A great hockey stick can mean the difference between making a game-winning goal and missing horribly. With all of the different hockey sticks on the market, it’s important for players to choose wisely. A few pieces of simple advice will allow players to find a hockey stick that suits their needs.
Hockey sticks are created in a partial J-shape. The shaft is the portion of the stick that is held by the player. The blade end of the stick is what the player uses to pass or shoot the puck.
Hockey sticks can be constructed from wood or as a composite using material like carbon fiber or fiberglass. Wood sticks are generally much cheaper but can flex over time. Because of the variations in the type of wood used, stick quality can vary.
A laminate design compresses several layers of wood and/or composite into a single stick. An additional layer of composite may be added to the outside for durability.
Wooden sticks may be a matter of personal preference, but are also excellent choices for beginning players. Their price is usually low and they can be replaced relatively easily. Some players may find that they feel the puck better with a wood stick.
An aluminum stick has excellent durability and is typically solid metal. However it can be heavy for a younger player to use. They will have difficulty carrying an aluminum stick for an entire game without strengthening their arms first. Most aluminum shafts will last for a lengthy period of time, even if a blade does need to be replaced. Some players may find the vibrations from a metal stick hitting a puck to be uncomfortable.
Composite sticks generally combine:
- Carbon fiber
- Fiberglass
- Kevlar
- Titanium
- Wood
Other materials may also be used. New stick materials are constantly being developed.
However composite sticks can be very expensive because of the materials used and the manufacturing process. Some fiberglass and carbon fiber sticks with high percentages of such materials may have poor durability compared to other kinds of sticks.
A hockey stick has properties such as flex and lie that are a matter of personal preference. Flex and lie refer to how a stick is shaped. The blade may be curved to fit a player’s needs as well. League rules may dictate how much a blade can be curved for legitimate play.
With all of the different brands and styles of sticks, players should experiment to find the stick that best suits their playing style and needs. For example, a defenseman may want a stick with a longer shaft for better reach. Adult players may want to buy two sticks at a time in case of breakage. Using an unfamiliar hockey stick can be a difficult adjustment for some players, especially if a break occurs in the middle of a game.
Friction tape may be needed to wrap the blade of the stick to protect it from melted ice and water damage. Some players may want to put cloth tape around the shaft to ease hand strain.
After use, clean a stick off and store it in a dry area. This can help to prevent premature cracking or warping. If a stick breaks or a crack appears, replace it immediately. A fractured stick can cause serious injuries to players or bystanders.
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