Livestreaming can be more than just pointing your phone at the rink; having the right equipment can make all the difference in giving parents, friends, and family who can’t make it to the arena a great viewing experience.
To help you get started, I’ve rounded up some of the best equipment for livestreaming hockey games, all available on Amazon. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to invest in toptier gear, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Cameras for Livestreaming
GoPro HERO12 Black
Price: $$$$
Quality: ★★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zsvOZh
The GoPro HERO12 Black is hands down one of the most popular action cameras for livestreaming sports. Its wide-angle lens captures all the action, and it’s rugged enough to handle cold, slippery rinks. With built-in stabilization, your footage will be smooth even if you’re moving around or reacting to the action. Plus, it has WiFi streaming capabilities, making it easy to connect to your phone or laptop for live broadcasts.
Why It’s Worth It: The GoPro is an investment, but it’s well-known for high-quality video, durability, and versatility. You can use it for more than just hockey games—take it on vacations, road trips, or any adventure your family embarks on.
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder
Price: $$$
Quality: ★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★★
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XB27Nv
If you want a dedicated camcorder, the Canon VIXIA HF R800 is an excellent option. It shoots in full HD, has great zoom capabilities (57x advanced zoom!), and comes with an easy-to-use interface. It’s lightweight, perfect for those long tournament weekends, and has a long battery life, so you won’t miss a second of the action.
Why It’s Worth It: For the price, this camcorder delivers excellent quality. If you’re new to livestreaming or want something reliable but less expensive than a GoPro, the Canon is a solid choice.
2. Tripods and Mounts
UBeesize 60” Extendable Tripod with Phone Holder
Price: $$
Quality: ★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zwIhej
The UBeesize Tripod is a highly affordable, sturdy option for livestreaming. It extends to 60 inches and has a flexible head, making it easy to follow fastpaced hockey action. Plus, it comes with a phone holder if you’re streaming directly from your smartphone. Lightweight but durable, this tripod is easy to transport and set up anywhere in the arena.
Why It’s Worth It: For a budget tripod, you can’t beat the UBeesize. It’s great for parents who are on the go and need a simple, portable solution for livestreaming.
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit
Price: $$$
Quality: ★★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3THomAt
For a more versatile option, the Joby GorillaPod 3K is fantastic. Its flexible legs allow you to attach it to nearly anything—think rink railings or bench sides—making it ideal for arenas where a full tripod might not fit. It supports action cameras, phones, and smaller DSLRs, so you’ve got options no matter what camera you use.
Why It’s Worth It: While it’s pricier than some tripods, the flexibility and stability of the GorillaPod make it a must have for tricky arena setups.
3. Microphones
Rode VideoMicro Compact On Camera Microphone
Price: $$
Quality: ★★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eAZli2
If you want to add some commentary to your livestream (or drown out some of the rink noise), a good microphone is key. The Rode VideoMicro is an excellent, affordable option. It’s small and lightweight but captures clear, crisp audio. It plugs right into your camera or phone and doesn’t need batteries, which is one less thing to worry about.
Why It’s Worth It: At this price point, Rode delivers outstanding sound quality, and its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go setups.
Comica BoomXD2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Price: $$$
Quality: ★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★
Find if on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BtbIhS
For those who want a more professional sound, the Comica BoomXD2 is a wireless lavalier mic system that clips onto your jacket or shirt, allowing you to walk around and comment on the action. The sound quality is superb, and it comes with two transmitters, so you can have a co-commentator if you’d like.
Why It’s Worth It: Wireless mics are a little more of an investment, but for the increased sound quality and flexibility, this system is worth it if you’re serious about livestreaming.
4. Capture Cards for Streaming
Elgato Cam Link 4K
Price: $$$
Quality: ★★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gv4pGC
If you’re using a camera without built-in livestreaming capabilities, the Elgato Cam Link 4K is a must-have. This device lets you connect your camera to your computer, turning it into a high-quality webcam for streaming. It supports 4K resolution, ensuring your stream is crisp and professional.
Why It’s Worth It: Elgato is a well-respected name in streaming tech, and the Cam Link is one of the easiest ways to up your livestreaming game with any camera.
5. Lighting
Neewer 2Pack Dimmable LED Video Light Kit
Price: $$
Quality: ★★★★
Bang for Your Buck: ★★★★★
Find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4elvuLa
If you’re streaming from a poorly lit rink or your footage looks a bit dull, adding some lighting can make a huge difference. The Neewer LED Video Light Kit is an affordable and effective option. It comes with two adjustable lights and color filters to help brighten up the scene without washing out the action.
Why It’s Worth It: For the price, these lights are fantastic. They’re portable, easy to set up, and make a noticeable difference in the quality of your stream.
Final Thoughts: Budget vs. Quality
When it comes to livestreaming your child’s hockey games, the best equipment really depends on your budget and how often you plan on using it. For beginners or those just testing the waters, starting with a tripod like the UBeesize and a simple mic like the Rode VideoMicro can give you great results without breaking the bank. If you’re more serious or want to provide professional quality streams, investing in a GoPro or Canon Camcorder along with a good microphone and capture card is worth considering.
No matter what setup you choose, the key is to ensure the viewers at home can enjoy the action as if they were sitting in the stands. Happy streaming, and I’ll see you at the rink!