Hi there, hockey parents! I coach youth players all the time here in DFW and the stick your kid uses makes a huge difference. I see it every week. A kid who can't lift the puck gets into the right stick and all of a sudden they're scoring! Let's keep this simple.
The biggest mistake parents make
Kids using a stick built for someone else. Usually too long, too stiff or both. A hand me down from a big brother or a stick to grow into. I get it, hockey is expensive! But a stick that doesn't fit makes the game harder and takes the fun out fast.
Height first!
Get the height right first: chin to mouth on skates. With skates on, the stick should come up to between your kid's chin and mouth. Too long and they can't keep the puck close. Too short and they're bent over and off balance. Cutting a stick down makes it play stiffer, another reason a stick to grow into is a bad idea. Full walkthrough on how to measure stick length correctly.
Then flex
Flex doesn't really matter until your kid is taking snapshots. For passing, stickhandling and wrist shots, height and curve matter way more. Once they're taking snapshots, check our stick flex guide.
Pick a simple, proven curve
For young players the AH28 is my favorite for wrist shots. A mid curve is solid too. We keep three curves in stock. More are available on custom sticks. Click here for in stock curves.
- AH86 (P86, P88 style mid curve): My go to for a lot of kids. Balanced and easy to learn on.
- AH92 (P92): Great mid curve that helps get the puck up.
- AH28 (P28): Great for young players' wrist shots. The toe curve gets the puck off the blade quick and up into the net.
Why I love the AH28 for kids
I see it all the time. A kid who can't lift the puck picks up an AH28 and the wrist shot takes off! The toe curve makes it easy to cup the puck. Only trying one curve? Make it this one! Full breakdown in my thoughts on curves.
Left or right?
A left stick has the blade on the left side of the body with the right hand on top. Right is the opposite. It doesn't always match the hand they write with! Hand your kid a stick and see how they hold it. Go with that.
Time to move up?
- On skates the stick is below their chin now.
- They're taking snapshots and the stick feels whippy.
- They got a lot stronger this season.
- The blade is chewed up, soft or cracked.
Move up one step at a time. Don't jump way ahead.
Do you need the most expensive stick?
Nope! Kids need a stick that fits, not a big logo. That's why we built our sticks to play like pro level sticks without the big brand price. See everything at our full collection.
Custom or stock?
For most kids a stock stick in one of our three curves works great. Very specific need? Custom might make sense. Here is our guide on custom vs stock sticks.
Still not sure? Book a fitting!
This is why I started doing fittings. So many kids have the wrong curve, lie and height! Here is why a stick fitting is worth it. Want extra reps? Check out the ALL Hockey Shooting Center.
Quick checklist
- Height: chin to mouth on skates. Do this first!
- Flex: don't stress until they're taking snapshots.
- Curve: AH28 for wrist shots. AH86 and AH92 are great too.
- Hand: how they naturally hold it.
- Budget: pay for fit, not the logo.
Thank you so much for being a hockey parent! The early mornings and long drives are worth it. Questions? Reach out any time and shop our sticks here!
