The Best Junior Ice Hockey Gloves for Young Players

When it comes to outfitting the junior player in your life with the right hockey gloves, it’s important to strike a balance between robust protection and comfortable wearability. The top picks for junior ice hockey gloves are designed with these twin priorities in mind, incorporating advanced materials and ergonomic designs.

**Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Junior Gloves** are a premium choice for young athletes who take their game seriously. Known for its durability, the Supreme 2S Pro uses dual-density foam with poly inserts, providing robust protection against impacts. The gloves also feature Bauer's patented three-piece flex lock thumb and a pro nylon mesh shell, ensuring a durable exterior. For comfort, the inside is lined with a moisture-wicking material keeping young player's hands dry during intense gameplay.

The **CCM Jetspeed FT1 Youth Gloves** are engineered for a snug, anatomical fit, hugging the junior player's hands for an almost custom feel. These gloves excel in comfort with a soft laminated liner with PU cushion foam. For durability and protection, CCM uses pro-level PE foam and inserts, plus a sturdy polyester construction. The added feature of a segmented flex cuff improves range of motion without sacrificing safety, which is crucial for the developing skills of a junior player.

Another solid contender is the **Warrior Covert QRE Pro Junior Gloves**. Warrior's Covert gloves boast a balance of lightweight construction and sturdy coverage. With Exo Protect foam and a Smartpalm+ design, these gloves maintain a soft feel but don't skimp on shielding the player's hands. The AxyFlex cuff promotes wrist mobility while keeping the glove locked in place.

**Easton Synergy GX Junior Gloves** provide another great option, which offers a fusion of comfort and long-lasting durability. The synergy line features a hypoallergenic liner that not only combats odor but provides a smooth and cozy feel inside the glove. On the outside, Easton has equipped the gloves with a pro-grade nylon shell and lightweight E-Cell foam, designed to absorb high impacts during play, making them a reliable choice.

**True XC9 ACF Junior Gloves** are top-tier gloves known for their pro-grade materials and exceptional feel. TRUE’s ZPalm technology allows for interchangeable palm inserts, customizing grip and extending the glove's lifespan, as you can replace palms instead of the whole glove.

Navigating the junior ice hockey glove market can be a challenging task for parents and young athletes alike. With numerous brands, styles, and features available, understanding what matters for young players is essential to making an informed purchase. Here's a closer look into the key features that should influence your decision when shopping for the best junior ice hockey gloves.

**Fit and Size**: The most critical aspect of any hockey glove is the fit. Gloves that are too big can impede stick handling and make it difficult for young players to control their movements. On the other hand, gloves that are too small can restrict hand movements and growth. Look for gloves that offer a snug fit without compromising on comfort or mobility. A good rule of thumb is to ensure there's a gap no wider than a quarter of an inch between the fingertips and the glove's end.

**Protection**: At the junior level, protection is crucial as players are still developing their skills and may be more prone to injuries. High-density foams paired with plastic inserts in key areas such as the backhand and fingers provide excellent protection while maintaining flexibility. Some gloves also feature additional padding in the thumb to prevent hyperextension, known as a thumb lock or protector.

**Materials and Durability**: The outer material of the glove plays a significant role in its durability. Nylon and synthetic leathers are commonly used for junior gloves due to their lightweight and durable characteristics. They should also offer some form of water resistance to keep hands dry and prevent the gloves from becoming heavy during play.

**Palm**: The palm of the glove is where the stick is held, which means it sees a lot of wear and tear. Look for gloves with reinforced palms that have an additional layer of material, like leather or a synthetic substitute, to increase durability without sacrificing the feel of the stick.

**Flexibility and Mobility**: It's essential that gloves allow for full range of motion. Features like flex cuffs, segmented fingers, and ergonomic designs all contribute to greater dexterity, which is essential for puck handling and control skills. Some gloves also have a three-piece index finger design, which can improve grip and finger movement.

**Ventilation**: Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture inside the glove, which is vital for comfort during play. Gloves that feature mesh gussets and ventilation holes allow for better airflow, keeping the hands cooler and drier.

**Style and Personal Preference**: While performance should be the primary factor, style and personal preference can also play a role in choosing gloves.