The association offers free equipment rental up to the squirt level, which is communicated to those who register for learn to skate/play and mites. You can also email ricelakehockey@gmail.com for more information. 

Let's discuss in the order of getting dressed. 

Base layer: some kids wear thermals or long underwear, but quite a few do fine in underwear/shorts, socks and t-shirt.

Shin guards: have the child put one knee down and the shin guard should go from ankle to over the knee. They should fit tight around the calf, but not be uncomfortable. 

Hockey socks: you'll get these from the association and there are a few options for keeping them up: jock shorts with velcro tabs, garter belts, or tape around the thighs. 

Breezers: make sure they are tight enough in the waist, but cover down to the knee/top of the shin guard. The goal is to make sure you are padded from ankle to waist, but can still move (this isn't bubble wrap, much to some moms' dismay). 

Skates: make sure they fit with a bit of wiggle room to help the toes stay warm. As tempting as it is to buy them big enough to use for multiple seasons, this can actually make it harder to learn to skate and can contribute to bad skating habits. 
Make sure to sharpen skates every 2-3 weeks and after skating on any outdoor ice (outdoor ice is typically harder and dulls the edges faster than indoor ice).  

Elbow pads: make sure they fit snugly but they need to be comfortable. No one wants elastic digging into their skin. 

Chest protector/shoulder pads: make sure it covers the chest almost to the belly button. The skater should be able to move, but still have as much of their body protected as possible. As with previous items, it should be snug to stay in place, but still be comfortable. 

Helmet: Quite a few are adjustable at least front to back, but some are adjustable for width, too. It should stay in place so they can see. Helmets do expire, but the lifetime is years. Make sure it is HECC approved. Mouth guards are recommended squirts through Bantams. This will help prevent teeth/tongue injuries in case of a fall or collision, which is more common than taking a puck/stick to the face.  

Stick: The RLYHA starts players with sticks at the U6/mini mite level. It's recommended to start with a straight blade so that you can see if your child will be a right-hand or left-hand hockey player. Surprisingly, quite a few right-hand dominant people are left-handed hockey players. Another Google search will offer insight on this.
Blade curve and flex options are abundant, so it's recommended to go to a hockey-specific store for help and input or put Google to work again to learn about how weight and height factor into flex.  

Other items: tape (clear for gear use, black for your stick); skate guards (do not wear onto the ice), towel to wipe skate blades off after use; water bottle; odor balls; potentially a scissors, first aid kit, tool kit/screw driver.

Jerseys: Provided by the association; can use practice jerseys. Wash jersey regularly (inside out, no bleach, hang to dry). Keep them hanging in the jersey bag, when provided (squirt-bantam). 

Wash gear regularly and let it air out after use. This will prevent bacteria from growing and producing the dreaded hockey smell.  

If you need to return, exchange or pick up equipment please contact the equipment room manager at ricelakehockey@gmail.com.