Ice hockey players are required to wear specific safety equipment to protect themselves during play. Key items include a helmet with a faceguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves. Additionally, players are mandated to wear a protective cup for genital protection and frequently wear neck guards to prevent injury from high-speed puck strikes and collisions. Goaltenders use extra gear, such as leg pads, blockers, and catching gloves. This equipment is essential for minimizing injuries in a physically demanding and fast-paced sport like ice hockey.