Alright, parents! If you’ve got a little one who’s eager to hit the ice or tear up the street hockey rink, you know that safety is the absolute top priority. We all want our kids to have a blast playing the sport they love, but not at the expense of their well-being. That’s why finding the best hockey helmet for kids isn isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential.
A proper hockey helmet is much more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a vital piece of protective gear designed to absorb impacts and prevent serious head injuries. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, breaking down some of the top contenders so you can make an informed decision and get your child geared up safely.
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s quickly go over what makes a good helmet. For ice hockey, look for HECC and CSA certifications – these are non-negotiable standards that ensure the helmet meets rigorous safety tests. For street or knee hockey, while certifications might differ, durable construction and a secure fit are still key.
Let’s check out our favorite helmets for young players!
What to Look For in the Best Hockey Helmet for Kids
Before you buy, keep these factors in mind:
- Certification: For ice hockey, always look for HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certifications. These ensure the helmet meets strict safety standards. Helmets without these are typically for recreational street/ball hockey only.
- Proper Fit: This is crucial! A helmet should fit snugly without being too tight, with the rim sitting about an inch above the eyebrows. It shouldn’t wiggle or slide around when your child shakes their head.
- Adjustability: Kids grow fast, right? An adjustable helmet allows for a better, longer-lasting fit.
- Protection Type: Helmets usually come with a cage (facemask) or a full shield. Cages offer great ventilation and protection, while full shields provide clear visibility and cover the entire face. Many youth helmets come as a combo.
- Comfort: Padding, ventilation, and a lightweight design contribute to comfort, making it more likely your child will want to wear it!
- Intended Use: Is it for ice hockey, street hockey, or mini-hockey? The type of play dictates the required level of protection and certification.
Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Hockey Helmet for Kids
Here are our detailed reviews to help you find that perfect fit and ultimate protection.
Bauer Prodigy Hockey Helmet Combo with Facemask Cage, Youth
This Bauer Prodigy helmet is a fantastic starting point for any young aspiring hockey player hitting the ice. What makes it stand out is its commitment to ease of use and solid protection for your child’s developing head. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, meaning you won’t struggle to get a secure and comfortable fit, giving you peace of mind while they’re out there learning the ropes. Plus, it comes as a combo with a facemask cage already attached, saving you the hassle of buying separate pieces.
Key Features:
– Youth Size-18.8″ – 21″ Head Size
– Adjustable – Manually flip up side clips and pull open or close helmet for adjustments
– Combo includes an integrated facemask cage
Pros:
– Excellent adjustability for a growing child
– Comes as a convenient helmet and cage combo
– Reputable brand known for quality hockey gear
– Good head size range for many youth players
– Ideal for beginners and recreational play
Cons:
– May be considered basic compared to higher-end models (but perfect for its target audience)
– Manual adjustment might take a moment longer than tool-less systems
User Impressions: Parents frequently praise this helmet for its straightforward adjustability and reliable fit. Many highlight it as a great first helmet, noting that their kids find it comfortable enough for longer sessions on the ice, making it a popular choice for youth hockey programs.
Bauer Hockey Lil Sport Hockey Helmet Combo with Face Mask
For the truly “lil” hockey enthusiast, the Bauer Lil Sport is specifically engineered for the youngest players, often those just taking their first wobbly strides on skates. Its primary focus is on lightweight comfort and secure protection for smaller heads, ensuring that even toddlers can experience the joy of hockey with appropriate safety. This helmet truly shines by catering to the very specific needs of the smallest athletes, making it an ideal choice for introducing them to the game.
Key Features:
– Youth Size, 18.8″ – 20.4″
– Lightweight design for very young players
– Includes a comfortable face mask for full protection
Pros:
– Perfectly sized for the smallest youth players
– Lightweight design reduces strain on little necks
– Integrated face mask offers comprehensive facial protection
– Bauer’s quality assurance for peace of mind
– Great for first-time skaters and early learning programs
Cons:
– Limited size range means quick outgrowing for fast-growing kids
– Might not offer the same advanced features as helmets for older youth
User Impressions: This helmet is a hit with parents of preschoolers and kindergarteners. They often mention how well it fits their child’s smaller head compared to other youth helmets, and appreciate the all-in-one design that means less fuss getting ready for the rink.
Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Masks -Street Hockey
Got a future netminder who dreams of making big saves? The Franklin Sports Youth Hockey Goalie Mask is perfect for the street hockey star in your family. It’s crucial to note that this mask is specifically designed for street hockey, meaning it’s not certified for ice hockey or puck play, but it’s absolutely perfect for keeping your little goalie safe during intense ball hockey games. Its durable construction and comfortable fit make it a standout choice for those “between the pipes” moments in the driveway or cul-de-sac.
Key Features:
– PERFECT FOR STREET HOCKEY: These youth goalie masks are designed specifically for street hockey
– COMFORTABLE FIT: Quick-snap elastic straps are designed for an adjustable fit to keep the mask tight and comfortable for all goalies
– DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from high-impact plastic with a welded steel cage, this mask is designed to be durable and safe
– SLEEK AND MODERN: The vented shell and adjustable back plate give this mask a modern, sleek look that is comfortable to wear even in the summer sun
– PLAY YOUR BEST: This mask will give young goalies all the comfort and confidence they need to play their best between the pipes!
Pros:
– Excellent protection specifically for street hockey balls
– Adjustable, comfortable fit for various head sizes
– Durable construction with a strong steel cage
– Vented design keeps players cool
– Modern and sleek aesthetic
Cons:
– NOT for ice hockey or any type of puck play (critical distinction!)
– May not offer the same level of impact absorption as HECC/CSA certified ice hockey helmets
User Impressions: Street hockey enthusiasts love this mask, praising its durability against hard rubber balls and its comfortable feel. Parents appreciate the quality construction for the price point, making it a go-to for backyard and neighborhood games.
Franklin Sports Boston Bruins NHL Hockey Goalie Face Mask
If your young goalie is a die-hard Boston Bruins fan, this Franklin Sports NHL Goalie Face Mask will let them play like their heroes! While it’s incredibly cool with the official team branding, it’s vital to remember that this mask, like its generic counterpart, is specifically made for street hockey with a 2 ⅝” ball and is not HECC/CSA certified for ice hockey or puck play. What makes it special, beyond the team spirit, is the comfortable, adjustable design and robust chrome-welded steel cage, ensuring fun and safe play during ball hockey games.
Key Features:
– NHL BOSTON BRUINS: With all NHL teams from the U.S. and Canada available, your little goalies can have a blast looking like their favorite players between the pipes!
– DESIGNED FOR COMFORT: The adjustable backplate ensures a comfortable fit for any youth head size and makes this goalie helmet ideal for all street hockey players
– CHROME-WELDED STEEL: Specially designed with a chrome-welded steel cage for premium protection during street-hockey games
– QUICK-SNAP STRAPS: This hockey helmet goes on and off smoothly in seconds, thanks to its easy-to-use quick-snap elastic straps
– BALL & STREET HOCKEY APPROVED: These hockey goalie masks are not HECC/CSA-certified and are only made for street-hockey play with a 2 ⅝” ball. Not certified for ice hockey or any other type of puck play
Pros:
– Official NHL team branding for an extra fun factor
– Comfortable and adjustable fit for various youth head sizes
– Durable chrome-welded steel cage for strong street hockey protection
– Easy quick-snap straps for hassle-free use
– Perfect for recreational street/ball hockey
Cons:
– NOT for ice hockey or any type of puck play (emphasized again for safety!)
– Protection level tailored for street hockey balls, not ice hockey pucks
User Impressions: Kids absolutely light up seeing their favorite team’s logo on their gear, and parents report that the mask holds up well to the rigors of street hockey. The adjustable fit and easy straps are also big pluses for quick setup.
CCM Tacks 70 Hockey Helmet Combo with Cage, Junior/Youth
CCM is another powerhouse in hockey gear, and their Tacks 70 Helmet Combo doesn’t disappoint for growing kids. This helmet hits a sweet spot by offering two distinct size ranges – Youth and Junior – allowing for a more precise fit for a wider age group, from small tykes to older pre-teens. Its clip adjustment system is a real game-changer, making it super easy to expand or contract the helmet without needing any tools. This means less fumbling around and more time on the ice, which is exactly what parents and kids want!
Key Features:
– Youth- 19.6″-21″ (3-7yrs old), Junior- 20.5″ – 22″ (7-10yrs old)
– Clip adjustment on the sides of the helmet: Slide Clip Up, Pull Open Or Close Helmet To Adjust
– 70 Youth Cage Included (combo pack)
– Designed for optimal protection and comfort
Pros:
– Two distinct sizing options for a better fit across age groups
– Easy, tool-less clip adjustment for quick sizing on the fly
– Reliable protection from a well-respected hockey brand
– Comes as a convenient helmet and cage combo
– Good ventilation for comfort during play
Cons:
– May need to transition to a larger size as children enter their pre-teen years
– Some prefer a more premium padding system (though this is solid for youth play)
User Impressions: Many parents trust CCM for their quality and find this helmet to be a fantastic investment for their child’s hockey journey. The ease of adjustment is frequently highlighted, making it simple to get a snug, safe fit even with a wiggly kid.
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Knee Hockey Goalie Pads +
Okay, hold on a sec! This entry is a bit different. While the main keyword is about the best hockey helmet for kids, this Franklin Sports set is a complete knee hockey goalie set that includes a goalie mask. It’s crucial to understand its purpose: it’s for mini-hockey with foam balls or pucks, typically played indoors on your knees. It’s absolutely not designed for full-contact ice or street hockey. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one, fun, and safe introduction to the goalie position for a very young child (ages 3-6) within the context of knee hockey, this set is fantastic for sparking their interest in the sport!
Key Features:
– ALL IN ONE GRAFFITI SET: This set has all the mini hockey goalie equipment you need to get between the pipes with style and flair!
– COMPLETE SET: This all-in-one kids set includes (1) adjustable goalie mask, (2) leg pads, (1) catch glove, and (1) blocker so kids have all the mini hockey goalie equipment they need
– COMFORTABLE + SAFE: The soft foam pads and blockers provide ample protection while remaining comfortable and breathable
– GREAT FOR KIDS: This set is perfect for young kids and is recommended for hockey players ages 3-6
– FOR MINI HOCKEY USE: This set is designed and intended for use with foam balls or pucks only
Pros:
– Comprehensive mini-hockey goalie set (great value for fun)
– Adjustable goalie mask included (for mini-hockey)
– Soft foam provides comfort and basic protection for foam balls
– Ideal for introducing young kids (3-6) to the goalie position in a safe, low-impact way
– Fun “graffiti” design is appealing to kids
Cons:
– The included mask is ONLY for mini/knee hockey with foam projectiles; NOT for ice or street hockey.
– Provides minimal protection compared to full-size protective gear
– Limited age range means kids will quickly outgrow it for actual hockey
User Impressions: Parents absolutely adore this set for indoor fun and casual knee hockey games. They love that it’s a complete package that gets their little ones excited about being a goalie, and appreciate the soft, safe materials for playful interactions.
TronX S980 Junior Kids Hockey Clear Full Face Shield
The TronX S980 isn’t a full helmet itself, but a high-quality, clear full face shield designed to attach to most junior and adult small hockey helmets. This is a game-changer if your child already has a helmet but needs an upgrade in facial protection or prefers the clear visibility of a shield over a cage. What truly sets this shield apart is its anti-fog coating and high transparency, ensuring your child always has a crystal-clear view of the game, even during intense play. It’s impact-resistant and ergonomically designed for comfort, making it a fantastic addition for enhanced safety and performance.
Key Features:
– The high quality anti-fog coating can effectively prevent the hockey helmet visor from fogging up during sports, ensuring that the athletes always have a clear field of vision.
– The high transparency material makes the hockey full face shield visor have a clear view without affecting the athlete’s observation and judgement of the game.
– Impact resistance: The hockey helmet face shield is made of impact resistant material, which can provide good protection for the athlete’s face during the game.
– The ergonomic design allows the hockey face shield to fit closely to the face, providing a comfortable wearing experience and reducing the athlete’s sense of fatigue.
– The hockey helmet shield visor has adjustable straps or snaps to accommodate different athletes’ facial sizes and shapes.
– The breathable design helps to reduce humidity and heat build-up inside the hockey full visor, increasing the athlete’s comfort.
– High impact polycarbonate hockey shield visor with scratch-resistant outer coating resists overhead sticks, flying pucks and headbutts.
– Weighs 270 grams and is compatible with most junior and adult small hockey helmets
Pros:
– Superior anti-fog and high transparency for excellent visibility
– Robust impact resistance from high-impact polycarbonate
– Ergonomic and breathable design for comfort and reduced fatigue
– Scratch-resistant outer coating enhances durability
– Compatible with a wide range of junior and small adult helmets
– A great upgrade for existing helmets or preferred over a cage
Cons:
– Requires a separate, compatible helmet (not a standalone solution)
– May not be preferred by all players; some still prefer the airflow of a cage
– Can be more prone to scratches than a cage if not properly cleaned/stored
User Impressions: Players and parents alike rave about the clarity and anti-fog properties of this shield. It’s often chosen by kids who find cages restrictive or prefer an unobstructed view, and many note its robust build quality for facial protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Finding the right protective gear can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones about hockey helmets for kids:
Q1: How important is HECC/CSA certification for a hockey helmet?
A: Extremely important! For ice hockey, HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Council) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certifications are mandatory safety standards. They ensure the helmet has passed rigorous impact and penetration tests. Helmets without these certifications are generally for recreational street or ball hockey only, where the impact forces are significantly lower. Always check for the certification sticker on any helmet intended for ice hockey.
Q2: How do I measure my child’s head for a proper helmet fit?
A: You’ll need a flexible measuring tape. Wrap it around the widest part of your child’s head, typically about an inch above their eyebrows and ears. This circumference measurement (usually in inches or centimeters) can then be compared to the helmet manufacturer’s sizing chart. Remember, each brand might have slightly different sizing, so always check their specific guide.
Q3: What’s the difference between a helmet for ice hockey and street hockey?
A: The main difference lies in the level of protection and certification. Ice hockey helmets (and cages/visors) are HECC/CSA certified to withstand the high-impact forces of ice hockey pucks, sticks, and falls on ice. Street hockey helmets, on the other hand, are designed for the lower impact of street hockey balls or foam pucks and usually aren’t HECC/CSA certified. Using a street hockey helmet for ice hockey is a serious safety risk.
Q4: How often should I replace my child’s hockey helmet?
A: There’s no set expiration date, but helmets should be replaced if they show any signs of damage (cracks, dents, missing padding), if they’ve sustained a significant impact (even if there’s no visible damage), or if your child has outgrown it and it no longer fits snugly. Generally, a helmet’s lifespan can be 5-10 years, but for growing kids, it’s more about fit and condition.
Q5: Should my child use a helmet with a cage or a full shield/visor?
A: For young children and beginner players, a full facemask cage is generally recommended. It offers excellent all-around facial protection and good ventilation. Full shields or visors offer clear, unobstructed vision but can sometimes fog up and are often preferred by older, more experienced players who need to see every detail on the ice. Some leagues also have rules about what is allowed at certain age levels, so check with your league.
Q6: What if my child’s helmet feels a bit loose after some wear?
A: First, re-check all the adjustment points on the helmet. Many helmets have adjustable clips or screws that can be tightened for a better fit. Ensure the chin strap is snug but comfortable, allowing just one finger to slide between the strap and chin. If adjusting doesn’t help or if the helmet is significantly loose, it might be time for a smaller size or a new helmet.
Q7: How do I properly clean and maintain my child’s hockey helmet?
A: It’s simple! Use mild soap and warm water to clean both the shell and the internal padding. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the helmet’s materials. Let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area – never use direct heat. Store the helmet in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prolong its life. Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best hockey helmet for kids is an investment in their safety and your peace of mind. Whether they’re just starting out on the ice, making saves in the street, or gearing up for mini-hockey fun, there’s a perfect helmet out there. Remember to prioritize proper fit, check for those crucial certifications (especially for ice hockey), and consider your child’s specific playing environment. With the right helmet, your little one will be ready to tackle the game with confidence and a big, safe smile!