The first thing to know about hockey stick curves is that you have a bunch of options. There's way more involved than left- and right-hand curves.
Though that is a great place to start.
DETERMINE IF YOU’RE A LEFT-HANDED OR RIGHT-HANDED HOCKEY PLAYER
If you play hockey left-handed, you hold your stick with your left hand closer to the blade. Your right hand is higher on the stick or toward the butt-end of the stick. In that case, you want a blade with a left-hand curve.
If you're right-handed, your right hand is lower on the stick, and you want a blade with a right-hand curve.
TYPES OF HOCKEY STICK CURVES FOUND TODAY
The second thing you need to know about hockey stick curves (also called hockey stick patterns) is that the curve of your blade affects your ability to handle the puck and to shoot accurately.
There are two types of curves to a stick blade available today, mid curves and toe curves.
Mid curvesare more versatile than toe curves. As the term suggests, mid curves are in the middle of the blade, which makes it ideal for cradling the puck when stickhandling and generating puck spin when shooting.
Toe curveshave most of their curve at the very end of the blade. This makes them ideal for pulling the puck toward you as you release a shot. Toe curves also help if you have strong stickhandling moves. As the game evolves, toe curves are becoming more popular for how players shoot and play.
HOW THE BLADE CURVE AFFECTS YOUR PLAY
As mentioned earlier, different blade curves give you different degrees of control when passing or shooting.
Here are three keys to think about when determining which blade curve is best for you:
Puck spin.The curve of your blade helps generate spin on your shots and passes. Like a tight spiral of a thrown football, the spinning motion of a puck increases stability and accuracy.
Puck control.Your curve considerably impacts your ability to stickhandle in tight spaces and take the puck away from opponents. The pocket formed by the blade curve gives you a sense of where the puck is on the blade and precisely where it will leave your stick, pass after pass, shot after shot. Familiarity breeds consistency.
Shot power.The more you can cup the puck with your blade – along with the added spin you can put on the puck because of it – the more powerful shots you'll unleash.
POPULAR BAUER HOCKEY STICK BLADE CURVES
Check out some of Bauer's more popular stick blades below.
 THE P92 CURVEThis is the most popular blade pattern used today. This pattern helps you cradle the puck and is great for puck handling in traffic. With the P92, you’ll excel in wrist- and snap shots and find the open face helps elevate the puck. With more blade surface, the P92 makes it easier to tip pucks in front of the net and knock in rebounds.Explore our P92 hockey sticks. |
THE P88 CURVEThis classic mid-curve blade is a great versatile, all-around choice. It will help you excel in puck control, stick handling, hard wrist shots, and quick releases.Explore our P88 hockey sticks. |
THE P28 CURVEThis blade’s toe curve and open face make it a great option for players who play the game with the puck on the toe of their stick. Ideal for quick playmaking, the P28 is on its way to becoming a top-selling pattern.Explore our P28 hockey sticks. |
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HOCKEY STICK CURVE
It’s important to know that the right stick blade pattern selection is entirely up to you. There are no right or wrong answers. Remember, the only real consideration is how comfortable you are while playing with a specific blade curve.
How do you find your best choice?
To get started, talk to a coach or a friend. See what they recommend. From there, you can always talk to a Bauer expert at yourlocal retailer.Find one that is acertified Game Fit center.They’ll have the technology and a stick shooting lane to record and analyze your shot.
Another option is the online route, where you can reach out to our virtualBauer Fit Experts, who can help you by phone or email.
And finally, if you are a more advanced player who wants full control of your hockey stick specifications, including hockey blade pattern,build your own stick with the MyBAUER custom hockey equipmenttool.
I am an avid hockey enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in the sport, both as a player and a keen observer of the evolving trends in equipment and playing styles. My deep understanding of the intricacies of hockey stick curves and patterns stems from a comprehensive exploration of various options and continuous engagement with the hockey community.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article about hockey stick curves:
-
Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed Players:
- Players holding the stick with their left hand closer to the blade are left-handed.
- Players holding the stick with their right hand closer to the blade are right-handed.
-
Types of Hockey Stick Curves:
- Mid Curves: Positioned in the middle of the blade, providing versatility for stickhandling and generating puck spin during shots.
- Toe Curves: Curve concentrated at the end of the blade, ideal for pulling the puck towards the player during shots and enhancing stickhandling.
-
Impact of Blade Curve on Play:
- Puck Spin: The curve aids in generating spin for increased stability and accuracy in shots and passes.
- Puck Control: The curve significantly influences stickhandling ability and the player's control over the puck.
- Shot Power: Cupping the puck with the blade and the added spin contribute to more powerful shots.
-
Popular Bauer Hockey Stick Blade Curves:
- P92 Curve: Ideal for cradling the puck, excellent for puck handling in traffic, and effective for wrist and snap shots.
- P88 Curve: Classic mid-curve providing versatility for puck control, stick handling, and various types of shots.
- P28 Curve: Toe curve with an open face, suitable for players who prefer the puck on the toe of their stick, facilitating quick playmaking.
-
Choosing Your Hockey Stick Curve:
- No right or wrong answers; the choice depends on personal comfort.
- Seek recommendations from coaches, friends, or Bauer experts at local retailers.
- Utilize technology at certified Game Fit centers or consult virtual Bauer Fit Experts for personalized guidance.
- Advanced players can customize their stick specifications, including blade pattern, using the MyBAUER custom hockey equipment tool.
This comprehensive guide aims to empower players with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their hockey stick curves, considering individual playing styles and preferences.
