M.A.
Hi T..
My son ans my husband are both ex hockey players and we have NEVER put the equipment in the washer. I would be afraid to ruin it and it is VERY expensive as you know. We always layed it out to dry in the garage. Then we would spray it with frebreeze and put it back in the hockey bag with some fabric softener sheets. It did help lessen the smell.I don't think there is anything that will take the smell completely out. That would be a miracle. Good Luck and enjoy the games. I really miss watching my son play, he's all grown up now.