What Is A Rubber Grip Goalie Stick?

A goalie stick with a thin, rubber coating on the handle is considered a rubber grip goalie stick. The grip may be clear or colored and is found at the butt-end of the stick and just above the paddle on the goalie stick, where the goaltender usually grips the stick during game play.

Function

A rubber grip allows the goalie to keep a better grip on the stick during the game since it provides additional friction to keep the stick from sliding out of his gloved hand. A rubberized grip also helps increase the goalie's control over the stick both while making saves and when playing the puck.

Types

Some goalie sticks are manufactured with the rubber grip already applied to the shaft of the stick, while other types of rubber grip allow you to customize your own grip. Manufactured sticks usually place the grip on the shaft in two sections--near the butt end and above the paddle, but some manufacturers apply the rubber grip to the entire shaft. Many companies produce hockey grip tape which can be applied to both the shaft and blade of the goalie stick to provide increased grip and increased puck control in a customized fashion. Another company offers a paint-on grip that can be applied directly to the stick or painted over the hockey tape to increase the grip and stick control, and allows you to customize the exact sections of your goalie stick where you need increased grip.

Advantages

A rubber grip increases the goalie's ability to control the stick, and in turn to control the puck. The rubber grip also helps the stick to remain in the goalie's hand during rough play or during scrums in front of the net. The rubber grip near the butt end of the stick allows for easier retrieval of the stick if it is knocked from the goalie's hand, since the grip makes it easier to pick up off the ice.

Disadvantages

The increased grip on the stick can lead to problems if the goalie tries to poke check a player and needs the full extension of the stick to do so. Since the additional grip keeps the stick firmly in the goalie's hand, it is more difficult for him to release his grip and allow the stick to slide through his hand to make the poke check. Since rubberized grip on a goalie stick is not common, it may take the goalie a while to get used to the feel of the grip while playing.