Hi there! Nobody likes hearing that crack mid shift. Sticks break, that's hockey. But a lot of them break early for dumb reasons you can avoid. Beer league player or hockey parent, a little care goes a long way! Here is what I tell all my players.
1. Tape your blade every time
Tape protects the bottom of the blade and helps you control the puck. Heel to toe, overlap a little, cover the bottom edge. Torn up or soaked? Re tape it. Old wet tape holds moisture on the blade. Tape the knob too for a better top hand grip and easier pickups off the ice.
2. No hot cars
Huge one in Texas! A DFW summer turns your car into an oven and heat is not good for composite sticks. Bring them inside after you play. Same with the garage on a hot day.
3. Store it right
Keep sticks dry, standing up or flat on a rack. Don't jam them in the bag under wet gear and skates. A nick from a skate blade can turn into a crack later.
4. It's not a hammer
We've all done it. Slamming it on the ice after a miss, banging the boards, whacking the crossbar. Composite sticks are built to flex and shoot. Save it for the puck!
5. Watch for slashes and chops
Lots of sticks break from damage that happened weeks ago. Check your stick after games. See a chip or crack? Keep an eye on it. That's usually where it goes.
6. Get the height right and cut carefully
With your skates on, the stick should come up to between your chin and your mouth. Measure twice, cut once. Fine tooth saw and go slow so the end doesn't splinter. Cutting makes it play stiffer! Here is our guide to measuring stick length.
7. Right stick for the job
Outdoor or street hockey chews through a blade fast. Keep an old stick for that and save your good one for game night.
8. Keep a backup in the bag
Doesn't make a stick last but it saves your night! That's also why I believe in a stick that plays like a pro stick without the big brand price. Two in the bag is easy. Marc T. said it in a 5 star review: "Great stick especially for the price. I really like the curve p86 too."
9. Stick with your curve
Get the same curve when you replace so you're not relearning your shot. We keep three in stock: AH28 (P28), great for young players' wrist shots, AH86 (P86, our P88 style mid curve) and AH92 (P92). More on custom sticks. Click here for in stock curves. Thinking about a change? Read my thoughts on curves.
Time for a new one?
- Blade feels soft or mushy.
- You see a crack in the shaft or blade.
- Shots feel off and you can't figure out why.
- Bottom of the blade is worn through even with tape.
- Kids: on skates it's below their chin now.
Don't keep playing a dead stick. It hurts your game more than you think!
Need help picking the next one?
In DFW? Come in for a stick fitting! We'll get your height, curve, flex and lie right. Here is why a stick fitting is worth it. Ready? Shop our sticks here.
Take care of your stick and it takes care of you! Thank you so much for reading! See you at the rink!
