Youth hockey shoulder pads should be the perfect balance of snug yet non-restrictive. Youth shoulder pads should not ride up when your child moves their arms up and down or from side to side. Make sure the pads protect your child’s abdomen. The stomach should be covered between the bottom of the chest protector and top of the hockey pants. Properly fitting youth shoulder pads should also cover the arms from the elbow pads to the end of the shoulder pads.