<P> Since men's ice hockey is a full contact sport, body checks are allowed so injuries are a common occurrence . Protective equipment is mandatory and is enforced in all competitive situations . This includes a helmet (cage worn if certain age or clear plastic visor can be worn), shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guard, protective gloves, heavily padded shorts (also known as hockey pants) or a girdle, athletic cup (also known as a jock, for males; and jill, for females), shin pads, skates, and (optionally) a neck protector . </P> <P> Goaltenders use different equipment . With hockey pucks approaching them at speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km / h) they must wear equipment with more protection . Goaltenders wear specialized goalie skates (these skates are built more for movement side to side rather than forwards and backwards), a jock or jill, large leg pads (there are size restrictions in certain leagues), blocking glove, catching glove, a chest protector, a goalie mask, and a large jersey . Goaltenders' equipment has continually become larger and larger, leading to fewer goals in each game and many official rule changes . </P> <P> Hockey skates are optimized for physical acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability . This includes rapid starts, stops, turns, and changes in skating direction . In addition, they must be rigid and tough to protect the skater's feet from contact with other skaters, sticks, pucks, the boards, and the ice itself . Rigidity also improves the overall manoeuvrability of the skate . Blade length, thickness (width), and curvature (rocker / radius (front to back) and radius of hollow (across the blade width) are quite different from speed or figure skates . Hockey players usually adjust these parameters based on their skill level, position, and body type . The blade width of most skates are about ⁄ inch (3.2 mm) thick . </P> <P> The hockey stick consists of a long, relatively wide, and slightly curved flat blade, attached to a shaft . The curve itself has a big impact on its performance . A deep curve allows for lifting the puck easier while a shallow curve allows for easier backhand shots . The flex of the stick also impacts the performance . Typically, a less flexible stick is meant for a stronger player since the player is looking for the right balanced flex that allows the stick to flex easily while still having a strong "whip - back" which sends the puck flying at high speeds . It is quite distinct from sticks in other sports games and most suited to hitting and controlling the flat puck . Its unique shape contributed to the early development of the game . </P>

Where was the game of ice hockey invented