Most hockey players take their tape jobs seriously.
David Pastrnak, not so much. The Bruins forward has blamedhis drunken candy cane swirl of a tape job on penny-pinching ways born from hisCzech upbringing. And he celebratedthe Islanders’ signing of his friend, ex-Russian leaguer and fellow Czech Jan Kovar, by declaring on Twitter, "...finally won’t have the worst tape job in the league!"
Kovar’s few indifferent laps of the middle of his blade are,indeed, atrocious. For those who want to do better, read on.
Why Tape? What Tape?
As for what tape to use,hockey tape (or "hockey stick tape”) is the obvious choice. It is typically a cotton/poly blend with rubber adhesive and formulated to not leave residue when removed. Other options include cloth friction tape, gaffers tape, athletic tape and electrical tape. Duct tape should be avoided, as it tends to make a mess.
If you can, resist the temptation for colors. Black obscuresthe puck from defensem*n, and white blends with the ice to make it moredifficult for goalies to read your blade.
How Often?
For optimal performance in terms of feel, your stick shouldget new tape for every game. Many pros re-tape for every practice. But, formost amateurs, protection is the primary goal and, therefore, tape needs to bereplaced only when it is showing wear (fraying and the like) along the bottomedge.
Getting a Handle on It
There are one-piece grip products available, but tapinggrips are still common.Grip tape (like the stuff tennis players use) isspongier than regular stick tape, but also comes off easier and should betacked down at the bottom with a course or two of stick tape.
Regardless, you’re going to start at the butt end of thestick, building a knob — figure in the neighborhood of 20 directly overlappingcourses to build a proper knob. From there, wind a single course, with aconsistent overlap as you go, at least as far down as your top glove reachesbelow the knob.
Throwing Blade
Let’s assume your stick has been taped before. First thing,cut away the old tape.
You can tape from toe to heel or heel to toe. Heel to toemakes for easier trimming and leaves “seams” that face the heel.
Start with the tape a half-inch or so from the top of theblade, on the back. Wind up and over the top of the blade, down the front sideand up the back, and so on until you’re done. More protection and softer feelmeans more tape, so that means tighter overlaps. No bubbles, no ridges — smooththem as you go or start over.
Some players leave the toe of the blade exposed. If that’syour chase, tear the tape so that the end overlaps the top and stops on thefront of the blade.
If you’re covering the whole blade, make a few extra passesbeyond the end. Press the excess together. Trim with scissors or a utility knife.
Now Grab Some Wax
There are plenty of wax options out there. You can purchasewax specifically designed forhockey blades (these are normally a bit on thestickier side) or get creative and use an old candle. The wax will help keepice/snow buildup off your blade – something that may start to interfere withyour stickhandling as the game goes on.
Going with the grain, rub your wax across the bottom of theblade. The seams will lie down better and the extra layer will help to protectthe blade.
Do the same to the front and back faces of the blade for extra control.
Have any ideas for the blog? Topics you would like to see covered?Contact us and let us know!
Certainly! The article covers various aspects of taping hockey sticks, from the reasons behind taping to the techniques involved and the types of tape and additional accessories used. Let's break down the concepts covered:
-
Tape Purpose and Types: The article delves into the multiple functions of taping a hockey stick: protection, improving puck handling, and blade softening. It discusses different types of tape suitable for hockey sticks, such as hockey tape, cloth friction tape, gaffers tape, athletic tape, and their suitability based on adhesion and residue.
-
Tape Color Selection: It highlights the impact of tape color on gameplay, suggesting that black tape obscures the puck from defensem*n, while white tape blends with the ice, potentially making it harder for goalies to track the blade.
-
Frequency of Re-Taping: It outlines the frequency of re-taping sticks, emphasizing that professionals often re-tape before every practice or game for optimal performance. However, for amateurs, replacing tape is recommended when wear, such as fraying, becomes noticeable.
-
Grip Tape and Techniques: The article discusses the use of grip tape, explaining its spongier texture compared to regular stick tape. It also provides a step-by-step guide on how to tape the grip, starting from the butt end of the stick and building a knob.
-
Blade Taping Techniques: It details the method of taping the blade, including directions for taping from heel to toe or toe to heel. It emphasizes the importance of tight overlaps and a smooth finish without bubbles or ridges, and it provides guidance on leaving the toe exposed or covering the whole blade.
-
Blade Waxing: The article introduces the concept of waxing the blade to prevent snow or ice buildup, thereby aiding in stickhandling during the game. It suggests using specialized hockey blade wax or even repurposing an old candle for this purpose.
-
Blog Engagement and Contact Information: Finally, it invites readers to engage by suggesting blog topics or providing feedback.
Understanding these elements demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of hockey stick taping techniques, materials, and their application in gameplay. Whether it's the choice of tape, the method of taping, or additional maintenance like waxing, each aspect contributes to enhancing a player's performance on the ice.
