One of the most exciting moments during a hockey game is when a team is about to score. All eyes are on the goalie as they use their skills and equipment to block the shot. Therefore, it's important to make sure you've got the best goalie stick to match your size, body type and game.
Pick Shaft
Sticks come in two types: wood and composites. Composites include materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, graphite and titanium. Wood sticks, the traditional choice in goalie sticks, tend to be cheaper, heavier and stiffer than composites, can be easily adjusted by cutting and/or sanding it down but can also break easily.
Check Out Blade
Some goalie sticks curve to the left, right or straight. A straight blade makes it difficult to lift up the puck when you need to clear the goalie zone. Blades that curve to the left or right makes it easier to lift the puck but also makes backward passing more difficult. Beginner goalies are recommended to use a straighter blade while those with experience tend to figure out which curve works best for them. If you are unsure about which stick to choose, check with your hockey league to see which sticks meet regulations.
See How Stick Lies
How a stick lies refers to the angle the stick holds when placed in your normal goalie stance. Goalie sticks are rated and labeled according to the angle it serves. Lower-numbered sticks feature a wider angle while higher numbered sticks feature a narrower angle. To find the right stick lie for you, hold the stick in your usual goalie stance and see how it feels.
Where to Buy Goalie Sticks
Goalie sticks are available at major sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority as well as online merchants such as Amazon.com. For the best one-on-one help, stop by a local hockey specialty shop.
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