advice | choosing the ideal hockey stick curve
The perfect blade varies from player to player and depends on their preference and style of play. When players are between the ages of 8 and 13 they should experiment with all types of curves to determine which one enhances performance related to stick handling and shooting. By the time a player reaches the bantam level he should have an idea about what curve enhances his performance.
Some generalities regarding curves include:
- Forwards with a quick release often prefer toe curves which enhances their ability to pull the puck towards their body and use momentum to quickly release the puck
- Defensem*n prefer a mid-curve or heel curve which provides greater control for handling the puck and improves accuracy for heavy shooting (slap shots and clear outs)
- Players who pass more than shoot often prefer a heel curve which enhances their ability to stick handle and make saucer passes (passing through the air)
Check out thislinkfor an illustration of all types of curves. P91A Stall is aheel curve, P106 Gagne is amid-curve,and P12 Iginlaat the bottom of the page is atoe curve.
Finding the right curve is an important task for a player. The right curve allows a player to stick handle with ease and shoot with greater accuracy. Try to discourage players under the age of 13 from using a large curve as this makes stick handling and backhand passing a challenge. As a coach always ensure you are aware of a player's curve and if a player struggles with stick handling or shooting you may want to have them try another type of curve.
When it comes to hockey stick curves, I'm deeply familiar with the nuances that cater to different playing styles and skill levels. The choice of a hockey stick curve is a critical aspect that significantly impacts a player's performance in stick handling, shooting accuracy, and overall gameplay. Let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
-
Age and Experimentation: Between ages 8 and 13, it's recommended for players to experiment with various stick curves to identify what suits their style best. This phase allows them to understand how different curves impact their stick handling and shooting abilities.
-
Player Preferences and Positions:
- Forwards: Those who rely on a quick release typically favor toe curves. This curve aids in pulling the puck close to the body and enables swift puck release using momentum.
- Defensem*n: They often opt for mid-curves or heel curves. These curves offer better control for puck handling, aiding accuracy in heavy shooting like slap shots and clear-outs.
-
Preference-Based Selection:
- Players emphasizing passing over shooting often opt for a heel curve. This curve enhances stick handling and facilitates making saucer passes through the air.
-
Specific Curve Examples: The article refers to particular players and their preferred curves: P91A Stall for a heel curve, P106 Gagne for a mid-curve, and P12 Iginla for a toe curve.
-
Importance of Choosing Wisely: The right curve significantly influences a player's ability to stick handle and shoot accurately. Discouraging young players (under 13) from using large curves is advised to avoid challenges in stick handling and backhand passing.
-
Coach's Role:
- Coaches should be aware of each player's curve preference to better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- If a player struggles with stick handling or shooting, it might be beneficial to experiment with a different type of curve to improve performance.
The article emphasizes the individual nature of stick curves and how they impact a player's style and performance. It stresses the importance of experimentation and awareness at a young age to develop a player's skill set effectively.
FAQs
TLDR; Entry level players will likely play better with a P92 curve, but could grow in skill-set by using the P28 for one stick-life. Advanced players can choose either based on preference on the ice. P92: Easy to aim high, and low shots are very easily managed by rolling the wrists to close the blade.
What is P92 curve good for? ›
P92 - Another mid-curve blade, opens up mid way, great for shooting high and builds confidence for beginners who struggle to lift pucks with P88. More difficult to execute backhands due to the more open curve (more closed for backhands).
What is the P29 curve good for? ›
P29 - Crosby Curve: This curve has a mid-toe curve with a slightly open face, making it great for quick release wrist shots and backhand shots.
What is the P28 curve equivalent to? ›
CURVES EQUIVALENCES
| BAUER | CCM | TRUE |
|---|
| P92 / P92M | P29 | TC2 / TC2.5 |
| P88 | P88 | MC |
| PM9 | P14 | MC2 |
| P28 | P28 | TC4 |
9 more rowsSo, the CCM P29 (Crosby) is essentially the same as the Bauer P92 -- they're crazy similar and, all told, it's a good curve for kids. The other option, the P28 (McDavid) is another banana curve -- hardly different from the similarly named P29 -- but the toe is different.
What NHLERS use P28? ›
Most noticeably stars like Ovechkin, Doughty or Getzlaf are using what has become known as the Open Toe (P28 in most brands) pattern. Just like everything else in hockey when people see success they try to emulate it, and elite players have flocked to the open toe. The open toe is built for a quick release.
What are the pros and cons of the P28? ›
McDavid Curve (P28)
This makes it very easy for players to get the puck off their blade and into the top corner quickly. However, while this curve is a great shooters curve, it is one of the hardest to learn and control due to the amount of lift it creates.
What curves do most NHL players use? ›
In the NHL, there are many different curve patterns that players use, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular curves include the P92, P28, and P88 patterns, which are known for their ability to help players shoot more accurately and with greater power.
What stick does Crosby use? ›
The CCM RibCor Reckoner is a lightweight stick that weighs in at 415 grams, one of the lightest sticks available with a construction using PopMatrix Technology that are performance fibers that are constantly in tension for a quick and efficient loading while being protected by outer layers.
What lie do NHL players use? ›
The most common lie, Lie 5, has a lie angle of 135 degrees from blade to shaft (45 degrees from the ice to the shaft).
By 1967, the NHL began to limit the amount of curve a stick blade could legally have. In the NHL today, the legal limit is 19 mm, or 3⁄4 of an inch. Much like the shaft's flex, a blade's shape is a very important characteristic of a stick's performance.
What stick does Connor Bedard actually use? ›
Bedard is using the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro hockey stick this NHL season.
What curve should defenseman use? ›
Defensem*n prefer a mid-curve or heel curve which provides greater control for handling the puck and improves accuracy for heavy shooting (slap shots and clear outs) Players who pass more than shoot often prefer a heel curve which enhances their ability to stick handle and make saucer passes (passing through the air)
What's the difference between P28 and P88? ›
P28 is for those who like to shoot high and dribble a lot as it has a larger and more angled bend at the far end of the "toe". P88 is my favorite and it is not as angled as P92 and P28 and the blade is a bit straighter.
What stick curves do NHL players use? ›
Your Guide to the Most Popular Hockey Stick Curves
- Bauer P92 (Ovechkin), CCM P29 (Crosby), Warrior W03 (Backstrom), TRUE TC2, STX X92.
- Bauer P88 (Kane), CCM P40 (MacKinnon), Warrior W88 (Zetterberg), TRUE MC, STX X88.
- Bauer P28 (Eichel), CCM P28 (McDavid), Warrior W28 (Gallagher), TRUE TC4, STX X28.
If you are looking to find the comparable curve in a different hockey brand to what you are currently using; find your current brand and blade curve in the brand row like the Bauer P92. If you are shopping for a CCM stick, you will see the CCM P29 curve is the equivalent under the Open Mid Toe column.
What NHL players use the P92 curve? ›
Generating table...
| PLAYER | HAND | CURVE |
|---|
| Connor McDavid | L | P90 |
|---|
| AUSTON MATTHEWS | L | P92 (SAKIC) |
| Steven Stamkos | R | P92 (OATES) |
| ZACH HYMAN | R | P92 (SAKIC) |
45 more rows