Here is a list of what you need. There are choices out there for used equipment as well as new. NIHA also, at times, has equipment to loan for the season to get you started and an annual equipment swap to keep you in the proper size for the next year. 

Here is a great video provided by USA Hockey on how to get dressed and properly use all the protective gear. If you are a new to hockey parent or a new player please watch this, it will help you understand what is needed to prepare for the ice properly!

Simply click the link below:

 http://usahockey.cachefly.net/Membership%20Development/How%20to%20Get%20Dressed%20Video%20Player.swf
             
             You will need the following to play hockey:
 
              
                    Helmet with face mask (current expiration certification sticker on helmet is required) 
                Shoulder pads
                Elbow Pads
                Gloves
                Shin guards
                Hockey Pants (or sweat pants for Adults)
                Hockey Skates
                Athletic Cup
                Hockey Socks
                Mouth guard
                Hockey Stick
 
              For skating lessons you will only need:
 
                  Helmet with face mask (current expiration certification sticker on helmet is required) 
                Elbow Pads
                Shin Guards
                Skates
                Gloves
                Mouth guard
                Sweat pants
 
We can possibly loan gear for the season depending on availability. Please contact Ben Johnson, Bud Chase, or Lindsay Shilling for availability @  beenfishin21@yahoo, chasewl@roadrunner.com, linsaypardo@yahoo.com.
 
If you would like to look for used but good equipment of your own, try craigslist as well as sports equipment resellers like Play it again. New equipment can be purchased online, but if you are a beginner we suggest you find a retail shop like the pro shop at the arena, or Hockey Stop Columbus, Total Hockey, Parini's, Dick's Sporting Goods (Easton Only) to have a sales person help fit you correctly. 
 
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT SKATES!!!! A common issue we see with beginners of all ages is an ill fitting or poor condition pair of skates. If your skates don’t fit and or are incorrect for you, learning and progressing your game will be severely hampered.  Hockey Skates generally fit 1 to 2 sizes smaller than the normal street shoe except for the shoe size under 1.  

http://www1.epinions.com/content_3832651908
Please read this information provided in the link, it will help you!