The right stick makes passing easier, shots harder and stickhandling smoother. The wrong one (too long, too stiff or the wrong curve) holds a player back, especially kids. Here's how to pick the right size, flex, length, curve and hand, with sticks we have in stock for every age.
The short answer
- 1Size: pick Youth, Junior, Intermediate or Senior by the player's age and weight.
- 2Flex: start at about half the player's body weight in pounds. When in doubt, go softer.
- 3Length: in skates, the top of the stick should reach the chin.
- 4Curve: beginners do best with a mid curve like the P92 or P88.
- 5Hand: left hand lower on the stick means a left stick.
Step 1: Pick the right size category
Sticks come in four sizes. Each one has a different shaft thickness, length and range of flexes. Use weight first and age second, since kids grow at different rates.
| Size | Typical age | Player weight | Flex range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | 3 to 7 | Under 60 lb | 20 to 30 |
| Junior | 7 to 12 | 50 to 110 lb | 30 to 50 |
| Intermediate | 11 to 14 | 95 to 150 lb | 50 to 65 |
| Senior | 14 and up | 130 lb and up | 65 to 100+ |
These ranges overlap on purpose. A player between two sizes usually does better in the smaller, softer stick.
Step 2: Choose the flex
Flex is how much force it takes to bend the stick 1 inch. The number is printed on the shaft. A stick that bends loads up energy and snaps the puck off the blade, but only if the player is strong enough to bend it.
Flex = about half your body weight in pounds. A 160 lb adult usually ends up around 75 to 85 flex. A 70 lb kid fits a 30 to 40 flex junior stick.
- Go softer (lower number) for kids, beginners and players who take lots of wrist shots and snapshots.
- Go stiffer (higher number) for bigger, stronger players and defence who rely on slapshots.
- Cutting a stick makes it stiffer. Expect a few flex points stiffer for every inch you cut, and more on junior sticks.
The most common mistake we see is a kid with a stick that's too stiff. If they can't bend it, they can't lift the puck. A softer flex helps them shoot better right away.
Step 3: Get the length right
Stand the stick straight up with the toe of the blade on the floor, right in front of the player.
A little longer
Defence, poke checks and reach. Also fine for growing kids, but only by an inch or two.
A little shorter
Forwards who stickhandle in tight and want the puck closer to their body.
We'll cut it for you. Bring the player (and their skates if you can) to our Grande Prairie or Fort St. John store and we'll measure and cut the stick to the right length.
Step 4: Pick a curve (blade pattern)
The curve changes how the puck comes off the blade. Every brand has its own names, but most popular curves have a match at each brand.
Mid curve, open face. The most popular curve in hockey. Easy to lift the puck and good all-around. A safe first pick.
Mid curve, less open. Easiest for passing, receiving and backhands. Great for beginners and defence.
Toe curve, very open. Fast release and toe drags, but harder to pass and shoot backhand. Better for experienced players.
P90TM is another popular mid-toe curve, between the P92 and the P28. Curve names vary a little by brand, so check the photo of the blade on the product page.
Step 5: Left or right?
Hand describes which way the blade curves, not which hand you write with. Lots of right-handed people shoot left.
Left stick
Right hand on top, left hand lower on the shaft. Most Canadian players shoot left.
Right stick
Left hand on top, right hand lower on the shaft.
Hand the player a broom and ask them to sweep. The hand that slides lower on the handle is usually the hand they shoot with.
Step 6: Kick point, grip and price
- Kick point is where the stick bends most. Low kick (Bauer Vapor, CCM Trigger) gives a quick release for wrist shots in tight. Mid kick (Bauer Supreme, CCM Tacks) gives more power on slapshots and one-timers. Hybrid kick (CCM Jetspeed) does a bit of both.
- Grip or no grip. A grip coating keeps your top hand from slipping. Clear (non-grip) lets your hands slide easily. It's personal preference.
- Price. Entry sticks are heavier but tough, which suits kids and beginners. Mid-range sticks are lighter with better feel. Top-end sticks are the lightest and most responsive. Team 3-packs give you a spare at a better price.
Popular sticks in stock
Senior
Intermediate
Junior
Youth
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too stiff. If the player can't bend it, shots stay flat and weak.
- Too long. The puck ends up too far from the body, and stickhandling suffers.
- Buying far too big to grow into. An inch or two is fine. A full size up is not.
- Picking a toe curve for a beginner. A P28 makes passing and backhands harder while they learn.
- Cutting without thinking about flex. Every inch you cut makes the stick stiffer.
Hockey stick FAQ
What flex should my child use?
Start with about half their body weight in pounds, then go softer if you're unsure. Most kids aged 7 to 10 use a 30 to 40 flex junior stick.
How do I know if a stick is too long?
In skates, the top of the stick shouldn't go past the chin. If the player holds it with the blade flat on the ice and their hands are up near their chest, it's too long.
Does cutting a stick change the flex?
Yes. A shorter stick is stiffer, by a few flex points for every inch you cut, and more on junior sticks. Adding an end plug makes it longer and a little softer.
What curve is best for beginners?
A mid curve like the P92 (Bauer), P29 (CCM), W03 (Warrior) or P88. They make it easier to lift the puck, pass and handle backhands.
Should I shoot left or right?
Whichever feels natural. If the left hand slides lower on the stick, use a left stick. Try the broom test above, or come in and try a few sticks in store.
Are expensive sticks worth it?
For older and competitive players, lighter sticks with better feel make a real difference. For young kids and beginners, a durable mid or entry stick with the right flex matters far more than price.
Do you cut sticks in store?
Yes. Bring the player to our Grande Prairie or Fort St. John store and we'll measure and cut the stick to the right length.
Not sure which stick is right?
Bring the player into either store. We'll check size, flex and curve, then cut the stick to the right length before you leave.