Hockey Pants

Like pads, hockey pants also play a part in protecting a player during the rough and tumble game of hockey. A good quality pair of hockey pants protects your spine, tailbone, kidneys, thighs and hips.Traditionally, known as “breezers,” the amount of padding, usually of foam and/or polyurethane, reflects the position held by the player.

The padding also varies according to the, type of hockey played, the manufacturer and the brand. Black Biscuit hockey pants, for example, are for roller hockey players, RBK ice hockey pants, for ice hockey. They come in all styles, but inline hockey pants, roller hockey pants and even custom roller hockey pants are lighter than ice hockey pants.

Two other factors entering into the equation are gender and age. Women’s hockey pants differ slightly from those worn by men. Proper fitting women’s hockey pants hug and follow the contours of the female body shape. The same is true for other hockey equipment adapted for female players. Age also affects the size, shape and construction of hockey pants. Youth hockey pants differ in weight and capability than those of a senior player.

Traditionally, hockey pants are a one-piece garment. They feature a lace-up fly and a strap belt. Pants may also use Suspenders, particularly if they are goalie pants. Variations on the one-piece apparel include the “Cooperall” of the 1980s. This full-length pair of pants covered protective padding from waist to ankle, eliminating the shin guard. It was not a success, but Cooper still manufactures a shorter version called a “girdle.”

Another variation in style is the division into European and North American. Tackla and Graf produce European-style hockey pants. Tackla hockey pants include the Silver 44. CCM hockey pants, Reebok hockey pants, Mission hockey pants and Easton hockey pants are all North American in style. The major differences between the two styles are padding, fit and length. European hockey pants are slightly longer, looser in the leg and lighter in padding than their North American counter part. In the end, it is all a matter of individual preference: speed versus extra protection, flexibility versus force.

You can find hockey pants at most of the major hockey equipment manufacturers. Tackla specializes in hockey pants; Bauer, CCM, Easton, Nike, Itech and Reebok include them as part of their line. Reebok hockey pants taper and have a two belt tightening system on the Reebok 8K. CCM hockey pants include the 152 Powerline. They provide added protection for thighs, kidneys, tailbone and hips. Easton pro return hockey pants cater to the specific color and style of many pro hockey teams including the Redwings, Boston Bruins and the Chicago black Hawks. Maroon hockey pants are hard to come by and Rebellion hockey pants do not exist.