This is a great article from hockeymoms.com.
Hockey gloves are necessary for even a simple game of road hockey. On the ice, they are critical pieces of playing equipment. Hockeymoms.com can help by making sure their gloves fit them properly. Remember to protect all equipment by labeling with your phone number and name! Well maintained hockey gloves have resale or trade value.
About Hockey Gloves - Gloves protect the wrist, knuckles and fingers. They are designed and built to protect hands from getting cut, banged, scraped and slashed. They are also good for whacking siblings!
Most gloves are made of nylon and leather, with increased strength and durability, dryness and comfort. Gloves are padded in the fingers with foam and plastic inserts.
How to fit hockey gloves - Choose gloves that are comfortable and cover all parts of the hand and wrist. They can fit slightly big as long as they don’t slip off the player’s hand during play.
Players should try them before buying and give them a good shake while holding their arms down at their sides. If the gloves stay on after the first shake and they are comfortable, then they are a good fit. While your player still has the gloves on just double check by pinching the end of the finger, there should be no more than 1 cm or 1/2 inch of space in the end of the glove.
Gloves can be repaired when damaged. Older players often keep the same pair of gloves and get them re palmed when the leather in the hand rips or tears. This is a good thing.
Care of hockey gloves - To help keep them in the best possible condition:
• Always let them dry out (air out). Do not expose to heat.
• Keep them dry when being stored (moisture breaks down the fibers and can cause mold)
• Palms and gloves that are torn can be sewn (Sports and some leather repair shops)
www.HockeyMoms.com 2007