PEABODY YOUTH HOCKEY

Learn to Skate & Learn to Play

Your child's hockey journey starts here.

GETTING STARTED

Which program is right for my child?

Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the first time or is ready to pick up a stick and puck, Peabody Youth Hockey has a place to start.

01

Learn to Skate

New to skating? Start here.

Learn to Skate helps beginner skaters develop balance, movement, confidence, and the basic skating skills needed to become comfortable on the ice.

  • No hockey experience required
  • Beginner-friendly instruction
  • Build skating skills and confidence
  • Boys and girls welcome
02

Learn to Play

Comfortable skating? Ready for hockey?

Learn to Play introduces young skaters to hockey fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment while preparing them for the next step in youth hockey.

  • Basic skating ability recommended
  • Stickhandling, passing, and shooting
  • Fun drills and small-area games
  • Prepares players for organized youth hockey

Peabody Youth Hockey · Family Resources

Hockey Equipment Guide

Not sure what your child needs for the ice? Start with the right equipment for their program, then focus on proper fit and protection. You do not need to buy the most expensive gear to get started.

Find Your Equipment ↓

What to Bring

Equipment by Program

The biggest difference is between beginner skating and hockey instruction. Use these lists to plan ahead, and confirm PYH's current program requirements before purchasing equipment.

01 / Beginner Skating

Learn to Skate

For children learning balance, movement, and confidence on the ice. Full hockey equipment may not be necessary for this program.

  • Properly fitted ice skates
  • Hockey helmet with full-face protection
  • Warm, flexible gloves or mittens
  • Comfortable layers that allow movement
  • Appropriate socks for skating
  • Any additional protection required by PYH
Before you buy: Ask PYH which items are required for your Learn to Skate session. Avoid purchasing a full hockey kit unless it is needed.

02 / Hockey Instruction & Teams

Learn to Play & Youth Hockey

Learn to Play and organized team hockey generally involve a full set of properly fitted protective hockey equipment.

  • Hockey skates and hockey stick
  • Hockey helmet with full-face protection
  • Neck laceration protector
  • Shoulder pads and elbow pads
  • Hockey gloves and shin guards
  • Hockey pants and protective cup or pelvic protection
  • Hockey socks and an appropriate practice jersey
  • Mouthguard where required by age or program
  • Equipment bag
Team players: PYH will communicate game jersey, sock, and other uniform requirements separately. Goaltenders require position-specific equipment; see the Goaltending page →

Important Equipment & Safety Information

These are planning guides, not substitutes for PYH program instructions or USA Hockey rules. USA Hockey requires neck laceration protection for youth players in sanctioned practices and games. For 12U through 18U players, its rules also require a colored, non-clear mouthguard.

Check that helmets and other protective equipment meet applicable requirements, fit correctly, and are in safe condition. Ask PYH which requirements apply to your child's specific Learn to Skate or Learn to Play sessions.

USA Hockey Rules & Safety Resources ↗

Fit Matters

Buying Equipment That Fits

Correct fit and appropriate protection matter more than price or brand. These four tips can help you avoid common first-time purchases that do not work for your child.

Helmet & Face Protection

A helmet should fit securely without excessive movement. Check the certification, fit, adjustment, and compatibility of the helmet and face protector. Avoid equipment with uncertain damage or impact history.

Skates

Properly fitted skates should support the foot and ankle without excessive slipping. Avoid purchasing skates several sizes too large to allow for growth.

Pads & Sticks

Protective pads should cover the intended areas without restricting movement. Choose a stick suited to your child's height and ability rather than assuming a longer stick is better.

Save Where It Makes Sense

Well-maintained, properly fitted used equipment can help control costs. Inspect every item carefully, follow manufacturer replacement guidance, and get help fitting unfamiliar gear.

Helpful Resources

Where to Shop & Learn More

Families can shop wherever they prefer. These resources offer additional guidance for finding and fitting hockey equipment.

Local Fitting Resource

Pure Hockey — Danvers

A nearby hockey-focused retailer where families can seek help selecting and fitting skates, helmets, pads, sticks, and other equipment.

Endicott Plaza
139 Endicott Street, Unit B-2
Danvers, MA 01923
View Danvers Store Details ↗

Official Parent Resources

USA Hockey — New Hockey Parents

USA Hockey provides resources for first-time families, including equipment fitting information, player development, and guidance on getting started.

Explore USA Hockey's Parent Guide ↗

Retailer information is provided for convenience. PYH does not require families to purchase equipment from any particular store.

We're Here to Help

Questions Before You Buy?

Tell us which PYH program your child plans to join. Our volunteer team can help clarify the equipment requirements before you make a major purchase.

Contact Peabody Youth Hockey →