Just like that, the 25/26 hockey season is right around the corner. Before we know it, we’ll be hitting the preseason games and getting back into the rhythm of late night training sessions. Let’s get ahead of the others and make sure you’re fully prepared to go full steam ahead. In this simple guide, we’ll cover all the essentials to ensure you’re pitch ready.
1. Check Your Hockey Stick
Simply put, you can’t play hockey without a fully functioning hockey stick.. so it’s crucial to make sure your stick in a good enough condition to allow you to perform to the level you set out to. Take some time to inspect the stick for any damage, and question whether you can go another full season with it. If you think you need to upgrade, the Grays Hockey Stick Range has every player’s style and needs covered. Here’s a few favourites:
Dynabow (DB): Designed for all-round gameplay, the DB range is an ever-popular choice amongst players looking for ultimate control, dynamic range of passing and quick hand movements.
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Jumbow (JB): Sculpted for optimised power, the JB range is the ideal choice for drag flickers and versatile players needing power, distribution and 3D capabilities.
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Probow (PB): Engineered for advance skill, the PB range is strategically crafted for outstanding 3D skills, aerials and power.
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2. Get the Right Protective Gear
Confidence is key when it comes to performing at your best, and ensuring your protective equipment is up to the task plays an essential role in giving you that needed confidence. Make sure you have the following;
Shinguards: A high-quality pair of shinguards is essential. Make sure they are comfortable and that they fit well! The Grays Hockey Shinguard Collection offers a wide range of choices, from ultra lightweight options to those seeking the most protection possible. The G700 and the G600 are arguably our most popular models, offering ultimate comfort and durability. The brand-new G900 shinguard has caught the attention of our elite athletes, offering supreme protection.
Gloves: Whether you want protection from the ball, stray sticks or those sandy pitches some have to play on (it’s a tough gig if you do) - the Grays Hockey Glove Range has plenty of options. Our palm less Touch Pro, and Touch Gloves are frequently spotted at the highest level, giving players great protection without compromising feel with its’ lightweight design. Searching for more protection? The International Pro Gloves offer full-hand protection and again, are trusted by many of our international athletes.
Mouthguard: Don’t be that teammate. There’s no need to risk it. Invest in a high-quality mouthguard. Our Virtuo Dual Density Mouthguard provides essential protection for your teeth and jaw.
3. Upgrade Your Footwear
Across the season, we’re all bound to end up playing in all types of weather, on various types of surfaces - making it paramount to have a pair of hockey shoes you can trust on each occasion. Has the grip on the soles of your shoes worn down too far? Are the seams beginning to open that little too much (inviting the water into your shoes immediately..)? The Grays Hockey Shoe Collection can sort you out ahead of your first session back;
AeroCage X: Heading up our latest footwear range, the Aerocage X is a go to for our international athletes. Offering incredible comfort, these shoes are built for speed, agility and responsiveness - making it the ultimate choice for those who prioritise movement, acceleration and rapid directional changes.
Raid 2.0: Similar to the AeroCage X, Grays Hockey have focused on speed and grip for the Raid 2.0 with a larger emphasis on stability and rigidness to the shoe – all whilst delivering that elite-level desired comfort.
Stealth: Designed for versatility, the lightweight Stealth performs exceptionally well on all playing surfaces thanks to its robust grip structure. Coming in at a very competitive price point, this shoe is the ideal choice for a wide range of players, from grassroots to seasoned club members – all seeking reliability, comfort and multi-surface traction.
Invest In Your Choice Of Bag
Playing hockey is great, we all love it - otherwise you probably wouldn’t be reading this blog.. ensuring your equipment and kit is securely and safely transported is often overlooked when it comes to preparation. The Grays Hockey Bag Collection brings players a vast range of models to choose from. From rucksacks for the players that want to pack light, to the players bringing 2 sets of spare clothes for the post-game social - there’s a bag for you. Here are a couples of our popular choices;
G150 Rucksack: This practical rucksack provides our players with a stylish and compact option with dedicated compartments for kit, laptops, essentials and your stick.
Cyclone Kitbag: The brand-new 25/26 kitbag provides players with an abundance of space for your sticks, shoes, protective gear and clothing. All of this whilst boasting a unique waterproof material, ensuring your items are safe from all weather conditions.
Refresh Your Accessories
Never underestimate the importance of accessories, they often make a big difference. Here’s a few essentials to tick off your list:
- Grips: Keeping your hockey stick grip fresh can aid in giving you the confidence you need to perform. Grays Hockey’s Grip Collection boast 3 variations, providing different measures of comfort, grip and cushioning.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. It’s that simple. The Grays Hockey Water Bottle is cleverly designed to allow players to share bottles, without their mouths making contact (yes you read that correctly..) take a look!
- Coaching Folder: Designed with a classic faux black leather cover, the Grays Hockey Coaching Folder brings a level of professionalism while providing durability and functionality for everyday use. Inside, you'll find a wipeable tactics board depicting a detailed pitch diagram, complete with a black board marker for dynamic strategy planning. Magnetic counters, along with full and one-third pitch boards, enable intricate and visually clear positional breakdowns during your coaching sessions.
- Tactic Board: The Grays Hockey Tactic Board provides clear markings of both half-pitch and full-pitch views for coaches to clearly communicate their ideas to players. Its durable surface allows for repeated use, making it perfect for dynamic coaching sessions and matchdays.
We’ve given you our thoughts on pre-season preparations, now it’s down to you to get ahead of the game. As always, feel free to reach out to the Grays Hockey team on social media or via email and we’ll support you make the best decision for you!
