Hockey Facility Setup: Essential Equipment Checklist
Setting up a hockey facility? Here's what you need to know: Start with the right equipment to ensure player safety, improve training performance, and maintain efficient operations. This guide breaks it all down - on-ice tools, off-ice gear, safety essentials, and maintenance tips.
Key Takeaways:
- On-Ice Essentials: Goals, pucks, training markers, shooting targets.
- Off-Ice Tools: Synthetic ice, shooting pads, stickhandling trainers, skating machines.
- Safety Gear: Helmets, face shields, body protection, first aid kits.
- Facility Maintenance: Ice resurfacers, LED lighting, locker room setups.
Quick Comparison of Equipment Types:
| Category | Examples | Price Range | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | NHL Regulation, Heavy Duty, Extreme Net | $219.99–$845.75 | Games, high-volume practice |
| Pucks | Standard, Training, Youth | Varies | Regular practice, skill building |
| Synthetic Ice | Starter Kit, Super-Pack | $289.95–$995.00 | Off-ice training, skill improvement |
| Safety Gear | Helmets, throat guards, shin guards | Varies | Injury prevention |
| Tech Tools | Video systems, shot trackers | $40/month–$139.99+ | Player analysis and training insights |
Why It Matters:
The right mix of tools and safety measures not only boosts performance but also protects players from injuries. Regular maintenance ensures your facility operates smoothly. Dive into the details to create a hockey facility that excels in training and safety.
How to Make a Simple Hockey Training Set-up
Click to watch: How to Make a Simple Hockey Training Set-up
On-Ice Training Tools
These tools are essential for improving player safety, boosting performance, and ensuring smooth operations on the ice.
Hockey Goals and Nets
Every facility needs regulation-standard goals as a baseline. Official NHL regulation goals have a 4' x 6' opening. These high-quality goals come with a net, net protector, vertical post padding, bottom cushions, and options for different goal depths (34", 40", or 44"). For practice, a variety of goal types can be used to suit different training needs:
| Goal Type | Price Range | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| NHL Regulation Goal | $845.75 | Official games and advanced training |
| Heavy Duty Net | $459.99 | High-volume practice sessions |
| Extreme Goal Net | $219.99 | Secondary practice areas |
Puck Equipment
Once the goals are set, having the right pucks is key. A well-prepared facility should offer a range of puck types for various training purposes:
| Puck Type | Weight | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 6 oz | Regular practice and games |
| Training | 10 oz | Developing stickhandling and improving shot speed |
| Youth | 4 oz | Building skills for beginners |
Heavier training pucks are especially useful for increasing shooting speed when players transition back to standard pucks.
Training Markers
Markers are invaluable for organizing drills and creating structured practice sessions. As Jeremy Weiss notes:
"Using markers on the ice has become standard practice for me, especially since more and more of my practices have become station-based."
Markers can be used to:
- Mark starting points for drills
- Define passing zones
- Set up obstacle courses
- Highlight shooting positions
Shot Practice Targets
For precision shooting, advanced targets are a must. Better Hockey, in collaboration with the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, developed Extreme Pro Shooting Targets. These are widely used by Swedish national teams to improve shooting accuracy and consistency. They also allow multiple players to train simultaneously, making them ideal for professional facilities.
These tools form the backbone of effective hockey training programs, ensuring players can develop their skills in a well-equipped environment.
Off-Ice Practice Equipment
Off-ice training plays a key role in improving skills, especially when ice time is limited. Here's a breakdown of tools that can help you make the most of your practice sessions.
Synthetic Ice
PolyGlide Ice offers various packages tailored to different needs:
| Package Type | Coverage Area | Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | 32 sq ft | $289.95 | Small training areas |
| Intermediate | 64 sq ft | $549.00 | Medium practice zones |
| Super-Pack | 96 sq ft | $779.95 | Team training spaces |
| Holiday Home | 128 sq ft | $995.00 | Full facility setups |
"PolyGlide has allowed me to stay sharp during the season and off-season by shooting pucks. I have both my boys on PolyGlide as well learning to skate. The product is best of its class and I recommend it to anyone!"
To maintain synthetic ice, clean it with pH-neutral soap and water. If installed outdoors, cover it when not in use.
Shot Practice Areas
For shooting practice, you'll need a few key items:
- Shooting pads: Prices range from $40 to $90.
- EZ-Goal nets with backstop: Around $140.
- Practice pucks: Stock up on 50–100 pucks.
- Shooting and stickhandling tiles: Priced at $9/ft².
Set up shooting tiles on a flat surface. If the surface is uneven (like concrete), use DriCore plywood underlayment to ensure stability.
Puck Control Tools
Refine your stickhandling with these tools:
- Green Biscuit: $14
- HockeyShot Extreme Dangler
- Fast Hands Pro Stickhandling Trainer
- Attack Triangle Pro
"This is a great product for all ages! From adults to kids, everyone can have fun and also improve their skills along the way!"
Skating Machines
Skating machines replicate on-ice conditions, offering a smooth transition between practice and game environments. Key features include:
- Adjustable speeds up to 22 mph
- Built-in motion capture systems
- Real-time feedback
- Customizable training programs
"Whether you're a world class athlete or a recreational skater, PolyGlide is a great way to bring the rink home. When most rinks were closed last year, setting up the PolyGlide Spin Station at my house allowed me to keep my students active and training! Thank you PolyGlide!"
Safety Equipment
Having the right safety gear is just as important as training tools in any professional hockey facility.
Head Protection
All players and goalies must wear CSA-certified helmets with properly secured chin straps whenever they're on the ice or bench. The type of certification varies by age group and position:
| Player Type | Required Protection | Certification | CSA Sticker Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Players | Full Face Shield | CSA B1/1 | White |
| Under-10 Players | Full Face Shield | CSA B2/2 | Orange |
| Goalkeepers | Head/Face Protector | CSA D1/3 | Blue |
| Adults (18+) | Visor Option | CSA C/4 | Yellow |
For divisions that allow half visors, mouthguards are mandatory. Additionally, BNQ-certified throat protectors are required for minor and female hockey players, including goalies who use specialized throat guards.
Body Protection
Players must have the following equipment to ensure full-body protection:
- Shoulder pads that allow natural movement while covering the torso.
- Elbow pads with secure straps that stay in place during intense play.
- Hockey gloves that protect hands while maintaining stick-handling flexibility.
- Shin guards that cover from below the knee to the skate.
- Hockey pants to protect hips and tailbones.
- Neck guards for added safety.
- Jock/jill straps for groin protection.
Each piece of gear should fit well and remain secure, even during high-impact movements.
Medical Supplies
Every facility must have easily accessible first aid kits. Vereburn Medical Supply, the official provider for Hockey Alberta, offers specialized hockey medical kits:
- Sports Deluxe First Aid Kit ($84.50): Designed for trauma care.
- Coach First Aid Kit ($55.00): Ideal for sideline emergencies.
- Sports Basic First Aid Kit ($45.00): Covers essential injury care.
- Standard Hockey First Aid Kit ($18.99): Basic supplies for minor injuries.
Damaged or worn items should be replaced immediately to ensure players remain protected. Proper safety equipment is critical to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for all training activities.
Facility Setup and Maintenance
Ice Care Equipment
Proper ice maintenance starts with the right tools, like a high-capacity ice resurfacer. For example, the Shira model comes equipped with a 1,000-liter water tank (about 264 gallons) and a 3 m³ snow tank (roughly 106 cubic feet), making it a great fit for full-size rinks.
Here's a quick breakdown of essential ice care equipment and their features:
| Equipment Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Ice Resurfacer | Hot water system (120–140°F) |
| Refrigeration System | Temperature monitoring |
| Ice Scrapers | Replaceable blades |
| Paint Applicators | Line marking capability |
John Meade from Preferred Mechanical Services highlights the efficiency of newer systems:
"The Zamboni is spreading 120-140°F hot water onto the ice. This causes an instant 30 ton load for a 10-minute duration. The use of REALice eliminates such."
Beyond ice care tools, the overall rink infrastructure plays a critical role in performance.
Rink Infrastructure
Proper maintenance of rink infrastructure not only extends its lifespan but also ensures safety and efficiency. For example, LED lighting systems are a smart investment. Though they cost between $95,000 and $675,000 upfront, they consume up to 75% less energy compared to traditional metal halide lighting, significantly reducing operational expenses.
Dasher board maintenance is another crucial aspect. Services like those offered by Hockey Board Doctor can clean an NHL-sized rink in 2.5 to 3 hours. Their process involves using a soft brush system, applying specialized cleaners like Hockey Tough Puck & Tape Mark Remover, and adding a protective sealant. This method removes up to 90% of marks effectively.
Locker Room Setup
Once the ice and rink are in top condition, attention shifts to locker rooms. A well-designed locker room enhances both player comfort and facility functionality. ADA-compliant seating is a must, with specific dimensions and features to meet accessibility standards:
| Furniture Type | Specifications | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADA Benches (Aluminum) | 17–19" seat height | $435.38 |
| Standard Benches (Wood) | Butcher block design | $212.63 |
| Back Support Benches | Added comfort features | $789.75 |
For organization, modular PlayerStall™ sports lockers offer customizable setups. To ensure stability when installing benches, use expansion wedge anchor kits, which cost around $35.44.
Finally, install LED lighting rated for over 100,000 hours to provide consistent, energy-efficient illumination throughout the locker room.
Training Technology
Once the physical setup of a training facility is complete, the addition of cutting-edge technology takes performance and safety to the next level.
Video Systems
Video analysis tools are a game-changer for player development, offering detailed insights into both games and practices. For instance, Dartfish provides multi-angle analysis and tactical views, with pricing starting at $40/month for delayed analysis and $80/month for live analysis (billed annually). Its standout features include real-time tagging, cloud-based storage, 4K video support, and mobile app integration. These tools make it easier to analyze shots and overall performance with precision.
Patrick Fischer, Head Coach of the Men's National Team Switzerland, highlights the importance of video analysis:
"Valuable and comprehensive video analysis is essential in modern ice hockey in order to enhance and improve steadily and sustainably. The videos are created quickly and enable efficient analysis."
Shot Analysis Tools
Shot tracking technology gives players instant feedback on their shooting mechanics. The HockeyShot Extreme Radar 2.0, priced at $139.99, measures puck speeds ranging from 3 to 150 mph within a 30-foot range and even provides audio feedback for speed announcements. Meanwhile, RapidShot systems have recorded over 130 million shots, proving their effectiveness. Evan Klein of the Saginaw Spirit shares his experience:
"I feel the RapidShot has helped with my on-ice game; improving my accuracy, reaction, and speed of my shot."
These tools focus on refining offensive skills, while player tracking systems take a broader approach to performance.
Player Tracking Systems
Player tracking systems use sensors and AI to deliver detailed performance analytics. Drive Hockey Analytics, for example, measures over 25 hockey skills, offering insights into both individual and team dynamics. Some of its key features include:
| Tracking Feature | Measurement Capability |
|---|---|
| Puck Detection | 60 times per second |
| Player Movement | 15 times per second |
| Skills Tracked | 25+ distinct metrics |
| Analysis Areas | Skating, positioning, tactical play |
Russell Levine explains the value of this data-driven approach:
"Something as simple as knowing where the puck is when a player is on the ice tells you something about that player that traditional statistics have never told you."
Game Management Systems
Game management systems integrate scoreboards, timing displays, and player tracking to provide real-time insights during games. These systems offer features like live statistics, interactive replays, automated analytics, and tactical play markup tools. This data allows coaches to create tailored training plans and track player progress. Fredrik Sjöström, General Manager at Frölunda Hockey, emphasizes their impact:
"For us, it's been a lifesaver to be able to work our practice sessions in a better way."
Conclusion
An effective hockey facility brings together top-notch on-ice and off-ice tools with strong safety measures and regular maintenance. At its core, a facility's success depends on having the right training equipment to ensure players can develop their skills consistently.
High-quality gear not only enhances performance but also plays a key role in keeping players safe. Invest in tools like slide boards and sleds to refine skating techniques and build strength. Additionally, a full set of protective gear is a must for player safety.
Blending advanced training technology with classic equipment creates a well-rounded setup for player development. Here's a quick look at equipment priorities for different training areas:
| Priority Level | On-Ice Equipment | Off-Ice Equipment | Safety Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Goals, pucks, markers | Shooting pads, slide boards | Helmets, protective gear |
| High Priority | Shot targets, rebounders | Skating machines, medicine balls | First aid supplies |
| Supplementary | Training aids | Diagnostic tools | Maintenance equipment |
Routine maintenance and ensuring a proper fit for equipment help extend its lifespan and maintain performance. When all these elements come together, they create an environment that supports both skill development and player safety.