Find their first hockey stick with this how-to guide.
Youth hockey sticks come in so many shapes, sizes and materials, and choosing the right one for your child as they take the ice for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.
Fortunately, for boys and girls who begin playing the sport from ages 5-10 (the Mite and Squirt levels) there is a method for finding the stick that is best for them. Here are a few key points for parents and coaches to know before they make their selection:
MEASURE UP
When choosing a stick, finding the proper length is the top priority. If the stick is too long or too short, your child may develop poor skating posture and balance issues that can lead to bad habits on the ice.
To ensure an ideal fit, have your child wear skates, if possible, and place the end of the blade (the toe) on the ground. The end of the stick (the butt) should come up to his or her chin or slightly below. If your child is not wearing skates, the stick should rest at the tip of their nose. Note that longer sticks can be purchased and cut down to proper size.
As your child matures and develops stronger core muscles and skating skills, they may prefer to use a shorter stick that only reaches the sternum. This can result in better puck handling in tight situations against defenders and a quicker shot on net.
STRAIGHTEN THOSE CURVES
Generally, parents of younger players should be less concerned with advanced stick features like flex ratings (how much the shaft bends), lies (the angle of the blade from the shaft), blade shapes (round vs. squared) or curves (open vs. closed). These will come into play later as a player hones his or her skills and tailors their equipment to suit their games.
However, if you choose to buy a stick with a blade curvature, the curve's maximum depth should be minimal: no more than one-half inch. This is determined by laying the stick flat with the blade curve facing down on the surface, forming an arch. Measure from the point of maximum curve (between the blade heel and toe) to the ground to calculate the amount of depth.
The face (or front) of the blade should also be as closed (or perpendicular to the ice) as possible, rather than open. An open style is determined by looking down and seeing how much of the blade face is visible. The more you see, the more open it is. By keeping the blade closed, children can have greater success when receiving passes (especially on the backhand side), develop better stick handling skills and have more accuracy when shooting the puck. When novice players use big blade curves, their shots tend to sail up and over the net.
IT'S A MATERIAL WORLD
Today's sticks come in one-piece or two-piece designs and run the gamut from tried-and-true wood to high-tech carbon fiber or graphite composites. For parents of boys and girls who are new to the sport, it's important to note that having two sticks available for your child at every game is recommended.
Wood models are more durable, although they are slightly heavier than their non-wood counterparts. Conversely, carbon fiber and graphite composite models are easier for little ones to skate with over long periods of time. Costs vary (wood is generally more economical) but parents should anticipate replacing sticks each season as their children continue to grow.
WATCH THAT BLADE
After moderate use, take a look at the bottom of the blade where it makes contact with the ice. If it looks worn down or frayed near the heel, it could be an indicator that the stick is too long or that the child has poor balance and is using the blade as a means of support.
When shooting the puck, the key is to have as much of the blade lay flush with the ice surface as possible on contact. This results in the maximum amount of velocity and energy on the shot, which is important, since children competing at the youngest levels of play are usually limited to wrist shots. Winding up on slap shots at the Mite and Squirt levels is prohibited.
Overall, purchasing a first hockey stick means making sure that whatever model you choose for your budding superstar, it fits them perfectly. This will build their confidence while affording them the best chance for success and enjoyment on the ice for years to come.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of youth hockey equipment, with years of hands-on experience as a player, coach, and parent involved in the sport, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of finding the perfect hockey stick for your child's introduction to the game.
Key Concepts in the How-To Guide for Finding the First Hockey Stick:
1. Measuring for Proper Length:
- Priority: The top priority is ensuring the stick's proper length to avoid poor skating posture and balance issues.
- Measurement: With the child wearing skates, the stick's butt should come up to their chin or slightly below. Without skates, it should rest at the tip of their nose.
- Adaptation: Sticks can be cut down for an ideal fit, and as the child develops, a shorter stick may be preferred for improved puck handling and shot speed.
2. Straightening Blade Curves:
- Relevance: Parents of younger players need not overly concern themselves with advanced features initially.
- Blade Curvature: If choosing a curved blade, ensure the maximum depth is minimal (no more than one-half inch).
- Face Position: The blade face should be closed (perpendicular to the ice) for better receiving passes, stick handling, and shooting accuracy.
3. Understanding Stick Materials:
- Designs: Sticks come in one-piece or two-piece designs and materials range from traditional wood to modern carbon fiber or graphite composites.
- Durability vs. Weight: Wood models are durable but heavier, while carbon fiber composites are lighter and more suitable for extended use.
- Cost Consideration: Wood sticks are generally more economical, but anticipate replacing sticks each season due to children's growth.
4. Monitoring Blade Wear:
- Indicator: Examine the bottom of the blade for wear or fraying near the heel after moderate use.
- Balance and Technique: Worn-down blades may indicate the stick is too long or the child has poor balance, affecting the effectiveness of shots.
5. Emphasizing Shot Technique:
- Blade Contact: For maximum shot velocity, ensure as much of the blade lays flush with the ice surface on contact.
- Shot Types: At Mite and Squirt levels, wrist shots are emphasized, with slap shots prohibited, making proper blade contact crucial.
In conclusion, selecting the first hockey stick is not just about purchasing equipment; it's about ensuring a proper fit that enhances the child's confidence, success, and enjoyment on the ice for years to come. The careful consideration of length, curvature, material, and technique is essential for fostering a positive and skillful introduction to the exciting world of youth hockey.
