The modern ice hockey stick comes in a variety of flexibility levels, shaft lengths, blade shapes and curves to accommodate the needs of each hockey player.
Shaft
The long handle of the ice hockey stick is referred to as the shaft. Hockey sticks are typically made of wood, aluminum, titanium or composites, such as fiberglass, graphite or Kevlar, bonded together with epoxy resin. These materials provide a light, yet flexible, shaft for the hockey stick. The flex of the hockey stick can vary from medium at about 85 flex to extra stiff at about 110 flex. Defensemen typically choose a stiffer, heavier shaft, while forwards, who need more control, often choose a lighter, more flexible shaft.
Blade
The blade of the ice hockey stick is the portion at the end of the shaft that comes in contact with the puck. Blades are made of wood, plastic or composite materials and come in straight or right or left curves. The point at which the blade joins the shaft is referred to as the heel, and the angle at which the blade projects from the shaft is called the lie. Many hockey sticks use replaceable blades which, when worn or broken, are simple to remove, allowing the installation of a new blade.
Goalie Sticks
Goalie sticks differ from other hockey sticks in that they have a wide and flat blade on the lower portion of the shaft that extends down to the actual blade of the stick. The blade on the shaft provides a larger surface area and improves the ability of the goalie to use the stick to defend the goal.
Tape
Hockey tape is frequently used by hockey players to improve the grip of the shaft at the handle. The tape is typically black but also comes in a variety of colors. A typical hockey tape binding consists of a length of hockey tape that is twisted into a rope that wrapped around the handle of the stick and covered with another layer of hockey tape to form a more ergonomic grip. Many players also wrap the end of the hockey stick with several turns of tape to form a knob.
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