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🏒 Hockey Stick - Your Go-To Guide
1. Know Your Stick
Blade
That flat part that hits the puck.
What to look for: curve, face angle, plus if the toe is round or square.
You can tape it up to get a better grip and control of the puck.
Shaft
The long handle.
Usually shaped like a rectangle or a bit round.
You can get it with a matte, tacky, or smooth finish.
Kick Point
The spot on the shaft that bends the most when you shoot.
It can be low, mid, or high, which changes how fast you can shoot and how much power you get.
Butt End
The top of the stick. People usually cover it with tape.
Lie
The angle between the blade and shaft. This changes how the blade sits when it's on the ice.
2. What Sticks Are Made Of
Wood
Old-school, kinda heavy, doesn't cost too much, and feels good in your hands.
But it breaks easier and doesn't give you as much power compared to the newer stuff.
Fiberglass
They often put this over wood or other materials. It makes the stick stronger and last longer.
Composite (carbon fiber, kevlar, and resin stuff)
It's light, strong, and bends just right.
It's better, but it can snap without warning.
Hybrid
It's got both wood and composite. A good mix of feel and will hold up well.
3. How Stiff is Your Stick?
What it means: How much weight you need to bend the stick one inch.
Like: Flex 85 means you need 85 pounds to bend it.
Simple way to think about it: The flex should be about half your weight. Change it up based on how you play.
For younger kids: 20–40 flex
For older kids: 40–55 flex
In-between: 55–70 flex
Adult: 75–120 flex
4. Blade Curves
How much curve: Not much (more control) or a lot (lifts the puck better).
Where the curve is: At the heel, middle, or toe (changes the type of shot).
Face angle: Open (gets the puck up faster) or closed (better control).
Toe shape: Round (works for anything) or square (good for defense).
5. Kick Points
Low Kick Point
Bends near the blade.
Shoots fast, great for wrist shots.
Mid Kick Point
Bends in the middle.
Good for everything, strong for slap shots.
High Kick Point
Bends up higher.
Max power, but takes longer to shoot.
6. Stick Length
The Basics
With skates on: The stick should be somewhere between your chin and nose.
With shoes on: It should be around your eyebrows.
How You Play
Shorter stick: Better with the puck, shoots faster.
Longer stick: More reach, better for defense.
7. Weight
Lighter sticks: Faster shots, less tiring, but cost more.
Heavier sticks: Last longer, good if you play rough, feels good in your hands.
8. Tape
Blade tape: Gives you a better grip, protects the blade, helps spin the puck.
Knob tape: Helps you grip the top.
Wax: Keeps snow off the blade.
End caps: Makes the stick longer or just feels better.
9. Taking Care of Your Stick
Don't use it on rough ground.
Dry it off after you play so it doesn't get weak.
Keep it in a place that's not too hot or cold.
Tape the blade often to protect it.
10. Special Sticks
Goalie Sticks
Wider blade to block shots, stronger shaft.
Street Hockey Sticks
Plastic blades for playing outside.
Training Sticks
Heavier, for practice.
1. Know Your Stick
Blade
That flat part that hits the puck.
What to look for: curve, face angle, plus if the toe is round or square.
You can tape it up to get a better grip and control of the puck.
Shaft
The long handle.
Usually shaped like a rectangle or a bit round.
You can get it with a matte, tacky, or smooth finish.
Kick Point
The spot on the shaft that bends the most when you shoot.
It can be low, mid, or high, which changes how fast you can shoot and how much power you get.
Butt End
The top of the stick. People usually cover it with tape.
Lie
The angle between the blade and shaft. This changes how the blade sits when it's on the ice.
2. What Sticks Are Made Of
Wood
Old-school, kinda heavy, doesn't cost too much, and feels good in your hands.
But it breaks easier and doesn't give you as much power compared to the newer stuff.
Fiberglass
They often put this over wood or other materials. It makes the stick stronger and last longer.
Composite (carbon fiber, kevlar, and resin stuff)
It's light, strong, and bends just right.
It's better, but it can snap without warning.
Hybrid
It's got both wood and composite. A good mix of feel and will hold up well.
3. How Stiff is Your Stick?
What it means: How much weight you need to bend the stick one inch.
Like: Flex 85 means you need 85 pounds to bend it.
Simple way to think about it: The flex should be about half your weight. Change it up based on how you play.
For younger kids: 20–40 flex
For older kids: 40–55 flex
In-between: 55–70 flex
Adult: 75–120 flex
4. Blade Curves
How much curve: Not much (more control) or a lot (lifts the puck better).
Where the curve is: At the heel, middle, or toe (changes the type of shot).
Face angle: Open (gets the puck up faster) or closed (better control).
Toe shape: Round (works for anything) or square (good for defense).
5. Kick Points
Low Kick Point
Bends near the blade.
Shoots fast, great for wrist shots.
Mid Kick Point
Bends in the middle.
Good for everything, strong for slap shots.
High Kick Point
Bends up higher.
Max power, but takes longer to shoot.
6. Stick Length
The Basics
With skates on: The stick should be somewhere between your chin and nose.
With shoes on: It should be around your eyebrows.
How You Play
Shorter stick: Better with the puck, shoots faster.
Longer stick: More reach, better for defense.
7. Weight
Lighter sticks: Faster shots, less tiring, but cost more.
Heavier sticks: Last longer, good if you play rough, feels good in your hands.
8. Tape
Blade tape: Gives you a better grip, protects the blade, helps spin the puck.
Knob tape: Helps you grip the top.
Wax: Keeps snow off the blade.
End caps: Makes the stick longer or just feels better.
9. Taking Care of Your Stick
Don't use it on rough ground.
Dry it off after you play so it doesn't get weak.
Keep it in a place that's not too hot or cold.
Tape the blade often to protect it.
10. Special Sticks
Goalie Sticks
Wider blade to block shots, stronger shaft.
Street Hockey Sticks
Plastic blades for playing outside.
Training Sticks
Heavier, for practice.