Preparing our children for their first hockey season can be a fun experience for you and your child. Hockey equipment and hockey coaching can get a tad expensive for the uninitiated. But planning ahead can make this a fun season for your child. Take a look at how you can get your child ready for his first foray into hockey:

Take your child to a local hockey event so he knows what it takes to play and to get him excited about playing. Then get him enrolled into the local hockey club. Kit him out with youth hockey equipment basics like infant hockey skates, a neck guard, hockey stick, hockey jock with cup, mouth guard, hockey t-shirt and pants and hockey socks.

Infant hockey skates like Infant Boys American Ice Force Hockey skates are reliable with multilayered boot construction. They have moisture-resistant Cambrelle lining for easy break-in. They’re comfortable and easy with cut-resistant box toe and nylon blade holder.

A long-sleeve t-shirt is better for kids as the elbow pad straps will protect the skin. A Long Sleeve hockey t-shirt from Hockey Kid made out of 100% pre-shrunk cotton is a comfortable choice.

Go for warm fleece hockey pants in your favorite team’s colors like the Pittsburgh Penguins Black Kids printed pants or Pittsburgh Penguins Black Kids Face-Off fleece pants. They have an elastic waistband with printed graphics.

Durable and high quality hockey sticks like Bauer Supreme Total One composite sticks. They are easy to handle with griptac texture providing an additional layer of control.

A neck guard and mouth guard are essential to protect yourself from high flying pucks. Check out Reebok Junior Hockey neck guard that has an arched shape and is soft with an inner liner. A mouth guard from Shock Doctor has a custom-fit design and fits comfortably.

Wearing a good pair of socks can help you stay protected and are great for practice or games. Solid color hockey socks from CCM. Socks with elasticized ankle help prevent the sock from sliding down.