How to Buy Ice Hockey Sticks

How to Buy Ice Hockey Sticks
By Drew Mers

Ice Hockey Sticks are used to score a goal in ice hockey. It is used to propel, control, pass and carry the puck around the rink. It has two main parts; the shaft and the blade. The shaft is the long part of the stick held directly by the player. At the end of the shaft, it extends at one end to a flat wide surface and gives way for the blade. The official stick measurements are as follows: the shaft should not be longer than sixty-three inches; the blade should not be longer than twelve inches and the width should be 2 to 3 inches. Sticks of the goalkeeper differ from other players. The blades are wider measuring 3-4 inches and longer, up to fifteen inches. The shaft also contains a protective knob at the tip.

When buying, consider the materials used for the stick. Ice hockey sticks can be made of fiberglass, wood, graphite, aluminum, Kevlar, or titanium. Sticks made from wood are the cheapest and have a good fit for young players. This is best for amateurs who are yet to start their lessons on ice hockey. Wooden sticks have acceptable flexibility and durability and from this, the player can gauge the properties he would want for his permanent stick. The disadvantage of wood is that its strength fades overtime and therefore weakens and becomes easily broken. They are also the least standardized.

Graphite sticks also offer the same familiarity as the wood, but quite stronger and is more expensive. For professional players, this is impractical since the durability does not differ much from wood but costs more. When one is going for superior durability, one should grab a stick that has a shaft made up of aluminum or titanium. Titanium offers more flexibility than aluminum and is lighter, but as expected, they are more expensive. Kevlar was originally used for enforcing the strength of aluminum, but are now available as the lone material for shaft.

When buying a stick, try to get a good look while at the store. Hold it like how you would on the ice to determine the lie of the stick and gauge if you are comfortable with it. It should have a 5-degree angle with the floor; otherwise, the shaft stands straighter, making it hard to maneuver. Also check for the sticks flexibility, which is printed on the shaft. The higher the number, the more durable it is. This is of particular concern for defensemen as their job includes attempting to snatch the puck from the opponents where hitting the sticks of other players in inevitable. The most advisable stick is the one with detachable blades and shaft. One-piece sticks are not ideal for beginners as they do not offer much adaptability. Use it only when you are sure of your preferences.

Choosing ones stick is something only the user can do. There are no hard and fast rules. The stick should complement the position of the player and the player himself. Before sealing the deal with the buyer, make sure that you are able to evaluate the stick and that you are comfortable with it so that it becomes a part of your body during the play.

Drew Mers is an advertising consultant to City Ice Pavilion, a rooftop ice skating rink with ice hockey in Long Island City, Queens, New York

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