| It is best to start out with an inexpensive wood hockey | | | | going to get a curved blade then get one that only has |
| stick for your very first Ice Hockey Stick and it should | | | | a slight curve to it. Forehand passing and shooting |
| have a basic version of each of the unique features | | | | might be a little easier if you end up with a large curve, |
| of a hockey stick. | | | | but back hand passing and shooting will be much more |
| Left handed or right handed stick? | | | | difficult. Master good stick handling and shooting with a |
| Using a right handed versus left handed hockey stick is | | | | basic blade pattern before moving to an advance |
| not an automatic decision and it really comes down to | | | | curve. |
| which way feels more comfortable to you. One | | | | Flex: |
| guideline is to choose a hockey stick so that your | | | | Flex is a measurement of how stiff the hockey stick is. |
| dominate hand is on top (i.e. a left handed stick for a | | | | When you take a shot, the pressure you apply with |
| right handed person). The best way to figure this out is | | | | your lower hand causes the hockey stick to bend. This |
| to borrow one of each stick from friends, or your local | | | | bending is good, up to a point, because it helps |
| hockey shop, and try them out. Choose the way that | | | | accelerate your shot when the hockey stick snaps |
| feels most comfortable to you. | | | | back. The right flex is one that has the most flex that |
| Length: | | | | you can still bend when you shoot. Again, go with a |
| Choosing the right length stick is very important and it | | | | standard/regular flex for your first stick. |
| will dramatically affect your ability to use the hockey | | | | Preparing your new hockey stick for game time |
| stick. Your hockey stick needs to be long enough to | | | | requires three things: |
| reach to approximately your chin when you are | | | | 1. Cut your stick to the proper length. When you are |
| standing in skates when the hockey stick is held | | | | standing in your skates, the top of the stick should be |
| vertically in front of you. Hockey sticks come in a few | | | | around your chin when it is held vertically in front of |
| standard sizes: junior, intermediate and senior and you | | | | you. A fine tooth wood saw works best. |
| will choose the one that is the closest length or longer. | | | | 2. Tape the blade from heel to toe with hockey tape. |
| Expect to end up with a longer stick and cut it to the | | | | 3. Tape the handle to provide a better grip. This usually |
| correct length with a wood saw (or have it cut at the | | | | consists of a knob of tape on the very end of the |
| local hockey shop). | | | | stick, and a single layer of tape wrapped 6-8 inches |
| The Blade Pattern of the hockey stick: | | | | down the shaft starting from the knob. |
| If you are going down the path of starting with a flat | | | | Enjoy your new stick and the great sport of ice |
| blade, then your decision is already made. If you are | | | | hockey! |