Shin, Shoulder & Elbow

Shinguards are mandatory to protect against falls, hits by pucks, and opponent's sticks
Shinguards range from 7 to 18 inches in length and are designed to fit over the kneecap to just above the skate top
Forwards usually prefer lighter weight and less bulky shinguards where as defensemen prefer larger and more protective shinguards
Shin guards are best fitted when the player is sitting down
Measure from the center of the knee cap to the top of the skate boot
Match the player's shin size to the inches of the shinguards
Ensure that the cap of the shin pad is centered on the knee cap
The calf padding should wrap around the lower leg
Player height is a secondary guideline - Shinguard size is primary
Keep in mind that most players wear their shinguards inside the tongue of the skate, but some wear them on the outside of the tongue and this would require additonal length

Good hockey shoulder pad fit should provide protection for the chest, ribs, back, collar bone, and upper arms
Shoulder caps should fit right over the shoulder tips
The arm pads should extend to just above the elbow to ensure full protection
A player should have good range of motion while wearing shoulder pads. To test range of motion, lift arms above shoulder height to ensure the pads do not dig into the neck
For sizing, measure around the chest just below your armpits
Forwards usually look for lighter weight pads that offer more freedom of movement
Defensemen require larger pads with maximum protection against being hit by pucks

Elbow Pads are a necessity for both Ice and Inline Hockey as they protect your elbow and all the surrounding muscles
They help prevent injuries during painful falls, checks, and from being hit by sticks and pucks
Most elbow pads are adjustable and secured with velcro straps, this makes sizing according to body size fairly easy
The elbow pads should fit snug and not slide up and down your arm
The top of the elbow pad should meet the bottom of the arm of the shoulder pad and extend down the forearm to the top of the glove
The elbow pad should not restrict movement of the elbow or pinch your skin anywhere
Determine the distance between the edge of your shoulder pads and the cuff of your hockey glove
Different manufacturers use different sizing methods, but the chart below is a good indicator of the elbow pad size you should buy based on the above fit measurement