Equipment, Gear, and Helmet Rules in the CHL

Equipment in the CHL is a mix of league-mandated safety standards and player preference. Players at this level tune their gear to a degree most fans never see, and the equipment manager is one of the most important people on staff.

Helmets and face protection

Every CHL player must wear a CSA-certified helmet (Canadian Standards Association). Full-cage face protection is required, no half-shield exceptions for skaters at the junior level. This sits one full step above the NHL, where most skaters wear visors only.

Neck guards and mouthguards

Neck guards are mandatory across all three CHL leagues, a requirement that became universal across major junior in recent years following high-profile neck-laceration incidents in pro hockey. Mouthguards are also mandatory and tracked by officials at each game.

Skates, sticks, and protective gear

• Skates are player choice within fit and safety standards. Most CHL players use blades sharpened daily by the team's equipment manager.
• Sticks are chosen by the player. Pro-stock sticks (built to the same specs used in the NHL) circulate through the CHL via player connections.
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, and shin guards must meet league safety standards but are otherwise the player's choice.
• Goalie equipment is regulated separately, with size limits on pads, blockers, and chest protectors.

Sweaters and uniforms

Each CHL team supplies home and away sweaters, plus alternate jerseys for special game nights (Pride, Indigenous Heritage, military appreciation). Uniform numbers are assigned by the team and approved by the league. Captains wear a stitched C; alternate captains wear A.