Hockey equipment plays a vital role in the game, ensuring players are adequately protected on the ice. However, until recently, gear was not created to cater to a woman’s body type. Women were expected to fit into gear made for the male body, with no choice for gear that may fit the female body better. This was until 2017 when Michel Paul founded Stark Hockey. Stark hockey is a company created to provide more cost-effective gear, in an eco-friendly way, meant to fit women. In this piece, I will explore the positive impact Stark Hockey has had on female hockey players.
Having personally experienced the discomfort of ill-fitting gear, I can relate to the challenges many girls face. Growing up, I often had to make do with my brothers’ hand-me-downs due to the price of new equipment. However, none of it fit me properly. My hockey pants were bulky and oversized, requiring me to wear a special belt to hold them up. This hindered my mobility on the ice and in turn, affected my game. Similarly, wearing gloves meant for a male hand hindered my ability to hold my stick correctly. These personal experiences in my life highlighted the need for gear specifically created to fit the female physique.
With Stark Hockey’s innovative line, I believe female players will feel empowered and comfortable on the ice, more than they ever have before. There will be no more compromising comfort and safety to participate in the sport they love.
“Made For Girls”
Traditionally, hockey equipment has been created with male players in mind, leaving female athletes with limited options but to compromise their performance and safety. Stark Hockey recognized this issue and launched their “MFG” line of gear. This line is specifically tailored to the female body. Whether it is waist size, shoulder width, leg length, or hand size, Stark’s goal was to provide female hockey players with gear they could excel in, without having to compromise.
By offering gear designed for women, Stark Hockey is empowering female athletes to take control of their game. Wearing gear fit for the female body type releases them from the cage their previous gear may have put them in and allows them to perform their best.
The Impact: Real Testimonies
The impact of this new line of gear has proven to be a huge step in women’s hockey. Many customers and users of Stark products have shared their love for the products, concurring that this line is exactly what they needed.
Laura Jansen, a satisfied customer of Stark hockey shared her feelings on this new line sharing that this line has been a game changer for her. She mentioned that she has always been on the heavier, but shorter side, and it was difficult for her to find a shoulder pad that actually fit. Jansen ended up accepting injury and playing without sufficient padding. Since she has had the MFG shoulder pads, she has stopped having to adjust them throughout the game. Jansen appreciates that they fit exactly as they need to and highlights that her padding is no longer getting in the way of how she performs on the ice.
Another customer, Aurora, who plays on a U19 team thanks Stark Hockey for providing women with gear catered to their body types instead of attempting to fit women into male gear. Aurora mentions how the gloves are more comfortable due to the tapering fit for smaller hands, allowing her to feel more control of her stick. She also mentions that the MFG chest protector is a favorite due to the ability to adjust the size to exactly what she needs. Aurora appreciates the thought put into each piece, catering to all body types, shapes, and sizes.
Brittany Summers noted that she was shocked at the freedom she felt her first time skating in the MFG pants. Previously having to cinch her pants as tight as she could get them to avoid them falling off, Summers noted the newfound comfort she has when her pants actually fit.
These testimonials from real customers highlight what Stark Hockey and this line have done for women hockey players and the comfort this gear has given them on the ice.
Social Responsibility
By providing this new fit and line of equipment catered directly for women, Stark Hockey is championing a new era of inclusivity in sports. Due to this line women no longer need to compromise their game or safety, simply because their padding doesn’t fit correctly.
The long history of hockey has shown to be known as a men’s game, but Stark Hockey defies that idea. This commitment to empowering women in hockey is reshaping the sport, and attracting more women to participate in the legacy of women’s hockey.
In conclusion, Stark Hockey’s dedication to providing gear that fits and empowers women on the ice is not only bringing new light to the game but is also driving positive social change. As women’s hockey continues to grow, Stark’s legacy of inclusivity will continue to be an important part of the culture and innovation of the game.
Check out Stark Hockey’s Website here to see all that they have to offer!
Information taken from:
The Evolution of Women’s Hockey Equipment and The Role of MFG Hockey
Erin Young 
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