A Parent's Guide to Ringette Equipment

Your Child’s First Ringette Season: A Parent’s Equipment Guide

Is your child ready to join ringette? It’s an exciting moment — but before they hit the ice, you’ll need to make sure they have the right gear to keep them safe, comfortable, and confident. If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through exactly what’s required, what’s optional, and how to shop smart so your child is ready for their first season.

Essential Gear (Required for All Players)

Here’s what your child will need for practices and games

Helmet with ringette cage or face shield—Choose a CSA-approved helmet that fits snugly. The cage or shield is mandatory for face protection. Ringette masks have a triangular shape cage (different from square masks used in hockey)

Neck guard - Sits around the neck to protect from accidental skate blade contact
Shoulder pads - Offer upper body protection while allowing freedom of movement.
Elbow pads - Guard the arms from falls or bumps during play.
Gloves - Provide grip for the stick and protect fingers from cold and impact.
Ringette pants OR Hockey Shorts—These are Padded for the hips and thighs and designed for mobility on the ice. Younger players learning in our FUN1 and FUN2 programs can wear hockey shorts, but as players age, ringette pants are encouraged.
Shin guards - Protect the lower legs from sticks and falls.
Skates - Hockey skates are required; proper fit is essential for comfort and performance.
Ringette stick - No blade, just a straight shaft. The right length reaches just below your child’s armpit or sternum when they’re standing in skates.
Jersey - All players are provided a jersey to wear for the season.

Click here for a full guide to Ringette Canada’s equipment standards ->https://www.ringette.ca/our-sport/equipment-standards/

What is Provided?

All FUN1+ players are provided with a team jersey, which is used for the season and then returned to the club. Jerseys are generously sponsored by local sponsors and reused for multiple seasons.

Helpful Extras

While not required, these extras can make life easier for you and your child:

Equipment bag - Keeps everything organized and easier to carry.
Water bottle - Hydration is important during practices and games.

Smart Shopping Tips for Parents

Start with used equipment - Local sports consignment shops, equipment swaps, and online marketplaces often have high-quality gear at a fraction of the cost.
Focus on fit, not brand - The most important thing is that helmets and skates fit properly. A secure fit means better safety and performance.
Label every piece - Many players have identical gear. Adding your child’s name will save time and money in the long run.

FUN1 & FUN2 Loan Program

For our youngest players, we have a limited selection of equipment available to loan or rent. This is a great way for new families to try ringette without making a full investment in gear right away. To learn more or check availability, please email FUN1@saultringette.com.

Where to Buy Ringette Equipment in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ringette Club Buy & Sell (Facebook Group) - Our club runs a Buy & Sell page on Facebook where families can post if they’re looking for equipment or have gently used gear or apparel to sell. It’s an easy way to connect with other ringette families and find affordable options. We encourage all new players and parents to join the group.

If you’re wondering where to shop, we’re lucky to have a few great local options

JayTeq Pro Shop - Located inside the John Rhodes Community Centre, JayTeq has been a sponsor of the Sault Ringette Club and a proud supporter of our sport. They carry sticks, girdles, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and masks, and you can get your child’s skates sharpened here too.
Northern Sports Excellence—Located on Trunk Road next to Pino’s/IDA, Northern Sports Excellence stocks skates, ringette sticks, helmets, masks, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, gloves, neck guards, and other sports gear. It also offers skate sharpening services.
Savings World—Also located on Trunk Road, Savings World sells new and gently used equipment. It’s a great spot to find quality second-hand gear so your child can try the sport without the cost of buying everything brand new. They also provide skate sharpening.

Note: Players can also purchase general sports equipment such as skates, pads, helmets, and more at a variety of other local sporting goods stores. The stores listed above are the ones that carry ringette-specific gear (ringette masks, sticks, pants etc.)

We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure about sizes or where to find equipment, reach out to us — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.