Hockey tape is a staple in any hockey bag. It can be used to keep hockey equipment in place during game play, to get a better handle on the ball with your stick and even to decorate your gear in your team colors. While hockey tape is traditionally black or white, different styles of hockey tape are used for different applications to improve your game. Being prepared with a roll of each style of hockey tape, can help you to be sure that you're prepared to tackle any hockey-related complaint.
White Cloth
While cloth tape is the most recognizable and popular style of hockey tape. Used to wrap your hockey stick to make a knob on the top for better grip, as well as on the stick blade, white cloth can give your stick a more personal feel. White cloth tape can also be used on equipment like gloves, helmets, jerseys and pads to reduce friction and make for more comfortable game play. White tape on your stick blade can make improve your handling by making it easier for you to see the puck, which is ideal for beginner hockey players.
Black Friction
Black friction tape, which is stretchy and sticky, can be used in conjunction with white cloth tape to give you better control over the puck. When friction tape is used on the outside of the blade, it gives you a stickier surface with which to handle the puck. Seasoned players prefer black tape on the blade because it hides the puck from opponents, notes the book, "Hockey for Weekend Warriors: A Guide to Everything from Skates to Slap Shots." Friction tape can also be used to give you a moldable surface along the stick shaft, and it can be covered with white tape for a less-sticky surface.
Colored Cloth
Colored cloth tape is used in the same manner as white cloth tape, yet you can purchase it in a variety of colors to match your team uniforms. When you want your stick or your equipment to have a more personalized look, colored cloth tape can allow you to work up patterns and designs so everyone knows exactly who is on the ice. Tape your stick with your team colors for a flashier presentation, or use the tape to label your hockey bag so you know which is yours among your teammates' equipment.
Transparent
Transparent-style hockey tape is used to secure your shin guards to your socks and legs for a snugger, more secure fit, notes the Howie's Hockey tape website. Since the tape is clear, you can wrap it around and over the top of your socks without interfering with your uniform or your team colors. Transparent tape can also be used for quick fixes when your uniform or equipment bag gets a tear; just make sure to have them professionally repaired when you get the chance.
References
- "Hockey for Weekend Warriors: A Guide to Everything from Skates to Slap Shots": Scott Noble; 2005
- Howie's Hockey Tape: Taping the Shin Pad
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