EQUIPMENT
All skaters MUST wear at least the minimum protective equipment in order to participate on Matsqui Blades practices.
NECK PROTECTION
A bib-style neck guard, kevlar or dyneema. Neck guard must cover the entire neck with no gap under the chin.
eye PROTECTION
Shatter resistant glasses with no tint are required. Glasses must be held in place with a strap. A complete visor with a clear lens or a hockey helmet cage are acceptable
knee PROTECTION
Knee pads, such as soft volleyball style pads are preferred. Plastic roller sports pads or hockey knee/shin pads are acceptable, but may limit movement. Knee pads that are built into a skin suit are acceptable.
ankle PROTECTION
Cut resistant ankle socks (kevlar or dyneema) or anklets are required. They must cover the top of the boot to 10cm above the boots.
HEAD PROTECTION
Ski/Snowboard, hockey helmets are all acceptable. Bike helmets are not acceptable as the vents would allow a skate blade to go through. Specialized helmets can be purchased.
CLOTHING
Comfortable, athletic attire that you can move with ease. No skin must be showing. Jeans are not acceptable. A skin suit is not required at the introductory level. As skaters progress and begin to compete at national-level competitions, they will require a skin suit with cut-proof material meeting or exceeding ISU standards.
HAND PROTECTION
Cut proof gloves or mittens. Ski mitts or leather gloves work best. Hockey gloves are acceptable. Speed skating gloves can be purchased.
SHIN PROTECTION
Hard soccer shin guards are best. Hockey knee/shin pads are acceptable. Shin pads built into a skin suit are not acceptable.
If you have any questions regarding the equipment please contact us abbotsfordspeedskater@gmail.com