picking the right hockey stick curve
Choosing the right hockey stick blade is a critical decision for any player, as it directly impacts puck control, shooting accuracy, and passing precision. With a dizzying array of curves, depths, and toes available, understanding the nuances of each can empower you to select a blade that complements your playing style and maximizes your on-ice performance.
Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider when picking the perfect hockey stick blade, including insights from professional players' preferences:
1. Understanding Blade Curves (Patterns)
The curve of a blade refers to its shape from heel to toe and significantly affects how you handle the puck. Blade manufacturers often have their own proprietary names for curves, but they generally fall into a few common categories:
Mid-Curves: These are the most common and versatile, with the curve centered in the middle of the blade.
Pros: Good for all-around play, strong shots, and decent puck handling. They offer a good balance of lift and control, and are excellent for backhand shots.
Cons: May not excel in any one specific area as much as specialized curves.
Ideal for: Players who do a bit of everything – shooting, passing, and stickhandling – and are looking for a reliable, adaptable blade. This is often seen as a "playmaker's curve."
Pro Examples: The Bauer P88 (Kane/Crosby) and CCM P40 (MacKinnon) are classic mid-curves. Players like Sidney Crosby are known for their exceptional all-around game and proficiency with this type of curve, allowing them to excel at stickhandling, passing, and various shot types.
Heel Curves: The curve is more pronounced towards the heel (the part closest to the shaft).
Pros: Excellent for powerful slap shots and one-timers as they help cup the puck, providing more surface area for contact. They also offer good control for stickhandling in tight spaces and making accurate passes, especially for clearing the zone.
Cons: Can make backhand shots more challenging and may reduce accuracy on wrist shots, particularly quick-release ones.
Ideal for: Defensemen, power forwards, and players who prioritize hard shots from the point or slot, and those who need strong puck control along the boards.
Pro Examples: The Bauer P02 or CCM P02 (Nash) are common heel curves. Historically, players like Rick Nash used heel-heavy curves for their powerful shots, and many defensemen still opt for them for point shots and long passes.
Toe Curves: The curve is concentrated towards the toe of the blade.
Pros: Great for quick release wrist shots, snapshots, and creative dangle moves like toe-drags. The toe acts as a scoop, allowing for quick puck elevation and changing shooting angles.
Cons: Can be less stable for slap shots and may take some getting used to for precise passing. Backhands can be more difficult to control.
Ideal for: Forwards, especially those who rely on quick shots in traffic, deking, and offensive creativity in tight spaces. This is often considered a "sniper's curve."
Pro Examples: The Bauer P28 (Eichel/Kane), CCM P28 (McDavid), and Warrior W28 (Gallagher) are very popular toe curves. Players like Connor McDavid and Patrick Kane utilize these curves for their insane stickhandling, quick releases, and ability to elevate the puck in tight windows. Alexander Ovechkin is also known for a modified P28.
Mid-Toe Curves: A hybrid of mid and toe curves, offering a balance of both.
Pros: Versatile for both shooting and stickhandling, providing good puck feel and a relatively quick release, often with an open face to aid in lifting the puck.
Cons: Still a compromise, so it may not be as specialized as a pure heel or toe curve for certain situations.
Ideal for: Offensive-minded players who want a good blend of shooting power and stickhandling finesse, and who take a variety of shots. This is arguably the most popular curve in the NHL today.
Pro Examples: The Bauer P92 (Ovechkin), CCM P29 (Crosby's version), and Warrior W03 (Backstrom) are prime examples. Players like Mitch Marner and Connor Bedard often use variations of the P92/P29, showcasing its effectiveness for all-around offensive play, including quick releases and good puck control.
2. Blade Depth (Open vs. Closed Face)
The depth of the blade refers to how much it cups the puck.
Open Face: The blade face is angled slightly upwards, creating more loft.
Pros: Easier to lift the puck for saucers, deflections, and quick shots over a goalie's pads. Common in toe curves to maximize quick elevation.
Cons: Can make stickhandling and keeping the puck on the ice a bit more challenging, especially for beginners.
Ideal for: Players who frequently need to get the puck airborne, like those taking quick shots in close or looking for deflections. Many snipers prefer an open face.
Closed Face: The blade face is flatter, providing more surface area for contact with the ice.
Pros: Excellent for keeping the puck on the ice, precise passing, and powerful slap shots. Offers more control during stickhandling.
Cons: Can make it harder to get the puck airborne quickly.
Ideal for: Players who prioritize accurate passing, heavy slap shots, and strong puck control. Defensemen often lean towards flatter, more closed faces for stability on passes and shots from the point.
3. Blade Toe Shape
The shape of the toe also influences puck control and shot release.
Round Toe: The most common toe shape.
Pros: Versatile and forgiving, offering good control for stickhandling and passing.
Cons: No significant drawbacks for general play.
Ideal for: All-around players and those who want a balanced feel.
Square Toe: The toe is more squared off, providing a larger surface area at the very end of the blade.
Pros: Can offer a slight advantage for pulling the puck in tight and protecting it along the boards. Some players find it easier to dig pucks out of corners.
Cons: Can feel a bit clunky for quick dekes and may be harder to elevate the puck with a quick toe flick.
Ideal for: Players who engage in a lot of board battles, dig pucks out of corners, or appreciate the extra surface area for puck protection.
4. Lie Angle
The lie angle refers to the angle at which the blade sits on the ice when the stick is held in a comfortable playing position. A higher lie (e.g., 6.0) means the blade is more upright, while a lower lie (e.g., 5.0) means it's flatter.
Choosing the Right Lie: The ideal lie angle allows the entire bottom edge of the blade to make even contact with the ice when you're in your natural skating stance. If the toe is consistently off the ice, your lie is too high. If the heel is off, it's too low.
Impact: An incorrect lie can lead to inconsistent puck contact, hinder shooting accuracy, and make stickhandling more challenging. Players often adjust their lie based on their height, skating style, and how close they keep the puck to their body.
5. Material and Construction
While not directly about the blade's shape, the material and construction of the blade can affect its feel, durability, and weight. Most modern blades are made from composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass), offering a good balance of strength and lightness. Some players still prefer wood blades for their feel and shock absorption, though they are less common in high-performance sticks.
Finding Your Perfect Blade
Consider Your Playing Style: Are you a sniper, a playmaker, a defensive stalwart, or an all-around grinder? Your role and tendencies on the ice should heavily influence your choice.
Experiment (If Possible): The best way to find your ideal blade is to try different patterns. Many pro shops have demo sticks, or you can borrow sticks from teammates.
Don't Be Afraid to Change: Your game evolves, and so might your preference for a blade. What worked for you as a beginner might not be ideal as you develop new skills.
Seek Advice: Talk to experienced players, coaches, or pro shop staff. They can offer valuable insights based on your individual needs.
By carefully considering these factors and experimenting with different options, you can confidently select the hockey stick blade that will elevate your game and help you dominate the ice, just like the pros do with their tailored equipment.
