A good hockey stick should give the player wielding it one major advantage: control. To that end, it should transfer the power and momentum of a shot or pass effectively to the puck. There should be minimal loss of power from the wind-up to the release. The shaft of the stick must flex to accommodate the player's body dynamics.
Two Types of Shafts
There are two configurations with regards to the standard hockey shaft. The first is a one-piece, or single-body, shaft. This version is usually made of wood and tends to be more expensive. As the name implies, the blade of the stick is an extension of the shaft. The second configuration of hockey shaft is the composite shaft. This is the more prevalent configuration and the least expensive. Composite shafts are made of inexpensive graphite and aluminum compounds.
Problems With Two-Piece Shafts
While two-piece shafts are more affordable than their one-piece, wooden counterparts, there are a few disadvantages that should be noted. The blade of a two-piece shaft can only be connected to the shaft through a generous application of glue. Under extreme pressure, the blade can snap off and require immediate replacement. Furthermore, there are limited options in terms of matching the blade to the shaft. Tapered blades only can be affixed to tapered shafts. The same is true for standard blades and shafts.
The Flex
The quality of a hockey shaft is how much flex it provides. The flex of the stick is measured in how much pressure has to be applied to bend the stick 1 inch. The greater the required pressure, the more rigid the stick. Senior and professional level hockey regulations allow for shaft flex ratings of 75, 85, 100 and 110. Ultimately, shaft flexibility and rigidity are a matter of personal preference.
The Height
According to NHL Rule 19, no stick shall exceed 63 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft, nor more than 12 1/2 inches from the heel to the end of the blade." There is no ideal height for a hockey shaft. Height, like shaft flexibility, is a matter of personal preference. According to the Hockey Stick Expert website, one way of determining how short to cut a stick is to hold it parallel to one's body. For forwards, the stick should be marked at the level of the lips. For defensemen, the stick should be marked at the level of the nose.
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