What do I need?

1. Hockey Skates: Skating is the foundation for the game of hockey. If you can't skate you can't play the game, so it's important to get the best skates you can afford. Make sure to have them properly sharpened before you take the ice. You can buy skates new or used. Either is fine. Just keep in mind that you'll want to buy skates that are about one size smaller than your shoe size.
2. Shin Guards or Shin Pads: There are two standard types of shin guards. One that has a strap that goes around your leg and velcroes onto the other side of the pad. Or, the type that has no strap and requires you to use hockey tape to get it to stay secured on your leg. It's a matter of preference. These are fine either new or used.
3. Hockey Pants or Breezers: These are a pretty basic item. The better lines have good support for the tailbone and thighs. These are fine either new or used. Some of the styles will have suspenders to hold the pants up, others will have a tie at the waist to secure them. It's just a matter of what you like.  Devils Hockey players wear black hockey pants.
4. Chest Protector or Shoulder Pads: For young kids (Mites through Squirts), mid-range shoulder pads are fine. But, once you are at a level that allows body checking, you're going to want pads with a lot of support at the shoulders and chest. This isn't an item you want to skimp on. Purchase the highest quality pads you can afford. New or used are both fine. Just check the integrity of the shoulder and chest areas on any used pads you are considering.
5. Hockey Jock (shorts with built-in jock): This is pretty self-explanatory. There are actually two types of jocks available for hockey. The old school type (when that was all they had) and the new type of hockey shorts with the built-in slot for the jock to slip in. This is a matter of preference. Obviously, you're going to want to buy this item new.
6. Mouth Guard (to protect your brain): A lot of people think the mouth guard is just to protect your teeth. While it does provide protection for the teeth, the main function of the mouth guard is to prevent a jarring hit to your brain. Never skimp on the mouth guard. Get a quality mouthguard or have your dentist recommend a good orthodontist who can have one custom made for you.  Special mouthguards are made for children with braces.
7. Neck Guard: While this is an optional item in most leagues, the neck guard is becoming more and more popular as they keep replaying the NHL accident that shows what can happen when you take a skate to the throat. It's frightening enough to cause even the hardcore old-school hockey player to reconsider donning a neck guard.
8. Elbow Pads: While the kids are young, mid-range elbow