It's a good time to check over your player's gear! Look for missing screws or snaps on the helmet, skate laces about to break, shin guards or pants that are "suddenly" too short. Review the state of the mouthguard - is it too well chewed to be protective? Are the toes scrunched in the skates?
We discovered a missing facemask screw in my goalie's helmet this morning. Fortunately, we keep a "helmet repair kit" in his gear bag. A helmet repair kit makes a good small holiday gift for a hockey player, coach, or parent. You can get one that contains screws, snaps, buckles, and clips for about ...