Ice Hockey Shoulder Pads provide protection for a variety of key areas within the upper body, including your shoulders, collar bones, spine, ribcage and more! In order to key these areas fully protected, this important piece of Ice Hockey equipment must be properly sized to ensure full coverage. For both new players and seasoned pros alike, knowing how to size hockey shoulder pads is critical for safety and performance.
Ill-fitting pads don’t just feel uncomfortable; they increase the risk of injury and restrict your range of motion. A poor fit - either too small or too big - compromises that protection. When pads are too tight, they can limit movement and cause discomfort. If they’re too loose, they shift during play and leave vital areas exposed.
A properly fitted pair of shoulder pads balances protection and mobility, helping players feel confident and safe on the ice. This is especially crucial for young players in developing leagues, where youth hockey shoulder pads need to grow with the athlete while still providing effective coverage. Different players need different levels of protection. Defensemen or players in checking leagues may prefer thicker padding, while forwards might prioritize mobility.
Key Areas Protected by Shoulder Pads
- Shoulder Caps
- Bicep Pads
- Chest Protector
- Back Protector
- Rib Guards
- Abdominal Pad
How to Measure for Hockey Shoulder Pads
Understanding how to size hockey shoulder pads begins with accurate measurement and smart comparison to brand-specific charts. Sizing shoulder pads correctly starts with knowing which dimensions actually matter - and how to use them.
Use a soft measuring tape and measure the circumference of the chest roughly 1” below the armpit. Taking the Right Measurement Using a soft measuring tape, measure around the circumference of the chest, just below the armpits standing. Also, be sure to be in a relaxed state and not inhaling, as doing so could affect size.
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Factor this size in with your height to help narrow down a size. Always consult a shoulder pad sizing chart from your gear brand - sizes can vary slightly between Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and other brands.
How to Ensure the Right Fit
Put on your selected shoulder pads and Velcro up the torso and bicep straps. The shoulder caps should be square on top of the shoulders and the bottom of the torso protection should meet with the top of the hockey pants. The bicep protection should seal any gap between the elbow pads.
Pro Tip: Pads should be snug without pinching and allow full arm motion. Even if your measurements fall within the right range, the real test is how the pads feel and function when worn. Proper fit ensures that protection stays where it's needed without limiting performance.
Personal preference may come into consideration in case there is an overlap between two shoulder pad sizes. For more coverage, go with the larger size.
Signs of Incorrectly Sized Shoulder Pads
Shoulder Pads are Too Small When:
- Shoulder caps point upwards instead of outwards
- Neckline digs into neck or shoulders
- Cannot raise arms comfortably overhead
- Too much skin is exposed between the top of the pants and the bottom of the shoulder pads, and between the bicep protectors and the top of the elbow pads
Shoulder Pads are Too Big When:
- Neckline sags and collarbone is exposed
- Pads fall off the tops of the shoulders
- Bottom edges droop well below the rib cage
- They overlap with the hockey pants and elbow pads, which hinder flexibility and mobility
If you notice any of these issues, try adjusting straps or consult a hockey gear sizing guide before buying new pads.
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Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart
The information below is a general sizing guideline and DOES NOT guarantee fit.
| Pad Size | Age Range | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Small | 3 - 4 | 3'2" - 3'11" | 20" - 23" |
| Youth Medium | 4 - 6 | 3'6" - 3'11" | 22" - 25" |
| Youth Large | 7 - 8 | 3'10" - 4'4" | 24" - 27" |
| Junior Small | 7 - 9 | 4'4" - 4'7" | 26" - 29" |
| Junior Medium | 8 - 11 | 4'5" - 4'11" | 28" - 31" |
| Junior Large | 10 - 13 | 4'10" - 5'3" | 30" - 34" |
| Senior Small | 14 - 16 | 5'4" - 5'8" | 32" - 38" |
| Senior Medium | 16+ | 5'6" - 5'11" | 36" - 41" |
| Senior Large | 18+ | 5'9" - 6'2" | 39" - 43" |
Shoulder Pad Purchase Considerations
If the shoulder pads are too big, the shoulder caps will hang below the shoulder and not provide appropriate protection. If they are too small, there will be exposed gaps in protection between the elbow pads and hockey pants.
How often should I replace / clean my shoulder pads? Shoulder Pads can last for many years depending on care, how often you use them, and the level of hockey you play. If you use them at a high level multiple times a week, there is a good chance that the velcro can wear down and become ineffective. This is a sign that you will need a new pair. To clean shoulder pads, soak them in a bathtub filled with warm water and Oxiclean (or something comparable). Take them out after a few hours, then let them air dry.
How to Choose & Fit Hockey Shoulder Pads
What are the top brands for shoulder pads? The top three brands for Ice Hockey Shoulder Pads are Bauer, CCM, and Warrior. Each of the three brands have various models that cater towards a certain style and play type.
What are youth league shoulder pad requirements? As per USA Hockey Rules, all players must wear all protective equipment for games, which includes shoulder pads. It is recommended that players wear shoulder pads that are specific to Ice Hockey. Also, be sure to check and see if the youth shoulder pads fit properly before each new season!
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Any other considerations? Most brands have three styles of shoulder pads. For example, one style might cater towards players looking for maximum protection, while looking less for mobility. On the contrary, another style might be for players looking for maximum mobility, but with less emphasis on protection.