Guide · 8 min
Kids' Hockey Equipment Size Chart by Age (Complete Guide)
Shopping for your kid's first hockey gear and stuck on Youth vs. Junior vs. Intermediate? Here's the full, size-by-size cheat sheet to sort it out — whether you're buying new in-store or used on Rekip.
The 3 categories of kids' hockey equipment
Hockey equipment is grouped into three main categories based on a child's build, not just their age. Two kids the same age can need completely different sizes.
Use age as a starting point, but always confirm with height (cm) and weight (lb) before choosing a piece.
- Youth (Y) — roughly ages 3 to 7, under 4'2" (127 cm).
- Junior (Jr) — ages 7 to 12, between 4'2" and 5'2" (127-157 cm).
- Intermediate (Int) — preteens and slim teens, 5'2" to 5'8" (157-172 cm).
Kids' hockey skate size chart
Skate size usually runs 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than shoe size. A kid who wears a size 3 sneaker will typically take a size 2 skate.
| Age | Shoe size | Skate size | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 yrs | 8Y - 10Y | 7Y - 9Y | Youth |
| 4-6 yrs | 11Y - 13Y | 10Y - 12Y | Youth |
| 6-8 yrs | 1Y - 3Y | 13Y - 2Y | Youth / Junior |
| 8-10 yrs | 3 - 5 | 2 - 4 | Junior |
| 10-12 yrs | 5 - 7 | 4 - 6 | Junior / Intermediate |
| 12-14 yrs | 7 - 8.5 | 6 - 7.5 | Intermediate |
Helmets: the one piece you should never cheap out on buying old used
A helmet loses its protective ability after a hard impact, even if there's no visible damage. Only buy used if you know the helmet's history, it's less than 5 years old (check the manufacture date printed inside), and it still shows the HECC certification sticker.
Head circumference (measured 2 cm above the eyebrows) determines the right size.
| Size | Head circumference | Typical age |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 50-56 cm | 3-7 yrs |
| Junior | 54-58 cm | 7-11 yrs |
| Small | 55-59 cm | 11-14 yrs |
| Medium | 57-62 cm | 13+ yrs |
Shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, shin guards
For body protection, the rule is simple: gear should stay firmly in place without restricting movement. Too big is almost as dangerous as too small — the piece shifts on first contact.
Manufacturers (CCM, Bauer, True) publish detailed size charts. Here are the general benchmarks for pants and shin guards, the two pieces that vary the most.
| Piece | Youth | Junior | Intermediate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pants (waist) | 18-22" | 22-26" | 26-30" |
| Shin guards (length) | 8-10" | 10-13" | 13-15" |
| Elbow pads | 3-6 yrs | 7-11 yrs | 12-14 yrs |
Stick: measure it right at home
A properly sized stick reaches between the child's chin and nose when standing in skates, or between the nose and forehead in shoes. Too short throws off posture. Too long means less control.
- Youth (Y) — 3 to 6 years old, flex 20-30.
- Junior (Jr) — 7 to 12 years old, flex 30-50.
- Intermediate (Int) — 12 to 14 years old, flex 50-65.
How much can you save buying used on Rekip?
A full new set (skates, helmet, protective gear, stick, bag) runs $450 to $900 CAD at Sports Experts or Pro Hockey Life. The same set used, bought from another Quebec parent on Rekip, typically goes for $150 to $350 CAD — a 55 to 65% saving.
Rekip filters listings by your child's size, so you're never wasting time browsing Junior gear when you need Youth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy used skates for my child?+
Yes, used skates are safe as long as the shell isn't cracked and the blades can still be sharpened. They're actually one of the best items to buy used: kids outgrow their skate size every year, and skates worn for a single season are often nearly like new.
How often should I replace my child's hockey gear?+
Skates and stick: essentially every season between ages 5 and 12. Helmet: every 3 to 5 years, or immediately after a hard impact. Protective gear: as soon as it no longer covers properly (sleeves ride up, pants sag below the hips).
How do I measure my child without a store nearby?+
Use a measuring tape, ideally with the child in underwear for accuracy. Note: chest circumference, waist size, thigh length (hip to knee), and head circumference. On Rekip, every child profile keeps these measurements up to date for you.