EQUIPMENT

GLOVES: Thumbs and fingers padded individually. A guantlet of fiber covers the wrist and forearm.

PANTS: Fiber padding on front and side of thigh. Also is high enough to protect kidneys and lower back.

SKATES: Hard toes and tendon guards are built in. A player uses up to three pairs a season. Sharpened before each game.

ELBOW PADS : Leather-covered felt.

SHOULDER PADS : Similar to football pads.

SHIN PADS: Shin protection is made of fiber or plastic. Knee pad is felt.

GOALIE EQUIPMENT: Overstuffed and ribbed leg pads, 10 inches by 30 inches maximum; wider stick on blade and shaft; heavy felt chest protector which covers shoulders, stomach and abdomen; large glove with shield on back side.

PUCK: Made of vulcanized rubber, three inches in diameter, one inch thick and weighing between 5 1/2 and 6 ounces. Frozen for several hours before a game to eliminate bounces. More than a dozen are used in most games. Reaches speeds up to 100 miles an hour on shots.