Since its inception in the 1800's, ice hockey has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the world, even in locations where the weather does not allow for anything but indoor rinks.
It is widely believed to have developed from a combination of the outdoor stick and ball games of immigrants and British soldiers in Canada and similar ancient games of First Nation tribes.
Ice hockey has evolved to its modern form due to the thrill and excitement of both viewing and participating in one of the fastest, most energetic full contact sports on the planet.
Originally played by laymen as a recreational sport, widespread exposure by professional leagues has brought the game full circle, with more and more amateur leagues and independent teams entering the arena with each passing year.
Popular among both men and women, this exhilarating game is made even more accessible to participants because of easy access to ice rinks and the simplicity of acquiring the necessary equipment from sports outlets and online hockey stores.
A quick internet search will uncover hundreds of websites specializing in hockey gear, uniforms and protective equipment at very reasonable prices.
Skates, helmets, gloves, pants and other apparel and game paraphernalia are available from a host of top name manufacturers.
The selection of products is truly impressive, and makes an easy task of custom outfitting each player with the clothing, safety gear and game tools required for optimum play.
In a sport well known for extreme exertion and risk of physical damage, choices in protective gear abound.
State of the art elbow and shoulder pads, shin guards, gloves, helmets, cages, shields, padded shirts and other outerwear, along with hockey jocks, cups and specially designed undergarments for men and women help to safeguard against excessive injury.
A vast array of ice hockey sticks with customizable attributes such as curves, blade lengths, toe shapes and angles provide for shot accuracy and precise puck handling.
Selections for flex profile of the hockey stick shaft ensure comfort and superior control. There are one-piece sticks, or an assortment of separate shafts and blades can be combined for further customization and the added advantage of easy replacement of worn hockey stick blades.
Aside from the essential clothing and gear available, there is a plethora of wonderful accessories that are not only useful, but serve to promote the game as well.
From headbands, wrist guards and sunglasses to socks and water bottles, as well as jackets, caps and beanies, t-shirts and jerseys and Olympic and NHL apparel, these handy items make a statement while enhancing the hockey experience.
An ice hockey bag or wheeled backpack is a great solution for stowing all your gear and making it easy to transport from game to game.
The popularity and accessibility of ice hockey has never been greater. affordability to its participants when it comes to obtaining both the necessary equipment and fun extras that contribute to driving this exciting sport to new and even higher levels of enjoyment.