Elbow Pads

How to Buy Elbow Pads

Elbow pads, when properly fitted, will protect the elbow as well as the arms. They cover the area from just below the shoulder pad to just above the hockey glove. Elbow pads are necessary to protect against painful bone bruises, and even fractured elbows, from falls or being hit by a stick. The pads should provide adequate adjustment to prevent shifting during play. The elbow pad must integrate with the shoulder pad as well as the cuff of the glove to prevent binding. Most elbow pads are adjustable and are secured with Velcro straps, so sizing is general according to body size. There are also varying numbers of straps available on different pads to help with adjustments. You may want to add a forearm slash pad for further protection in a sensitive, highly vulnerable area. The basic rule: No flesh exposed for that errant slash.

Elbow Pad Sizing & Fit

Determine the distance between the edge of your shoulder pads and the cuff of your hockey glove. The elbow pad should leave no exposed skin between the shoulder pad and the 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 measurement.

Determining Your Elbow Pad Size

Finding your size

Size Inches

Youth Small 7.5

Youth Medium 8.5

Youth Large 9.5

Junior Small 10.5

Junior Medium 11.5

Junior Large 12.5

Senior Small 13.5

Senior Medium 14.5

Senior Large 15.5 and above