Last week we talked about the evolution of hockey sticks, once an all wooden tool now all but extinct. That led to this week's poll question (see right hand column): Should we return to all wooden sticks?
I find it interesting that the majority of people would like to see us return to the twig. I do not think we would see the same level of support if the question asked if we should return to all straight blades as well.
Stan Mikita's experimenting with a curved stick blade was every bit as an important advancement in hockey as today's composite sticks. Despite his and teammate Bobby Hull's extensive experimenting with the curved stick, it was frowned upon heavily by the hockey establishment. Much more dismissed than today's technological stick advancements.
The curving of the stick blade is one of the most important advancements in hockey history. It had many detractors in it's day, much like today's composite sticks which are undeniably having a significant impacting hockey. Since it may be too late to go back anyways, maybe we should embrace change. One day we may look back and realize stick evolution is a good thing.
The defining moment will always be the day Wayne Gretzky, the game's greatest scorer, switched from wood to aluminum, popularizing the switch from twigs to new age sticks. That Gretzky led the way is odd, in that he rarely fussed over his old wooden Titan stick he used so famously in Edmonton.
Here's a passage from Bruce Dowbiggin's amazing book The Stick: A history, a celebration, an elegy:
"Ironically, one of the most indiscriminate stick users was the best offensive player the game has seen. Grateful stick representatives called Gretzky the ultimate zero-maintenance guy. Gretzky tore apart NHL scoring records in his early days using a white Titan TPM 2020, which has been described as "a log," "a rock," and "a railway tie." 'Did you ever see one of Gretz's sticks?' asks an NHL equipment man. 'There's no one today who would use it.' "
That is just one countless great quotes in one of the best hockey books ever written. Keeping with our recent stick theme, I have reviewed the book over at Hockey Book Reviews.com.
I'm deeply immersed in the world of hockey history and equipment evolution, and my expertise extends across various eras of the sport. I've delved into extensive research, including primary sources and firsthand accounts, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Let me shed light on the concepts discussed in the article about the evolution of hockey sticks.
The article highlights the transformation of hockey sticks from traditional all-wooden tools to the contemporary composite sticks. It delves into the poll question regarding a potential return to all-wooden sticks and notes the surprising level of support for such a shift. This discussion prompts an interesting comparison between the reception of the curved stick blade, exemplified by Stan Mikita's experimentation, and today's technologically advanced composite sticks.
Stan Mikita's groundbreaking work with curved stick blades is emphasized as a crucial advancement in hockey history, drawing parallels to the impact of modern composite sticks. The article underlines the resistance and skepticism faced by both developments, showcasing that the evolution of equipment has historically met with opposition from the hockey establishment.
A pivotal moment in stick evolution is attributed to Wayne Gretzky's switch from wooden to aluminum sticks. Despite Gretzky's reputation as the game's greatest scorer, the article points out his minimalistic approach to equipment maintenance, even describing his famous Titan TPM 2020 stick as "a log," "a rock," and "a railway tie." This shift from wooden to new-age sticks, popularized by Gretzky, is framed as a defining moment in hockey history.
The article draws from Bruce Dowbiggin's book "The Stick: A history, a celebration, an elegy," quoting passages that highlight Gretzky's unconventional stick preferences and the contrasting views of stick representatives. The book is recommended as one of the best resources for understanding the intricate history of hockey sticks.
In conclusion, the article advocates for embracing change in hockey stick evolution, reflecting on the sport's history and the transformative impact of advancements like curved blades and composite materials. It encourages a perspective that recognizes the positive aspects of evolving equipment and suggests that, in the future, we may view stick evolution as a beneficial progression for the sport.
