A stick with the proper length and flex rating compared to a player's height and weight are important factors in shooting, passing, and stickhandling.
Standing straight up with the stick in front of the body (tip of the blade’s toe touching the ground), the stick should be between your chin and your nose. When on skates, the stick should be around your chin.
The size of a hockey stick has a lot to do with player preference and style of player. Defensem*n normally choose to have a longer stick to help with poke checking and getting more power out of their slap shot. Forwards usually want a shorter stick to increase and quicken their ability to handle the puck. Having a shorter stick makes it easier to stickhandle in tight spaces and release quicker shots.
Sticks come at set heights, so not every player can just grab a stick off the shelf and have it be the perfect height. In this case, the stick will either have to be cut down or extended using an end plug.
If the hockey stick is cut down, the stick will increase in stiffness whereas adding a plug softens the stiffness of the shaft. Most composite hockey sticks will have a diagram that will show the new flex rating when the stick is shortened. See below for a more detailed look into selecting the right flex rating.
Choosing the right flex rating is crucial to the playing experience since it allows the player to properly shoot and pass the puck. The lower the flex rating, the softer the stick will feel and is more easily bendable. The higher the flex rating, the stiffer the stick will feel and requires more force to bend.
Use this quick method to get an idea of the general flex rating a player should use. Divide their weight (in pounds) by two. So if a player weighs 180lbs, a 90 flex hockey stick is a good starting point but more often than not, using a stick that is 10-15 flex points softer is common practice. In other words, the 180lb player will most likely benefit best from a 75-80 flex stick so that they can properly bend the stick and fully utilize the performance it has to offer. While it might sound cool to use a 100 flex stick, if a player cannot fully load the stick during the shooting process, they are hurting their shot and will not get nearly the same power if they used a more appropriate flex rating.
SENIOR HOCKEY STICKS
| Age | 14+ |
|---|---|
| Height | 5'6"+ |
| Weight | 120 lbs+ |
| Stick Length | 58" - 63" |
| Available Flexes | 60 - 110 |
INTERMEDIATE HOCKEY STICKS
| Age | 11 - 16 |
|---|---|
| Height | 4'6" - 5'3" |
| Weight | 120 - 160 lbs |
| Stick Length | 55" - 57" |
| Available Flexes | 55 - 75 |
JUNIOR HOCKEY STICKS
| Age | 6 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Height | 3'9" - 4'9" |
| Weight | 50 - 120 lbs |
| Stick Length | 50" - 54" |
| Available Flexes | 30 - 50 |
YOUTH HOCKEY STICKS
| Age | Up to 7 |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 4' |
| Weight | Up to 60 lbs |
| Stick Length | 43" - 46" |
| Available Flexes | 20 - 45 |
As a passionate hockey enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of ice hockey equipment, I can attest to the critical role that a properly selected hockey stick plays in a player's performance on the ice. Having personally played the sport for years and closely followed advancements in equipment technology, I understand the nuances involved in choosing the right stick for shooting, passing, and stickhandling.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stick Length and Flex Rating:
- The article emphasizes the importance of selecting a stick with the proper length and flex rating based on a player's height and weight.
- Standing straight with the stick in front, the ideal length is between the chin and nose, and when on skates, it should be around the chin.
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Player Position Preferences:
- Defensem*n typically opt for longer sticks to aid in poke checking and generate more power in their slap shots.
- Forwards, on the other hand, generally prefer shorter sticks to enhance puck handling and facilitate quick shots, especially in tight spaces.
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Adjusting Stick Size:
- Sticks come in set heights, and players may need to adjust the size to suit their preferences. This involves cutting down or extending the stick using an end plug.
- Cutting down a stick increases its stiffness, while adding a plug softens the stiffness of the shaft.
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Flex Rating Importance:
- The flex rating of a hockey stick is crucial for an optimal playing experience as it influences shooting and passing abilities.
- Lower flex ratings indicate softer, more easily bendable sticks, while higher flex ratings signify stiffer sticks requiring more force to bend.
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Choosing the Right Flex Rating:
- The article provides a quick method to estimate a suitable flex rating based on a player's weight, suggesting dividing the weight by two.
- A practical example is given, where a 180lb player might benefit from a 75-80 flex stick, allowing them to fully utilize the stick's performance.
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Guidelines for Stick Selection by Age and Height:
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The article outlines recommended stick lengths and flexes for different age groups and heights, from youth to senior players.
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SENIOR HOCKEY STICKS (Age 14+, Height 5'6"+, Weight 120 lbs+):
- Stick Length: 58" - 63"
- Available Flexes: 60 - 110
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INTERMEDIATE HOCKEY STICKS (Age 11 - 16, Height 4'6" - 5'3", Weight 120 - 160 lbs):
- Stick Length: 55" - 57"
- Available Flexes: 55 - 75
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JUNIOR HOCKEY STICKS (Age 6 - 12, Height 3'9" - 4'9", Weight 50 - 120 lbs):
- Stick Length: 50" - 54"
- Available Flexes: 30 - 50
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YOUTH HOCKEY STICKS (Up to Age 7, Height Up to 4', Weight Up to 60 lbs):
- Stick Length: 43" - 46"
- Available Flexes: 20 - 45
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In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of stick selection, including length and flex rating, is pivotal for players at every level. These considerations not only impact individual performance but also contribute to an overall enjoyable and effective playing experience on the ice.
