the future of hockey locker design

If you’ve never walked into a hockey locker room, you can probably still imagine some key features. The gear scattered everywhere, the smell or just how damp everything is… all of which can create a less than ideal experience.

Being the core of a locker room, the lockers themselves make or break how easy it is for players to utilize the space. They need to be durable, while also feeling comfortable and offering a place to easily store all of your gear. Many lockers used for hockey aren’t purpose-built for the sport and as such, are lacking in performance.

For teams who are trying to update their hardware, it may feel as though they have limited options, but things don’t have to be the same as they’ve always been. We’re bringing hockey locker production into the modern day with our tested and approved Shield standards.

Getting into hockey

Breaking into different sports is one of our favorite pastimes, so in 2022 Shield teamed up with Populous and the Coachella Valley Firebirds to create lockers for their new home, Acrisure Arena. 

Throughout the years, hockey locker designs have stayed largely the same. From professional hockey, such as the NHL and AHL, to collegiate teams the pieces are commonly made with wood or metal, neither of which can withstand the wear-and-tear that comes with the sport. While some are built for aesthetics and some durability, it’s uncommon to find lockers that are created with a multitude of design standards in mind.

With hockey being one of the most physically intense sports, the lockers must be able to hold up to the punishment of skates as well as hefty gear. We knew the Firebirds deserved unique lockers that would stand the test of time, so we decided to give them the Shield treatment.

The average hockey locker

Performance expectations for hockey lockers can be some of the highest in the industry. The gear is bulkier than most and includes skates, helmets and pads that need more space to be held but can also cause damage to the lockers storing them. It’s also one of the few sports where different positions need different gear. Hockey goalies wear leg pads, blockers and protectors that can take up even more space if locker size is not considered.

A common hockey locker is usually made up of wood or metal. While both of these materials can produce lockers that perform in the short term, the difficulty comes when trying to create a product that will last a lifetime while keeping its original quality.

Wood lockers may look aesthetically pleasing but can lack the durability necessary to stand up to damage. Being a porous surface, moisture and bacteria can find its way into the material and cause deterioration from the inside out. As hockey gear is prone to mold and mildew it needs to be stored in an environment that allows for adequate airflow.

Metal often has more durability but is susceptible to dents and scratches that can’t be fixed as well as rusting from water damage. They also lack the aesthetic appeal that other materials may offer and can cause a locker room to look cold and uninviting.

We know teams shouldn’t feel backed into a corner, so we came up with a solution that creates quality lockers with lifetime lasting power.

superior airflow

We all know about locker room smell, and hockey is one of the worst offenders. Brought on by a mixture of sweat, water and low air circulation, the locker rooms are constantly damp and the gear becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold.

With our acrylic solid surface lockers, passive ventilation is included in the lower drawers which allows gear to dry in a hidden space while the locker will not be damaged from the water that comes off of the drying clothes.

improved organization

With a custom metal ice skate hook, soft-close lift up bench storage and open upper storage there is plenty of space to store all of your gear in a way that doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s no reason to have to dig through piles to find what you need, instead we have purpose-built this locker to have strong ease-of-use.

microbial resistance

Hockey is a full contact sport and bacteria passes quickly. While players spend lots of time on the ice, they also spend lots of time in their locker room and the furniture that is used needs to be made with materials that will work to keep players healthy.

Acrylic solid surface being microbial resistant means that the material helps keep bacteria and microbes at bay. Though not 100% antimicrobial, the non-porous surface is one of the best options for keeping furniture safe and easily cleanable.

water resistance

Moisture can wreak havoc on lockers when it begins to degrade the material. Acrylic solid surface is 100% non-porous which means even when water from drying gear drips onto the exterior, the longevity of the product will not be compromised.

Because there is no middle material, water won’t break down the product which means less maintenance and a lifetime usage.

high durability

Durability and lasting power means everything when you are building a locker. Money spent on fixes for a lower-quality locker will eventually add up to what could have been a high quality locker without the need for repairs and downtime.

With Shield’s solid surface fabrication process you can be sure that the product will be durable enough to withstand rough treatment and the lockers won’t lose their original quality.

MODERN YET TRADITIONAL Look

Wood lockers are a staple of hockey and we want to respect tradition while upping the quality. Using solid surface and laminate in the fabrication process, we work to get you the look you want with the durability hockey deserves.

Locker room design is one of the major cornerstones in training, recruiting, performance, and recovery. It’s one of the major places where organizations can showcase their efforts to identify player and coaching needs. Make sure that whatever your next locker rooms ends up becoming, It starts by listening to current players and staff and bringing their ideas to the table.