength and reduced weight is essential for fast-paced gameplay.

Blades and Sharpening: The blades on advanced skates must be sharp and durable, providing optimal grip on the ice for better speed and maneuverability.

For personalized advice, we recommend visiting expert retailers like MonkeySports, where you can find the right skates suited to your playing style and preferences.

Choosing the right ice hockey stick is essential for optimizing your performance. Here are key factors to consider:

Flex and Stiffness - Flex affects shot power and control. A higher flex stick provides more bend, ideal for players aiming for powerful shots. Conversely, a lower flex offers greater control, which is better for close puck handling and precision shooting.

Blade Pattern - Blade patterns impact shooting style and puck control. Experiment with different blade curves to find a pattern that complements your play style. At MonkeySports, we recommend trying various blade patterns to find the best fit for your skills and game preferences.

Stick Length - Length influences reach and control. A longer stick enhances reach, beneficial for defense, while a shorter stick improves control, ideal for close play. To determine the right length, stand the stick on the floor—it should reach around your nose or chin, depending on your preference.

Material and Weight - Lightweight sticks offer better maneuverability and quicker reactions, perfect for players who prioritize agility. Composite materials are common in lighter sticks and can improve both speed and handling.

At MonkeySports, we provide a wide range of high-quality hockey sticks from top brands, allowing you to test and select the perfect stick for your unique playing style and level.

The weight of a hockey stick impacts key aspects of a player's performance, such as handling, shot power, and fatigue. Lighter sticks are beneficial for agility and quick movements, while heavier sticks provide stability and shot power.

The best stick weight ultimately depends on a player's personal preference, playing style, and the role they play on the ice.

The frequency of replacing your hockey equipment depends on the specific item and its condition.

Generally, if any part of the equipment has developed a hole or a crack, which compromises its protective function, it should be replaced. For instance, if the knee section of a shin guard has cracked, it no longer offers full protection and should be replaced to avoid injury during play.

Hockey is a physically demanding sport, so it’s essential to regularly inspect your gear for damage. Address any wear and tear by repairing or replacing items as needed to ensure both your safety and that of your teammates.

Breaking in new skates can be challenging for any player, whether you're a goalie or a skater.

New skates are often stiff and can cause discomfort at first. This is normal as your feet need time to adapt to the skate’s structure. Today’s skates are made from strong materials for optimal performance, so the break-in process takes time and varies for each individual.

No, hockey gloves are not typically machine washable. The materials—such as synthetic leather, foam padding, and plastic inserts—can be damaged by the agitation and excessive moisture of a washing machine. Instead, it's best to clean them by:

1. Hand Washing – Use mild detergent and warm water to scrub the gloves with a soft brush or cloth.
2. Air Drying – Always let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold and odor.
3. Deodorizing – Use disinfectant sprays, vinegar solutions, or specialty sports gear cleaners to keep them fresh.

Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your gloves and keeps them odor-free!

Different suppliers use various materials depending on the specific part of the equipment.

However, many manufacturers today incorporate a lot of composite materials in both sticks and gear to make them as durable and lightweight as possible, especially in high-end models. Additionally, suppliers use different binding techniques that offer various benefits, but overall, the goal is to provide the best possible protection while keeping the weight as low as possible.

It depends on which part you’re looking at. But the general rule is that you start with the best models and then remove features along the way to reduce the cost.

You can take gloves as a perfect example. The best models have a lot of protection, which can make the gloves feel a bit "immobile." The cheaper the gloves, the more comfortable they are to wear. This is because protection is removed as the price decreases. It’s not exactly the same for everything, but as a rule, it’s generally similar overall.

All helmets have different adjustment options. Depending on the model, you can adjust it in various ways to achieve the best possible fit for your head.

As a general rule, a helmet should sit close to the head and not move too much when you move your head.