SERIOUSLY why do hockey players wear shorts? Anyone else ponder that?

Question

i know the Hartford Whalers wore pants back in the 70's for a bit

Why the shorts why not full pants? That always bugged me ?

Answer 1

Its easier to bend your knees without pants in the way as well as all that padding. I played hockey and the pants would sometimes get caught and twisted when you slide or get tripped and it would be way too much of a hassle.

Answer 2

They do wear full pants, but the shorts over them are mainly for added protection.

Answer 3

The padding is the same.

It's called freedom of movement.  

Believe me...if the Cooperalls (what you're talking about) were that good, every NHL team would have gone to them.

Answer 4

When you have shorts you can take bigger strides with your legs which leads to more speed, which leads to being a better hockey player, which leads to a better team, which leads to a possible Stanley Cup Championship.

Answer 5

I personally find the Cooperall girdle to provide great protection and as long as you wear a shell over it, it works better than most "breezers" out there. But don't think I go with the roller hockey look eh .. I still use team socks over the shinguards.

Answer 6

It's easier to move in shorts.

Answer 7

Having played in both eras, there are advantages and disadvantages to both the shorts and long pants.

The long pants actually were less constrictive than shorts while playing. But we did look like Dorks while wearing them.

The protection in both cases was against the skin and were held in place with straps. Leg pads were more likely to move while wearing the long pants but protection was similar.

Remembering the problem with the Cooperalls was that when you fell while wearing them you slid faster across the ice and went into the boards harder.

Skates could get caught up in the loose legs easier and caused another problem. But the real reason is that before Cooperalls body armour or protection was in loose fitting pants. With the Cooperalls pads were incorporated into a girdle style that was against the skin giving better protection. Modern Pants are now body shaped and give the same protection as the girdles so the smarter look is used with the shorts.

Answer 8

Well hockey players wear shorts to protect ur but and thighs from the puck and other harmful issues but making it into pants well have you ever seen the sport ringette? Pretty much just like hockey only you dont have a blade at the end of ur stick the and puck is a ring and Also they were pants. Im not exactly sure why they used shorts but i play hockey and i prefer shorts there comfortable and very protective.

Answer 9

STOP CALLING THEM SHORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

d**n that just sounds retarded.

They are called pants, not shorts, and if you ask me, the Cooperalls were one of THE dumbest looking things ever.

Answer 10

I'm guessing it's easier to fit the gigantic pads under shorts.

Answer 11

shorts!? get your equipment names right buddy.

Answer 12

so the pants dont get caught in the skates

Answer 13

They want to show off their legs!

Actually tomjc43 answered it well enough.

Answer 14

because with shorts your legs can move more

Answer 15

usually i think ur awesome but THEY AREN`T SHORTS but anyway u can move better and they are more protective