A hockey blade is the very bottom portion of a hockey stick. The blade provides for puck control and allows players to more easily move the puck along the ice. Hockey blades come in a variety of different materials and can be curved to meet the preferences of a player. The majority of hockey blades can be replaced if they become worn or broken. The blade fits into the portion of the stick called the shaft. The blade can be removed from the shaft and a replacement blade can be inserted.
Tapered Blades
A tapered blade is designed to fit so snug in the shaft that the entire hockey stick appears as if it is one piece. Tapered replacement blades can be made of wood, fiberglass, plastic and other materials. A tapered blade provides a player with a lower kick point. In hockey, a kick point is the position on the blade where the puck leaves the stick during a shot. A tapered blade also allows a player to shoot the puck more quickly and use less force while taking the shot.
Wood Blades
A majority of hockey blades are made of wood. Thin layers of wood are layered together and a laminate coating is used to hold the blade together as well as to provide flexibility and strength. Because wood blades are susceptible to water damage from the ice, almost all wood blades are coated with fiberglass. Fiberglass provides additional strength as well as protection from water damage. Wood blades are typically more heavy than other types of hockey replacement blades. Wood blades can be made left or right-handed and can be curved to a player's liking.
Composite Blades
Composite blades are frequently used in hockey today. They are very strong and light weight. Composite materials include carbon fiber, fiberglass and graphite. Another material typically used is Kevlar, which is an extremely durable, fiber material. The light-weight nature of composite blades allows players to shoot quickly and harder than with wooden blades. Composite blades are entirely water resistant. Many older hockey players do not like composite blades because they are much lighter than the blades they are accustomed to playing with. Composite blades come in a variety of curves and can be designed for left and right-handed hockey players.
Plastic Blades
Plastic blades are inexpensive. However, they are not recommended for individuals who play hockey professionally or in a competitive league. Plastic replacement blades have minimal strength but are very flexible. The extreme flexibility of plastic blades can cause a player to lose control of the puck while shooting and passing. The one benefit of plastic blades is that they are friction resistant when playing hockey on a dry surface. Floor hockey players are likely to use plastic blades. You are also likely to find plastic blades in a school gym as they are commonly used in physical education classes.
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