Mites Hockey Equipment Checklist: Every Item Your Child Needs (+ What It Costs)
Your kid just signed up for mites hockey and you have no idea what to buy — you’re not alone. Every piece of gear has a different name, sizing works differently than regular clothing, and the numbers at the register add up fast. This mites hockey equipment checklist covers every item your child needs, what to spend, and what you can safely skip or buy used.
The Complete Mites Hockey Equipment Checklist
A complete mites hockey equipment checklist includes: helmet with full cage (HECC-certified), neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants (breezers), shin guards, athletic cup and jock shorts, hockey socks, skates, and a stick. All 11 items are required by USA Hockey for 8U (mites) players. Budget $300–$550 for a new beginner setup.
Mites is the 8-and-under division of USA Hockey, typically covering kids ages 4–8. Some associations also have a Mini Mites division for ages 4–6. The gear list is the same at both levels — full protective equipment is required from day one, which is actually a good thing. Your child will learn to skate with proper protection from the start, not rental gear that doesn’t fit.
Here’s the full checklist with what each item does and what it should cost new at retailers like Pure Hockey, Hockey Monkey, and Amazon:
| Item | What to Look For | New Price Range | Buy Used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet + Full Cage | HECC-certified, cage required through age 15 | $40–$90 | No — replace any helmet that’s taken an impact |
| Neck Guard | Bib-style neck guard (required at mites level) | $15–$30 | Yes |
| Shoulder Pads | Youth sizing, adjustable straps | $25–$60 | Yes |
| Elbow Pads | Must cover elbow cap fully, not ride up | $20–$50 | Yes |
| Hockey Gloves | Youth 8″–10″ for most mites players | $25–$65 | Yes |
| Hockey Pants (Breezers) | Required for mites; protects hips, spine, thighs | $30–$75 | Yes |
| Shin Guards | Youth 8″–10″ for ages 4–8 | $20–$50 | Yes |
| Jock Shorts + Cup | Boys need a cup; girls need a pelvic protector | $20–$35 | No — buy new |
| Hockey Socks | Pull over shin guards, held up by jock tabs | $10–$18 | Yes |
| Skates | Youth sizing (6Y–13.5Y), size down 1–1.5 from shoe | $60–$180 | Yes, if no visible damage |
| Stick | Youth flex (20–30), cut to nose height in shoes | $15–$45 | Yes |
| Equipment Bag | Large enough for everything — wheels help | $25–$60 | Yes |
Sizing Your Mites Player’s Gear — The Stuff Nobody Tells You
The single biggest mistake new hockey parents make is buying gear by age alone. Hockey sizing is based on body measurements, not age. Two 6-year-olds can easily need completely different sizes. Here’s how to size each major piece:
Helmet
Measure your child’s head circumference just above the eyebrows with a soft tape measure. Most youth helmets cover 48–54 cm. The helmet should sit one finger-width above the eyebrows and not wobble when you shake their head side to side. The cage should not touch the nose. Good beginner options: Bauer Re-Akt 65 Youth ($49–$69) or CCM Tacks 70 Youth ($44–$59) — both come with a cage included.
Skates
Youth hockey skates run 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than street shoe size. A child in a size 2 shoe typically wears a size 1Y or 1.5Y skate. The toes should barely graze the toe cap when standing, and you should fit no more than one finger between their heel and the boot. Skates sized too large cause blisters and poor skating development — this is not the place to “buy room to grow.” Entry-level picks like the Bauer Lil’ Sport Youth ($79–$99) and CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Youth ($89–$119) are the go-to choices at most rinks.
Take your child to a hockey store for their first skate fitting — it’s free and takes 10 minutes. Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey staff do this every day. Getting the first fit right saves you a return trip and a miserable first practice.
Shin Guards
Measure from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate tongue. Most mites players need 8″ to 10″ shin guards. The guard should cover the kneecap completely and extend down to protect the ankle without bunching. Common mistake: parents buy 12″ guards thinking they’ll last longer — they won’t stay in place and the kid will hate wearing them.
Gloves
Measure from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger, then double it. An 8-year-old with a 4.5″ palm-to-finger measurement wears a 9″ or 10″ glove. Youth gloves (8″–10″) cover ages 4–9 roughly. The glove should fit snug enough that it doesn’t spin on the hand, but fingers shouldn’t be jammed into the tips.
Stick Length and Flex
Cut the stick so it hits your child’s nose in street shoes (approximately chin height with skates on). Youth sticks come in flex ratings of 20–30 — go as low as you can find. A stiff stick on a 50-pound player is nearly impossible to shoot with. Composite youth sticks run $15–$45; wood sticks are cheaper but heavier. At the mites level, either works fine.
The neck guard is required by USA Hockey rules but often gets left in the bag. Make it part of the pre-skate routine: helmet goes on last, neck guard goes on before the helmet. Some parents tape a reminder note inside the bag lid.
What to Buy New vs. Used for Mites Hockey
You do not need to buy everything new. Mites players grow fast — some parents replace gear twice in a single season. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Always buy new: helmet (never buy a used helmet — you can’t know its impact history), athletic cup/jock, and mouth guard. These are the three non-negotiables.
Safe to buy used: shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, socks, sticks, and equipment bags. Check that padding isn’t cracked or compressed. If the foam springs back when you press it, it’s still protective.
Skates — use judgment: Used skates are fine if the blade holder is intact, the ankle support hasn’t broken down, and the boot hasn’t been stretched out of shape. Avoid skates that are more than 3–4 seasons old. Our skate comparison page shows current prices across Pure Hockey, Hockey Monkey, and Amazon so you can judge whether a used pair is actually saving you money.
Many youth hockey associations run gear swaps at the start of each season. Check with your local rink or association — you can often outfit a mites player for under $150 in used gear, then buy a new helmet and cup separately for another $60–$80.
Total Cost to Gear Up a Mites Player
A realistic breakdown for a complete mites hockey equipment set:
| Scenario | How | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (mix of used) | Buy used pads + new helmet, cup, skates | $200–$300 |
| Mid-range (all new, entry-level brands) | Bauer/CCM starter gear, new skates | $350–$500 |
| Premium (all new, mid-tier gear) | Step-up pads and skates, will last 2 seasons | $550–$750 |
For most families, the mid-range path makes the most sense for a first-year mites player. Buy entry-level new gear, see if your kid loves the sport, then invest in better equipment once they’ve grown into the game — and out of the current gear. See our full Mites hockey gear guide for specific product picks at each price point, with current prices from four retailers side by side.
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Compare skates → Compare sticksFrequently Asked Questions
What age are mites in hockey?
Mites is the 8-and-under (8U) division in USA Hockey, covering players ages 6–8. Many associations also have a Mini Mites or 6U division for players ages 4–6. The equipment list is identical at both levels — full protective gear is required from the first practice.
How much does it cost to gear up a mites hockey player?
Buying all new entry-level gear typically costs $350–$500. If you source used pads and buy a new helmet, cup, and skates, you can get a complete setup for $200–$300. Many rinks and hockey associations run seasonal gear swaps that can cut costs significantly.
Do mites hockey players need a full cage or can they wear a visor?
A full wire cage is required for all USA Hockey players age 15 and under — that includes mites. Visors alone are not permitted at this level. The helmet must be HECC-certified and the cage must be attached according to manufacturer specs. No exceptions during sanctioned games or practices.
Is it safe to buy a used hockey helmet for my child?
No. Never buy a used hockey helmet. Helmets are designed to absorb a single major impact and the internal foam may be compromised even if there’s no visible damage. You cannot tell from the outside whether a helmet has already done its job protecting someone. A new entry-level youth helmet costs $40–$70 — it’s not worth the risk to save $20.
How often should I sharpen my mites player’s skates?
A general rule is every 8–15 hours of ice time, but new skates and new skaters tend to need more frequent sharpening. For a mites player on the ice twice a week, plan on sharpening every 3–4 weeks during the season. Most rinks offer sharpening for $5–$8 per pair. Dull skates make learning to stop and turn much harder.
What size hockey stick does a mites player need?
Cut the stick so it reaches your child’s nose when they’re in street shoes — this approximates chin height with skates on. Most mites players use sticks with a flex rating of 20–30. Youth composite sticks in this range cost $15–$45 and are widely available at Pure Hockey, Hockey Monkey, and on Amazon.
Can my child wear regular winter gloves instead of hockey gloves?
No — regular gloves provide zero protection from pucks, sticks, and falls. Hockey gloves are required equipment and are specifically designed to protect the back of the hand, wrist, and thumb while still allowing grip on the stick. Entry-level youth hockey gloves cost $25–$45 and are non-negotiable for any sanctioned practice or game.