Players can use their hockey sticks to carry the puck, pass to teammates and block opposing shots. They can also load up their sticks and launch slap shots at the goal. Slap shots are the hardest shots in hockey -- Boston Bruins star Zdeno Chara's slapper has been clocked at over 108 miles per hour. To get the puck moving as fast as possible off the stick, players must have the proper body position and use the right load technique.
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No longer relegated to prep or private schools, field hockey is growing in popularity these days. With this growth, you’re likely to see more and more teams cropping up in your community. Like some other sports, field hoc...
Hockey sticks have undergone some dramatic changes from the original one-piece wooden sticks that were used throughout the 1970s. Since that time, hockey sticks have been made out of wood and other materials including aluminum ...
The goalie has more to do than just stop shots and break up scoring attempts. The goalie is a third defenseman when the opposing team dumps the puck in the offensive zone. He is often the first player on the scene and can skate...
Hockey sticks to the nose are a common occurrence in all different levels of hockey. Without the use of proper face mask protection, high sticks as well as intentional jabs can do damage to your nose. While some hockey sticks t...
Ice hockey players need their sticks to be natural extensions of their bodies, providing consistency, reliability and power. They'll spend hours cutting the stick, shaving it down and taping it until achieving the perfect feel....
However, players who have mastered puck handling on that side of the stick have an advantage.
For most hockey players, choosing the proper stick is a personal decision. Selecting the right height, weight and flexibility can be the difference between a game-winning goal and missing the net completely. One of the most imp...
Composite hockey sticks are sold as one- or two-piece models. You can replace the blade on a composite stick if you use a two-piece model. If you use a one-piece composite stick, you cannot replace the blade once it breaks, but...
To the naked eye, there isn't really much difference between a regular hockey stick and a goalie stick. However, goalie sticks are wider and have a more pronounced curve in the blade. It is important to size your hockey stick p...
Hockey sticks have evolved toward lighter, more dynamic and more expensive materials. Wood sticks gave way to fiberglass-reinforced wood, then aluminum stick shafts combined with wooden blades, then composite shafts combined wi...
Wood hockey sticks were once the norm, but the equipment evolved toward lighter and more dynamic materials: fiberglass-reinforced wood; aluminum stick shafts with wooden blades; composite shafts combined with wooden blades. In ...
Hockey is a fast-paced, energetic sport that offers great exercise and a fun social experience. Hockey games can lack skates, gloves and shoulder pads but the stick is the one constant. Hockey sticks are responsible for accurat...
Intermediate and senior hockey sticks are very similar in design with the exception of the overall length and flex rating. There are three primary types of hockey sticks: junior, intermediate and senior. Intermediate sticks are...
Roller hockey is an exciting, fast-paced sport that is very similar to ice hockey. The biggest difference is the presence of a hard, smooth surface rather than an ice surface. Roller hockey sticks are a vital piece of equipment...
Ice hockey is a game of skating speed, aggressiveness, stickhandling, shooting and passing. In the hands of the right player, a hockey stick can pass a puck 60 feet right on to the tape of another player's stick blade. That sam...
Composite hockey sticks have become the overwhelmingly favorite choice among professional and amateur players after aluminum sticks became obsolete during the latter part of the 1990s. Composite sticks are lighter and more flex...
Hockey sticks were made solely from wood for many years. That changed when manufacturers started making sticks from materials that were lighter and stronger than wood. When more than one material is used to manufacture a hockey...
Ice hockey is a game of speed, finesse and action, where skating players maneuver hockey sticks to control and shoot a round puck at a goal. From the very beginning, the ice hockey stick has been an integral part of the sport a...
Birthplace of Ice Hockey, a website linking the sport's invention to Windsor, Nova Scotia, dates the first hockey sticks to 1800. Players used sticks intended for the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling, also known as hurleys, to a...
In order to maintain uniformity and equality throughout the league, the National Hockey League enforces many rules regarding the equipment used during a hockey game, including the sticks. While the type of stick used is largely...
Hockey sticks come in so many varieties that it can difficult to choose the stick that will give you the best performance. Some players prefer a wooden stick to a composite, while others combine the two to create a stick made u...
Hockey requires players to manage skating and puck handling at the same time. The puck must be handled on a small, thin blade. Puck handling results in players being able to take the puck down the ice, pass and score. Hockey pl...
Flex is one of the most important determining factors to be considered when buying a hockey stick, and a certain amount of experimentation is usually required to find the perfect flex for a young hockey player. Because young pl...
Consumers must know three things about high-end hockey sticks: They are available in a variety of substances, they are very expensive and they can break easily. Top composite sticks like the Bauer Vapor, Easton Stealth and RBK ...
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.
The hockey stick has evolved since the days of wooden sticks. There are a variety of composite materials that make up hockey sticks, including fiberglass, aluminum, graphite, Kevlar and titanium. Each comes with its own disti...
While differing opinions exist regarding the origins of ice hockey, historians have learned a great deal about the history of hockey sticks. Originally very similar to field hockey sticks, today's sticks use advanced technology...
A hockey stick is one of the most important pieces of equipment a player will purchase. Hockey sticks come in a variety of makes and styles. A hockey stick is used to maneuver the puck around the ice as well as to shoot the puc...
From its inception, the hockey stick has been a highly personalized piece of sports equipment. Each hockey player selects and modifies the stick to suit the requirements of the individual. Today, hockey sticks are available in ...
A hockey stick is one of the necessary pieces of equipment for a player. The National Hockey League considers a player's stick an extension of his arm. A hockey stick must be a proper fit. The length of a hockey stick needs to ...
Hockey has come a long way from the days of wooden hockey sticks. Today, players can choose from composite sticks made from materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber, with modifications for use by defensemen, centers and f...
Players must be able to skate and control the puck all at the same time. The curve of a player's hockey stick often helps a player to better control the puck. Hockey sticks come in many shapes and sizes. However, the NHL has st...
The stick is the most important piece of equipment used to play the sport of ice hockey. It's the way players control the puck, either passing it to other players or attempting to shoot it past the goaltender for a goal. Many p...
The kind and quality of hockey stick to buy for your young hockey player will depend on his age and level of play. For beginning junior players, wooden sticks provide enough durability and performance without being too pricey. ...
You can divide a hockey stick into four parts that include the shaft, heel, toe and blade. The hockey stick shaft, or part of the stick you hold, is usually made of a composite fiber in varying degrees of stiffness. As J.C. Dod...
Properly taping a hockey stick can be somewhat of an art form. Different players choose different color tapes, creating a look on their stick that is uniquely their own. Taping the hockey stick protects it from damage, keeps th...
Although hockey-like games involving the use of sticks to hit objects on the ice have been played in Europe for thousands of years, the modern game of hockey originated in Canada in the late 19th century. In the game of hockey,...
The essential piece of equipment for any hockey player is his stick. For ice hockey, there are essentially three types of sticks. The majority of players use a composite stick, as fewer players opt for traditional wooden sticks...
Playing hockey successfully means being able to handle the puck, pass it, shoot it with power and accuracy, and play defense. You have to hold the hockey stick firmly at all times. However, you have to know when to take some of...
The wrong stick can turn a great player into a mediocre player, while a good stick can drastically enhance an average player's ability. The most common types of hockey sticks are wood sticks and composite sticks. While both typ...
As the technology used in hockey has advanced over the years, the stick has changed greatly. At one time, most players chose to use a stick made of wood. Now, players are turning to composite sticks because they weigh less than...
A hockey stick is arguably the most important piece of equipment for an ice hockey player. The stick allows a player to feel comfortable with his skills. Different sticks are meant for various types of players, including those ...
The popularity of composite ice hockey sticks has meant that wood sticks are scarcely being used. Yet the durability of hockey sticks has dropped drastically, according to StickShack.com, because composite hockey sticks break m...
For hockey players, taping the blade of their sticks has occurred since the National Hockey League was created in the early 20th century. It is a sacred part of the game to some players, while others wouldn't even think of putt...
When watching a pro hockey game, you often see numerous sticks break. However, more often than not, they are the same types of sticks that continue to snap like twigs. Some types of sticks are more durable than others, while le...
Hockey players tape their hockey stick blades to have better control of the hockey puck. Many players have their own preferred methods to stick taping.
Grays International is a field hockey equipment manufacturer founded in Cambridge, England, in 1855. It makes field hockey sticks, goalie gear, bags, accessories, shoes and apparel. Grays, according to the company website, cond...
Hockey equipment can be expensive and subsequently equipment gets handed down from player to player. If you've received a hockey stick that is too tall, you can cut it down to size. Proper hockey stick size is essential for an ...
Taping a hockey stick has given players advantages for decades. However, there are numerous ways to do it. Some players like their blade fully taped, while other players like just a piece of the blade covered in tape. Some play...
Hockey blades need to be replaced as players change in their ability level or as the blade wears out. Graphite hockey stick handles can be removed from the blades and new blades can be added in their place.
Hockey sticks are, arguably, the most crucial piece of equipment for a hockey player. The stick that one player chooses may differ from the stick used by another player in size, weight, price, material and curve. A player must ...
Being able to customize a hockey stick is valued by many players. There is never a perfect stick to buy, so some players want to be able to cut their stick to their liking, making it the correct length. By cutting a stick, a pl...
The flex of a hockey stick is a measure of the stiffness of the stick's shaft. The shaft is the straight part of the stick that stretches to the blade. When a hockey player shoots the puck, his stick hits the ice about six inch...
Many professional hockey players have custom-made hockey sticks, fitted to their height, skill level and color preferences. You can make your own hockey stick and be shooting goals in no time.
The wood hockey stick used to be the most popular choice among hockey players, but with the development of composite hockey sticks that are lighter on average, players are spending more money for these more expensive sticks to ...
Hockey blades occasionally need to be replaced and players change in their ability leve, or as the blade wears out. Aluminum or allow hockey stick handles can be removed from the blades and new blades can be added in their place.
Hockey sticks are expensive pieces of equipment, so it is no surprise when they occasionally get handed from athlete to athlete. In these cases, stick length may need to be altered to meet the height of the new player. By kee...
When a hockey player has the puck on his stick, the curve of the blade, the part of the stick that is in contact with the ice and is used to strike the puck, can determine exactly where he wants the puck to go. Curves come in m...
In ice hockey, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the stick. You must make sure that the stick is the correct length and fits your particular needs as a hockey player. For example, a defenseman will likely require...
While available in one- or two-piece varieties, made from either wood or a composite of synthetic materials such as graphite or Kevlar, choosing the right stick for you is an important decision. Composite sticks are a popular ...
Blade curve and size, manufacturing materials, stick flex and taping methods will all vary from player to player. Stick length varies too, and sticks are often cut down to accommodate a player's height and reach. Newer composit...
Getting ready to play ice hockey is a fairly involved experience. The game requires significant protective equipment because it is played at high speeds, involves significant physical contact and players shoot a hard puck made ...
In the game of hockey, tradition and high tech stand side-by-side. Nowhere is this more obvious to players than in the materials used to make hockey sticks. While wood is the standard that started with the game and is still use...
Hockey players can choose a hockey stick made from aluminum, carbon fiber, wood or Kevlar. Aluminum sticks are good for beginning hockey players as they are relatively inexpensive. However, it is important to find a high-quali...
Wrapping a hockey stick gives it a manageable grip, allowing for easier puck handling. Make sure to use the proper amount of tape in order to optimize results.
Wrapping or taping a hockey stick can improve your grip and give you more control when shooting or passing the puck. It will also protect your stick and prolong its life. There is no rule that says you must tape your stick, but...
Hockey sticks are built to withstand abuse, but are bound to have chips, dings and splinters from hard use. Despite their sturdy build, hockey sticks require proper care. Whether you play street hockey, field hockey or ice hock...
Selecting a hockey stick is a personal choice to a hockey player. You may spend an hour or more in the store trying to find a stick that feels comfortable. Knowing the flex of the stick, its length, the material it is made from...
The blade curve of a hockey stick will need to be customized if a player wants a flatter curve to provide greater power for slap shots, or a greater curve for increased accuracy and puck-handling ability. Whether wood, plastic ...
There was a time when hockey sticks were either made of a solid piece of wood or laminated pieces of wood that were permanently glued together. Today, hockey sticks are made of much more substantial materials, including composi...
Hockey sticks are made from a variety of materials including aluminum, carbon fiber, wood or Kevlar. Aluminum sticks are good for beginning hockey players as they are relatively inexpensive. Carbon fiber hockey sticks are more ...
Your hockey stick becomes an extension of your body when out on the ice, so it's important to choose a hockey stick that you're comfortable with and can play well with. Different hockey sticks exist for the different level of t...
From slap shots to clashes with other players and plowing through snow and ice, your stick can become weak, not handle as well as it should or even break. Taking care of hockey sticks can help them last longer and perform bette...
Hockey sticks are made out of a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, Kevlar and wood. No matter what material your hockey stick is made of, it is important that it is the proper size. Hockey sticks that are ...
When purchasing a hockey stick, choose a high-quality product made from aluminum, carbon fiber, wood or Kevlar. Aluminum sticks are good for beginning hockey players as they are relatively inexpensive. Carbon fiber hockey sti...
Many players find that taping their stick is very beneficial to their performance on the ice. This tape is usually applied to the handle of the stick and the hockey stick blade. Taping the blade helps keep condensation away fro...
Ice hockey sticks are generally taped in two areas. The first area is the blade of the stick and the second is the handle of the stick. The blade of the stick is taped to enhance a player's ability to control the puck as well a...
Wood is the material used to make today's modern hockey sticks. The manufacturing process is fairly straightforward, producing sticks that are light, strong, flexible and durable. The wood for hockey sticks is first selected, t...
Taping your hockey stick can extend the life of your blade. Whether you have a composite or wooden stick, water and snow can damage and weaken the surface of your blade. Taping your hockey stick can also improve your performanc...
Taping the grip of your hockey stick with cloth hockey tape or friction tape helps you maintain a good grip on the stick throughout play. It's also of particular use when shooting, passing, stick handling, stick checking or try...
Taping the blade of your hockey stick blade helps cushion the blade, making it easier to gain and keep control of the puck. Taping your stick's blade may also help you when passing, shooting and stick-handling because of the in...
Stock hockey sticks that come straight from the sporting goods store usually need to be customized. This can include improving the grip and blade with cloth tape. The tape is used to build up a custom grip and surface for the b...
Taping a goalie stick is critical to performance. Tape is applied to both the knob of the hockey stick as well as the blade of the stick. At the knob end, tape helps by improving the goalie's grip on the stick. At the blade end...
The style of wrapping your hockey stick with tape is mostly personal preference, but the method is basically the same, no matter how you prefer your tape. Tape is wound around the top of the stick to give you superior grip when...
Hockey players wrap their sticks for two reasons. The first is that they are using a wood stick, and after taping the stick, wax can improve the life of the hockey stick, making it impervious to damage from water and snow. The ...
Wrapping a hockey stick allows athletes to achieve easier puck handling, and can also be a defensive tool to confuse goalies when shooting a puck. Choose a high quality hockey tape and wrap around the blade of the stick. Fini...
The hockey stick is a hockey player's best weapon on the ice, so hockey stick handling is an important for skill for every player. A player needs to be so comfortable handling his stick that it becomes like an extension of his...
High sticking in hockey is one of the most debated penalty calls in the game. The term refers to a player raising his stick above shoulder height while the game is still underway. It sounds simple enough, but rules regarding h...
In its earliest form, a hockey stick was carved out of a solid piece of wood. It was the player's responsibility to build it, take care of it and replace it. After that, the production of hockey sticks became big business, par...
