Any professional hockey player will tell you, being great at hockey is about more than having mad skills. You need the skills, but you won’t get very far with a bad hockey stick. A hockey player needs the stick to make passes, control the puck, shoot, and intercept passes. Also, it’s important for hockey players to use hockey sticks that match their skill level and style of play.
Most hockey players make the mistake of using sticks that are too stiff for them. This is supposed to make them look tough, but a stiff hockey stick actually limits a player’s performance.
There are important things to consider before buying a hockey stick and we will look at them. But first, let’s consider the parts of a hockey stick.
What are the Parts of a Hockey Stick?
There are three basic parts of a hockey stick: the butt end, the shaft, and the blade.
The Butt End/Handle
This part is also known as the knob. It’s the part of the hockey stick the player places their hand when playing. The hand he places here is his non-dominant hand, and he does so for stability and control of the stick.
The Shaft
This is the entire middle and flexible part of the stick. It’s flexible because it's used by the player to control the other parts of the stick. With this part of the stick, the player can control passing, shooting, and interceptions. Also, the sides of the shaft are designed to help the player with grip and support.
The Blade
The blade is the part of the hockey stick that makes contact with the ice. The area where the shaft meets the blade is called a hosel. This part of the blade affects the kick-point, and it determines how much the blade will bend under the torque. The blade is also divided into two parts: the toe and the heel.
The toe part of the blade is the end of the stick and it comes in two shapes, round and square. It is also known as the striking surface of the stick. While the heel is the part of the stick, that connects to the toe.
These parts of the hockey stick are expertly shaped by manufacturers to give the players the best stick possible, and modern technology has made it easier. Hockey sticks used to be handcrafted and made of wood, but today, additional materials have been introduced to create lighter hockey sticks.
Things to Consider When Buying a Hockey Stick
The Stick Length
The length of a hockey stick determines how well the player will handle it. It can’t be too long or short, it has to be the right size. The wrong stick size could break easily or it could limit the player when he/she tries to make a shot or pass. There’s a simple way to determine if the length of the stick is the right one for the player. The stick is placed on the floor, between the player’s legs while the shaft runs parallel to his/her body. If the end of the stick comes to the player’s nose when he/she isn’t wearing skates, then it’s the right size. Most players prefer a shorter or longer stick, which is why a stick can be cut short or a plug can be added at the end to make it longer.
The Kick-Point
For most hockey players, the kick-point is their first focus when choosing a hockey stick, and rightly so. The kick-point is divided into three, the low point, mid-point, and high point. The kick-point is the part of the stick that determines where the shaft bends the most during passing and shooting. The kick-point is important because it creates the force that generates the velocity to fire the puck.
When buying your hockey stick, consider what kind of player you and your style of play. If you are a player that prefers release speed over power and you take quick motion shots, then a low kick-point is perfect for you. If you prefer power over release speed and you take full motion shots, get a high kick-point stick. If you are versatile and comfortable with both styles, then get a mid kick-point stick.
Shaft/Material
Hockey sticks are made from two kinds of materials: wood and composite.
Wooden Hockey Sticks
Hockey sticks were traditionally made from wood, but modern-day hockey techniques demanded for a hockey stick with advanced curvature, and this could not be accomplished with just wood. There are still hockey sticks made from just wood, however, manufacturers can add a blend of materials to enhance the features of the stick. Wooden sticks are more affordable and have excellent quality; however, their quality depends on the wood used. Also, unlike composite sticks, wooden hockey sticks are prone to wear and tear.
Composite Hockey Sticks
These are made from a variety of woven fibers. Composite hockey sticks weigh less, provide more power, and are more durable than wooden hockey sticks. They also have a custom kick-point. Compared to composite hockey sticks, wooden hockey sticks are stiffer, and that can limit play performance for players.
Blade Curve
The main blade curves are the toe curve, mid curve, and mid-heel curve. The blade curve is the part of the blade that controls the puck, so plenty of consideration has to be given before you buy. Some professional hockey players prefer blades that allow them get the puck off the ice faster, but your blade choice depends on your style of play, it’s largely about personal preference.
FAQs
Q: What size of hockey sticks should I buy?
This is largely dependent on your height. The perfect size hockey stick for you would be one that touches your nose (when you aren’t wearing skates). However, the average size for an adult is 36.5 inches.
Q: Is a lighter hockey stick better?
This depends on your preference. Some hockey players prefer lighter hockey sticks because they are easier to maneuvers. Others prefer heavier sticks because it allows for more power on shots.
Q: How much do hockey sticks cost?
Hockey sticks will sit anywhere between $25-300 depending on the brand and extra features.