Hockey goalie stick sizing chart. Ultimate Guide to Hockey Goalie Stick Sizing: Find Your Perfect Fit

How are goalie sticks sized. What factors should you consider when choosing a goalie stick. How do you determine the right paddle length for your height. What are the different size categories for goalie sticks. How does age affect goalie stick selection.

Understanding Goalie Stick Sizing Basics

Selecting the right goalie stick is crucial for optimal performance on the ice. The most common sizes for goalie sticks range from 22″ to 25″, but finding the perfect fit requires considering several factors. Goalie sticks are sized using a number system that spans from 14″ to 36″, with two primary considerations: paddle size and size category.

There are four main size categories for goalie sticks:

• Youth
• Junior
• Intermediate
• Senior

Generally, goalies transition to a Senior level stick by high school. However, Intermediate sticks offer advantages such as lighter weight and often lower cost, making them a viable option for some players.

The Importance of Proper Paddle Length

One common mistake among goalies is selecting a stick with an overly long paddle. Even professional NHL goalies like Devan Dubnyk, standing at 6’6″, use a paddle length of just 25″. This illustrates the importance of finding the right balance between height and paddle length.

Proper paddle length ensures:

1. Correct stance alignment
2. Optimal blocker positioning
3. Improved puck control

Goalie Stick Sizing Chart: Height and Age Considerations

While height is the primary factor in determining goalie stick size, age also plays a role, particularly when considering stick weight. Here’s a comprehensive sizing chart to guide your selection:

Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Goalie Stick

To ensure you select the perfect goalie stick, follow these steps:

1. Wear goalie skates for accurate fitting
2. Assume a proper stance position
3. Place the stick 12″ from the skates
4. Check blocker alignment with the leg pad

A correctly fitted stick will position the blocker next to the leg pad without overlapping. If the blocker overlaps or the heel lifts off the ice, the stick is too short. Conversely, if there’s a large gap between the blocker and leg pad or the toe lifts, the stick is too long.

Goalie Stick Patterns: Beyond Size

When selecting a goalie stick, size isn’t the only consideration. The stick’s pattern, which describes the curve of the blade and the lie of the stick, is equally important. With the increasing emphasis on goalies playing the puck, choosing the right pattern can significantly impact your performance.

Understanding Curve Patterns

Curve patterns are defined by two main attributes:

• Curve Location: Mid or Heel
• Face Position: Open or Closed

Mid Curve sticks have curvature beginning in the middle of the blade, while Heel Curve sticks start curving at the heel. Open Curve blades flare open towards the toe, similar to a golf wedge, while Closed Curve blades maintain a more consistent face angle.

The Impact of Lie Angle on Goalie Stick Performance

The lie of a goalie stick refers to the angle between the paddle and the blade. This angle affects how the blade sits on the ice when the goalie is in their stance. Choosing the correct lie angle is crucial for maintaining proper form and maximizing control.

Common Lie Angles

• Low Lie (11-13): Suitable for goalies who play in a lower stance
• Medium Lie (14-15): Versatile option for most playing styles
• High Lie (16-18): Ideal for goalies who maintain a more upright stance

Selecting the appropriate lie angle ensures that the entire blade makes contact with the ice when in your natural stance, improving puck control and reducing unwanted rebounds.

Material Considerations: Wood vs. Composite Goalie Sticks

The material of your goalie stick can significantly impact its performance, durability, and feel. The two primary options are wood and composite sticks, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

Wood Goalie Sticks

Wood sticks offer a traditional feel and are often preferred by goalies who value a more natural puck feel. Benefits of wood sticks include:

• Lower cost
• Better puck feel for some players
• Durability against impacts

However, wood sticks are typically heavier and may not offer the same level of consistency in manufacturing as composite options.

Composite Goalie Sticks

Composite sticks have gained popularity due to their advanced technology and performance benefits. Advantages of composite sticks include:

• Lighter weight
• Consistent performance
• Customizable flex profiles
• Increased durability against wear

The main drawback of composite sticks is their higher cost, but many goalies find the performance benefits outweigh the price difference.

Adapting Your Goalie Stick as You Grow

As young goalies develop and grow, their stick needs will change. It’s essential to regularly reassess your stick size and adjust accordingly. How often should you reevaluate your goalie stick size? A good rule of thumb is to check your stick fit at least once per season or whenever you experience a significant growth spurt.

Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Goalie Stick

• Difficulty maintaining a proper stance
• Blocker overlapping with leg pad
• Heel of the stick lifting off the ice in normal stance
• Reduced puck control or increased rebounds

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider upsizing your goalie stick. Remember, using a properly sized stick is crucial for developing good habits and maximizing your performance on the ice.

Advanced Techniques for Customizing Your Goalie Stick

While selecting the right size and pattern is crucial, many professional goalies take stick customization a step further. These advanced techniques can help you fine-tune your stick for optimal performance.

Blade Tapering

Some goalies prefer to taper the thickness of their stick blade. This can be done to reduce weight, improve puck feel, or alter the stick’s balance. How does blade tapering affect goalie stick performance? Tapering can enhance puck control for skilled puck-handling goalies but may reduce durability.

Grip Customization

The grip on your goalie stick can significantly impact your control and comfort. Options for grip customization include:

• Adding extra tape layers for cushioning
• Using grip-enhancing sprays or coatings
• Customizing the tape pattern for optimal feel

Experimenting with different grip techniques can help you find the perfect balance between control and comfort.

Paddle Extensions

For goalies who fall between standard sizes, paddle extensions can be a valuable solution. These allow you to increase the length of your stick’s paddle without purchasing an entirely new stick. When might a goalie consider using paddle extensions? They’re particularly useful during growth spurts or when transitioning between size categories.

The Role of Goalie Stick Weight in Performance

The weight of your goalie stick can have a significant impact on your performance, affecting everything from your reaction time to your endurance during long games. Understanding how stick weight influences your play can help you make a more informed choice.

Advantages of Lighter Sticks

• Quicker movements and reactions
• Reduced fatigue during long games or practices
• Easier puck handling for some goalies

Benefits of Heavier Sticks

• Increased stability when making saves
• More power when clearing the puck
• Potentially better durability

The ideal stick weight varies depending on the goalie’s strength, playing style, and personal preference. Many goalies find that a balance between weight and control works best for their game.

Maintaining Your Goalie Stick for Longevity

Proper maintenance of your goalie stick can extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance throughout its use. Here are some key tips for keeping your stick in top condition:

Regular Inspection

Frequently check your stick for signs of wear or damage, including:

• Cracks or splits in the blade or shaft
• Loose or damaged tape
• Wear on the bottom edge of the blade

Proper Storage

How you store your stick can significantly impact its longevity. Always store your stick in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures (like in a hot car) for extended periods.

Blade Maintenance

The blade of your stick takes the most abuse during play. To maintain its performance:

• Regularly replace the tape on the blade
• Consider using a blade hardener to increase durability
• Rotate between multiple sticks to distribute wear

By implementing these maintenance practices, you can ensure that your goalie stick remains in optimal condition, allowing you to focus on your performance on the ice.

Goalie Stick Sizing Guide | How To Size A Goalie Stick

Before you go out and buy a new goalie stick, you’ve got to find the right size goalie stick. The most common ranges for goalie stick sizes are in the 22″ to 25″ range.

How are goalie sticks sized?

Goalie sticks are sized off a number that ranges from 14″ to 36″ and anywhere in between. There are two factors to keep in mind when finding the right sized goalie stick, both paddle size and the size category.

Wait, size category? Yes. Goalie sticks come in one of four possible size categories, with further classification by paddle height.

•  Youth
• Junior
• Intermediate
• Senior

Typically, goalies will move into a Senior level goalie stick by the time they get to High School. With that said, Intermediate goalie sticks are lighter than Senior sticks (and, Intermediate is almost always cheaper than Senior), so choosing an intermediate might not be the worst decision for you.

One of the most common mistakes most goalies make when sizing goalie gear? When it comes to goalie sticks, they buy the sticks with a paddle length that is far to long.

Devan Dubnyk, a well known NHL goalie, is 6’6″ tall and uses a paddle length of 25″.

Sizing a goalie stick is actually one of the easiest pieces of goalie gear to find the size for. You can pick a size based on both height and age, but height is by far the most important. Age comes into play when we consider the weight of a goalie stick. Some of the lightest goalie sticks on the market can be used by younger goalies, but it makes more sense to buy a stick that fits your age bracket as well.

We use this goalie stick sizing chart when determining the best size goalie stick for a goalie based on age. 

Remember, when buying a new goalie stick, you will need to determine both the Size and the Paddle Length. For example, “I ordered a Senior, 25″ goalie stick”.

Goalie Stick Sizing | Pure Goalie

Finding a goalie’s correct stick length is crucial, though its importance is often overlooked with younger goaltenders. When measuring for the correct size, remember that the length of the paddle (the thicker part of the goal stick) is the most important feature.

The right paddle length helps the goalie maintain a proper stance. The paddle must be long enough so that when the goalie is in the proper stance with their knees bent and stick flat on the ice 8″ to 12″ in front of their toes, the blocker is aligned with the leg pad and is not overlapping the leg pad.

To properly fit a goalie stick, follow these simple steps:

CHOOSING A GOALIE STICK PATTERN

Given today’s emphasis on goalies playing the puck, it is more important than ever to consider the blade pattern of the goalie stick. Don’t just purchase the lightest, cheapest stick on the rack—know your individual needs and style, and purchase a stick based on these attributes.

The “Pattern” of a stick describes two elements: the curve of the blade and the lie of the stick.

1. CURVE

The curve is based on two different attributes: where the curve begins in the stick (“Mid” or “Heel”), and how the face of the blade is positioned, moving from the heel of the stick to the toe of the stick (“Open” or “Closed”). Understanding these options and their merits will help you make the best purchasing decision.

Curve Pattern Descriptions:

• Mid Curve – curvature begins in the middle of the blade.
• Heel Curve – curvature starts at the heel of the blade.
• Open Curve – blade flares open as the curve approaches the toe (think of a wedge in golf).
• Closed Curve – blade stays more flat throughout the curve (think of a 3-iron in golf).

As a general rule, sticks with a mid curve make it easier to play the puck but a bit more challenging to shoot the puck higher.

Sticks with a more open curve, especially an open heel curve, make it easy to clear a puck high off of the glass but a bit harder to play around the net.

BEGINNING GOALIES should start with a MID curve and then adjust from here, if necessary, based on their style.

2. STICK LIE

The lie of the stick describes the location of the paddle when the stick blade is flat on the ice. Generally, we advise that the blocker be just to the side of, and not overlapping, the leg pad when the goalie is in his/her stance. Depending on their stance, goalies may need to purchase a stick that has a lower (13) or higher (15) lie.

Choosing the proper stick lie is critically important, as it affects more than just the blocker board position in the goalie’s stance. Shooting, directing the puck upon impact, etc., are all affected by the stick lie. Therefore, it is important that the goalie wear his/her skates when picking a new stick to ensure an accurate fit.

Lie 13: Places the blocker board farther away from the body with the stick blade flat on the ice.

Lie 14: Mid-level lie

Lie 15: Places the blocker board closer to the body with the stick blade flat on the ice.

NOTE: Lie measurement only applies to sticks with a flat blade bottom. Sticks with a curved or rockered blade bottom have no lie listed.

CONSIDERING FLEX WHEN BUYING A STICK

Stick flex is a measure of how flexible or how stiff a hockey stick is when a force is applied to it. Again, since passing and shooting the puck have become critical skills for today’s goalies, it’s important that the goalie choose a stick flex that best fits his or her needs.

When a player takes a shot, the hockey stick bends—which essentially turns the hockey stick into a spring that stores energy. When the spring is released (when the stick unbends and returns to straight), the energy is released and accelerates the puck.

“Stiff” sticks are harder to flex, but the energy released when the stick returns to form is greater. For this reason, stronger or heavier players may wish to use a stick with a stiff flex. Younger or weaker shooters will not be able to take advantage of the energy recoil of stiff sticks because they can’t bend them in the first place.

More flexible sticks are easier to bend, but they release less energy as the stick recoils. A softer flex therefore makes shooting easier for younger, weaker shooters. Stronger shooters will find that these sticks bend too much and their shooting accuracy suffers.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STICKS?

Goalie sticks come in three different types:

Length, Flex & Blade Charts

Believe it or not, there are many factors to be take into consideration when it comes to choosing a hockey stick. Using the right hockey stick can make a huge difference in your game, as it can make shooting, stick handling, and overall control of your game much easier. Use this guide to find the best hockey stick for you and your style of play.

Choosing the Right Hockey Stick

Before you can choose the right hockey stick, it’s important you know what kind of sticks are even out there. You also need to know how to pick the best one for your size, build, and playing style. Sticks are a unique piece of equipment because a player could ultimately be using the wrong style and size stick, literally for years, without even knowing it. Some aspects of sticks are up to player preference, but there are also fundamental guidelines you can follow to ensure you have the best stick for performance on the ice.

Hockey sticks can be separated into three subcategories:

• Composite sticks
• Wood sticks
• Two-piece shaft and blade combos

Types of Hockey Sticks

Composite Hockey Sticks

Composite sticks are what most NHL players use today. Usually made from woven carbon fiber and fiberglass blends, they’re them incredibly lightweight making them a consistent, high-performing stick.

PROS: Composite sticks come in a wide range of price points with varying degrees of performance and features as their price gets higher.

CONS: Simply put, the biggest disadvantage to a composite stick is the lack of durability. While some sticks are better-built to increase durability, they still pale in comparison to how long a wooden stick will last you.

Wood Hockey Sticks

Wood sticks are largely thought of as “old school” these days, mostly due to the technological advances seen in the hockey industry – but they’re still around and are actually a great choice for certain players’ styles.

PROS: While it’s true that wooden sticks have been rendered all but obsolete in the world of the NHL, they’re still very much alive to many players who grew up on them. They’re well-regarded for their “feel” of the puck, long-lasting durability, and very cheap price.

CONS: A big con to the wooden stick, however, is the overwhelming weight. A wooden stick can weigh 2 – 3 times more than some of the composite sticks out there today. Another concern is performance, which can become inconsistent over time. The more a wooden stick is used, the more its performance will decline.

Two-Piece Hockey Sticks

If you go the two-piece route, it means you’ll have to purchase two separate items – a blade and a shaft.

In terms of the materials used to make them, the shaft on a two-piece stick is just like what’s on their one-piece counterparts. Shafts are made with a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass, which results in yet another lightweight product. As for your blade selection, you have the option of either a composite or wooden blade.

PROS: There are two major benefits to a two-piece stick. The first is the excellent performance provided (though still not quite as good as a one-piece). The second is the potential savings in cost.

On a two-piece, if you break the blade, you simply pull it out of the shaft and replace it with a new one. The same concept goes for a broken shaft. This way, you’re only spending a small amount of money to replace a broken piece, rather than having to buy a whole new stick.

CONS: Two-piece sticks can (and generally will) loosen over time and hours of play.

PRO TIP: One thing to note is that shafts come with different tapers:

When purchasing either type of shaft, be sure the blade you purchase is the same type, otherwise they will not fuse together.

Which Type of Stick is Right for You?

Many aspects come into play when you’re trying to find the right stick – it’s more than just getting the right size and fit. It’s clear there are pros and cons to each style of stick out there – you just need to decide which is the best for your style of play and at the price point you want. A player’s weight, height, playing style, and even the position they play can all be factors.

Hockey Stick Length

You won’t be playing your best if you don’t have the right length stick. And while it depends somewhat on the position you play, determining how long your stick should be is actually very easy. Stand with your skates on and hold your stick in front of you. Your stick should be anywhere from 1 to 2 inches below or above your chin. Keep in mind that shorter sticks may be great for puck handling, but might not have a powerful shot. Long sticks give you reach and could even help you develop a commanding slap shot with minimal effort.

Hockey Stick Length Chart

Hockey Stick Flex

Stick flex measures how flexible or stiff a stick is when force is applied. Since the flex rating indicates how many pounds of force it takes to flex the stick one inch, you should know that some sticks are significantly easier to bend than others.

Proper stick flex can increase overall shot velocity since flex has what you can think of as a slingshot effect. There is no “right or wrong” flex – it varies among players. so you’ll want to try out different options. The higher the flex number, the stiffer, or less bend a stick will have. Conversely, the smaller the flex number, the more bend and softer a stick will be.

Not sure where to start? Using a sizing chart is a good idea.

Hockey Stick Flex Chart

Hockey Stick Length and Flex Sizing Chart

Age Group	Height	Weight	Recommended Shaft Flex	Stick Length
Youth (3-5)	3’0″ – 3’10”	60 – 65 lbs.	35 Flex	38″ – 44″
Youth (6-8)	50 – 80 lbs.	40/45 Flex	3’10” – 4’8″	45″ – 49″
Junior (7-13)	70 – 110 lbs.	50/55 Flex	4’4″ – 5’1″	50″ – 54″
Intermediate (11-14)	95 – 125 lbs.	60 Flex	4’11” – 5’4″	55″ – 58″
Intermediate (12-14)	100 – 140 lbs.	65/70 Flex (Light Flex)	5’2″ – 5’8″	55″ – 58″
Senior (14+)	125 – 175 lbs.	75/80 Flex (Mid Flex)	5’5″ – 5’10”	57″ – 61″
Senior (14+)	150 – 200 lbs.	85/90/95 Flex (Regular Flex)	5’7″ – 6’1″	58 – 62″
Senior (14+)	180 – 235 lbs.	100/105 Flex (Stiff Flex)	5’10” – 6’4″	60″ – 63″
Senior (14+)	210 lbs. +	110/115 Flex (X-Stiff Flex)	6’1″ +	60″ – 63″

There are many things to look at when you’re determining your stick length and flex. Your height, weight, and age can all help you decide on the best stick.

The dimensions of the shaft and the overall height of the stick get longer and larger with each size. Youth sticks are the shortest and thinnest, and senior sticks are the longest and thickest.

Picking a Blade Pattern/Curve

What kind of pattern do you like? Toe, mid, heel? Are you the type to pick corners in tight? Or do you like to blast absolute rockets from the point? If you’re new to hockey, this may all sound like gibberish, but we’re here to help you figure it all out.

Years ago, it was easy for players to choose a blade pattern…because they didn’t have a choice! Sticks were all straight blades up until the 1960s, when Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull popularized the curved blade. Today, curves are available in so many different shapes and sizes, it can be overwhelming for novice players to make sense of it all.

Let’s start with what makes a blade curve. Curves are shaped and differentiated by three factors:

• Curve Type
• Curve Depth
• Face Angle

Types of Blade Patterns

Blade patterns generally come in anywhere from 6 – 10 different styles for each manufacturer. While named differently, often different brands will have very similar (if not totally identical) patterns. That said, while they may be quite similar across brands, it’s also true that many brands have patterns that are unique. It’s worth the time and effort to experiment with different blade patterns – you may be pleasantly surprised with the results, maybe in that your shooting becomes much more precise, or in that your puck handling suddenly improves.

Toe Curve

With a toe curve, most of the curve is in the top 1/3 of the blade.

Mid Curve

Just like you may be thinking, the mid curve blade has a prominent curve in the middle of the blade.

Heel Curve

With a heel curve, the curve is most obvious in the last 1/3 of the blade.

Curve Depth

Curve depth relates to the depth or shallowness of the degree of the curve type. There are three depths to each of the three curve types:

The deep depth creates a larger “pocket” where the puck can sit, and the slighter depth has a smoother, gradual curve without an aggressive angle.

Curve Openness

Curve openness refers to the face angle of the blade and how much loft it creates. The face angle has three types of loft: closed, slight, and open. If you look straight down at the closed blade, you can see the face, or front side, of the blade. But when you look straight down at the open blade face, you can see how the front is much more visible, almost as if the blade has been twisted – the result is more loft, and the more loft a blade has, the easier it is to lift or elevate the puck.

Determining Hockey Stick Lie

The lie of a hockey stick is how the blade is angled in relation to the shaft of the stick. While playing, it’s important that the bottom of the blade lies flat on the surface in correlation to your height and skating style.

• A higher lie is great for taller players or players who skate more upright.
• A low lie is perfect for shorter players or players who skate low and forward-pitched.

Most patterns have a pre-determined lie, but how do you know what lie is best for you? Usually, your height with your skates on can help determine this.

It’s surprising how often lie goes unnoticed by players, because so many blade patterns come available in one lie. BUT, lie is something you can adjust before you buy a stick. And keep in mind, some patterns offer multiple lie options.

PRO TIP: The easiest way to identify if the stick lie you’re using is appropriate is to examine the wear of the tape on your blade.

• If the tape is wearing closer to the heel of the blade, you should consider using a lie that’s more upright or higher.
• If the tape is wearing closer to the toe of the blade, you may want to consider using a lie that’s flatter or lower.

Hockey Stick Kick Point

The kick point of a hockey stick is a huge selling point for composite sticks. Kick point is most associated with flex and the style of play you want to bring to the ice.

The kick point of a stick can be defined as the area where the stick will flex the most. There are three types of kick points, and each caters to a different type of player. The different kick points are: low-kick, mid-kick, and customized kick.

A low-kick is made for the player who relishes a lightning-quick release. Mainly for quick wrist shots and snap shots, this kick compresses and loads in the tapered area of the stick. It’s meant to get the puck to the net as fast as possible, usually when you’re within a close vicinity.

Mid-kick points are made for the power player, the type of shooter who loves to unleash hard slap shots and fully-loaded wrist shots. This type of kick compresses and bends mostly in the middle of the shaft. It offers full-powered shots for players shooting from greater lengths.

A customized kick point is the last type. Not all brands offer this kick point. A customized kick point is engineered to flex wherever you place your bottom hand. Customized kick point sticks are great to optimize a full-loading stick and unleash powerful shots from any location of the rink.

Left-handed or Right-handed Hockey Stick?

For beginner skaters, deciding which handed stick you need might prove a little more difficult than you may first think. If you already know which way you shoot, you probably automatically wander that way to whichever you use when you walk over to a stick rack.

However, if you don’t know, the easiest way to figure it out is to actually pick up a baseball bat. Which way do you naturally swing? Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to playing hockey. The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable. When in doubt, if you’re undecided, just go with the option that feels the most comfortable and natural to you.

It’s interesting to look at the lopsided ratio of left-handed to right-handed shooters in the NHL. Left-handed players crush the number of right-handed players in the NHL today by a ratio of nearly 70 to 30, but why?

Determining whether you need a left handed or right handed hockey stick when purchasing a new one can be confusing. The left or right hand designation comes from which hand is closest to the blade of the stick. For example, if your left hand is the lower one when comfortably holding the stick, that means you are a left-handed player. Conversely, if your right hand is lower, you will want a right-handed stick. The most important thing to focus on is how comfortable or natural a stick feels in the hands. Try stickhandling with a puck or tennis ball and see which hands feels more natural. *Note: your dominant writing hand does not always determine hockey stick handedness.

It may sound confusing, but it makes sense when you think about the aspect of control. If your right hand controls the top of the stick, think about how much easier it would be to hold and control the rest of the stick. And vice versa if you’re a dominate lefty. Being able to control your stick is obviously unbelievably important when you’re on the ice. And this is the simple reason why we see so many professional players shooting left handed – because about 90% of the world’s population is dominate righties!

It’s worth mentioning again that playing with a left- or right-handed stick is first and foremost based off comfort. If you’re a dominant right-handed person and you feel better holding a right-handed stick, then go with that stick and give it a try. There’s no right or wrong when determining how to shoot. For most players, it will feel natural when they hold the stick, and then they know…so try both out and see which is the most comfortable.

Hockey Stick Shaft Finish

Most sticks come with two different finishes to the shaft, either grip or clear (non-grip). The purpose of adding a grip coating to the shaft is to optimize the amount of control a player has over the stick with their bottom hand.

You’ve probably noticed that at some point, your bottom hand might shift up and down the stick while you’re stick handling. With a non-grip finish, sliding your hands over the shaft is effortless. But the downside to not having a grip is if you don’t have a tight enough handle on the stick while shooting, your hand can slip and reduce the amount of power generated from your shot.

The opposite is true for a stick with grip – the grip coating may be too tacky, ultimately inhibiting your ability to slide your hands up and down the shaft. The benefit, however, is the extra grip you get when you go to shoot, which essentially locks your bottom hand in place and efficiently generates full power on your shots.

Each manufacturer has their own type of grip and non-grip finishes that differ from other brands. Once again, it really comes down to preference. So when you start looking for your next stick, be sure to check out the finishes and understand how each one can benefit (or hinder) your game.

Determine Your Price Range

A great way to determine your price point is to start by figuring out how much you want to spend on a stick. Every brand has a multitude of price points, and just like any other product, you’ll find a range in quality as the price gets higher. By determining an approximate price you’re willing to spend up front, you’ll narrow your choices down to a simpler decision based on a smaller selection.

Hockey Stick FAQs

Left-handed or right-handed hockey stick?

In general terms, if you’re predominantly left-handed in your daily life, most likely you’ll be a right-handed player. If you’re usually right-handed, you’ll probably want a left-handed stick.

Hockey Stick Sizing by Age Group

Hockey stick sizing depends on height, weight, and age. A chart can help you get started.

What type of player should use a lower lie?

Lower lies are most often beneficial for players who skate low to the ice and carry the puck right in front of them.

Are Hockey Sticks warranted against breakage?

Composite Hockey Sticks generally include a 30 day warranty from the date of purchase. Wood Hockey sticks do not include any kind of warranty.

Selecting and Sizing a Goalie Stick

Proper Sizing

When heading out to purchase a new stick, the goaltender should take their goalie skates with them to the store. This will more realistically reproduce the actual height and feel that the goalie experiences while in their stance. 

Determining the proper lie that is suited to the particular goalie is also important. “Lie” is a measurement used to represent the angle of the paddle and blade of a goalie stick. This number is usually 11 or 12 with youth and junior sticks, and 13-15 for intermediate and senior sticks. Smaller goalies, or those with a lower stance, will often use a lower lie so that the blade rests flatter on the ice. Taller goalies, or those that have a more upright stance, will often tend to use a higher lie to attain the same blade flatness. The higher the lie, the more the stick looks like the letter ‘L’. Keep in mind that sticks with a curved heel bottom will often not list a lie. 

Once the proper candidate(s) have been chosen, the goalie should enter their ready stance with their knees bent, hands in front of their body and stick blade approximately 30 cm in front of their skates. A well fitted stick will result in the goalie’s blocker ending up just to the side of their leg pad. However, if the stick is too short, the blocker will overlap the pad and/or the heel of the stick will come off the ice (or floor in this case), while in the normal stance. Conversely, a stick that is too long will result in a large gap forming between the blocker hand and the leg pad. Sometimes the toe of the stick will come off the floor as well.

Paddle Length

The length of the paddle- the wide part of the goalie stick- also needs to be considered. The longer the paddle, the higher the goalie’s blocker hand will sit. As a result, selecting a stick with a tall paddle will often cause the goaltender to adopt a taller upper body posture. However, longer paddles tend to be more difficult to control when goalies drop into their butterfly position, and will often cause an opening to form between the goalie’s blocker side arm and their body. It is essential that the goaltender feel comfortable controlling the stick both on their feet and on their knees. 

Curve

Determining the degree and the type of curve is also something that is subject to preference, level and age. The greater the curve, the easier it is for the goaltender to elevate the puck when shooting, but the more difficult it is for the goalie to keep the blade flat and to control shots fired along the ice. In essence, the younger the goalie the less curve they require. In fact, it is a good idea for younger goaltenders to use a straight blade until they master good stick control and puck placement when making saves, before worrying about the elevation of their shot. If purchasing a curved stick, younger goalies should begin using a mild “mid” curve (the curve begins in the middle of the blade). 

Finally, goalie sticks are unquestionably expensive, however, whenever budgets allow, buying two identical, or at least similar sticks, at the same time ensures that the goaltender won’t have to deal with a radically different patterns if one breaks.

The stick is an important piece of equipment. Selecting the right one plays a key role in the success and development of its’ user. So, taking that little extra time and effort will most certainly help in the advancement of your play.

Equipment Sizing Information

Quick Links

Equipment = Confidence

Goaltending is a unique and challenging position, the most important on the ice. Each goaltender has specific needs because of the way they react or play different situations. In order to play at the top of your game, you must have confidence in your equipment to perform and protect. Equipment confidence is a state of mind, which greatly affects a goaltender’s movements. A goaltender without equipment confidence feels unsafe and hesitates before making a move. Aside from selecting the right model of equipment for the level of play, the fit of the equipment is paramount. Purchasing equipment too large or too small will only limit the products ability to perform and protect. Equipment that does not fit properly will never break in properly.

Care & Maintenance

Once you have selected the proper fitting model of equipment that enhances your style and is suitable to your level of play, you should ensure proper care and maintenance. Drying your equipment after use prevents mildew and excessive and premature wear. No product should be used if damaged. Any cuts or tears should be repaired immediately. Old or worn equipment should be replaced to ensure maximum performance and protection. Finally, do not treat synthetic materials with silicone or other water repellents.

The following fitting guide is to be used as a guideline only and may not reflect your personal preference. If you are unsure about the sizing of the equipment you would like to purchase, please call our professional staff of goaltenders for additional information at 1-888-945-4295.

1. Goalie Leg Pad Fitting Guide

The key factor with Goal Pad Sizing is the overall length. The length is divided into three segments: (A) The Boot, (B) Instep to the Knee, & (C) Knee to top or thigh rise. The proper length of the goal pad boot is determined by the goalie skate size. The next key area is the instep to knee that determines the shin
length. Finally, the knee to top or thigh rise is a personal measurement depending on how much pant and pad overlap the goaltender prefers. A general standard is 7″ to 8″.

Custom Pad Sizing
A. Skate Size: Provide the skate size for proper boot fit
B. Instep to Knee: Measure from instep to the front center of kneecap while the leg is in a slightly bent position
C. Thigh Rise: Measure from front center of kneecap up the thigh to desired height
A + B + C = estimated size of leg pad

If fitted properly, the goalie’s knee should rest directly behind the center knee roll with the pad securely attached to the goal skates and properly strapped on the goaltender’s leg. Generally, this will ensure that the pad breaks (bends) at the knee / shin and ankle as designed for optimal performance. Consumers are advised to bring their skates and goal pants when going to purchase leg pads. By bringing your skates this will provide for a true fit, as you don’t play the game in street shoes, while replicating the actual feel of the pads. Therefore, there are no surprises when the goaltender goes on the ice for the first time.

2. Goalie Glove Fitting Guide

Although the trend at all levels is to use oversized gloves, the goalie’s fingers should extend out to the end of the finger stalls of the inside palm to ensure a proper fit. However, any more than 1/4″ from the tip of the goaltender’s finger to the end of the finger stalls and the goaltender will not have the proper amount of leverage necessary to close and control the glove.

Aside from the lack of control, the glove will also have a tendency to “break back” or fold, which will make the glove difficult to use. The second key factor is that the heel of your hand should line up with the heel and the cuff of the glove. If not, the proper balance between the cuff and the catching
portion of the glove may be disturbed, making the glove too cumbersome while sacrificing protection.
-Note: ‘Full Right’ Catch Glove = Glove goes on the right hand.
-Note: ‘Regular’ Catch Glove = Glove goes on the left hand.

3. Goalie Blocker Fitting Guide

The blocker should be fitted based on the hand size. The goalie’s fingers should be no more than 1/4″ from the end of the fingers in the palm. If the fingers are too long, chances are the hand tabs that secure to the blocker are too large. This will cause the blocker to wobble, tilt or rotate on the goaltender’s hand, seriously affecting control while limiting coverage.
-Note: ‘Full Right’ Blocker = Blocker is on the left hand (also side goalie stick is held).
-Note: ‘Regular’ Blocker = Blocker is on the right hand (also side goalie stick is held).

4. Goalie Pant Fitting Guide

When fitted properly, goal pants should provide unrestricted movement and the crouch position, but should not be so loose that they rotate excessively around the waist. Loosely fitting pants provide superior net coverage in addition to making the goalie look bigger. Goal pants should provide overlapping coverage with the bottom of the chest protector and the tops of the goal pads. You may want to consider using suspenders if the belt isn’t enough to keep the pants
from dropping.

5. Goalie Chest & Arm Protector Fitting Guide

Please note that Youth chest protectors are the smallest (ages 6 to 8). The following measurements will be needed to properly fit a chest protector: Height, Weight, Chest Measurement & Body Type (Slender, Average, Atheltic, Few Extra Pounds).

6. Goalie Skates Fitting Guide

Ice skate sizing is not necessarily the same as if you were buying a dress shoe or a sneaker. A men’s 9 skate does not equal a men’s 9 shoe. All skates are sized in Canadian sizes; which are equal to 1 1/2 sizes larger in U.S. shoe size (i.e. a men’s U.S. shoe size of 9 is equal to a Canadian size of 7.5). A lot of our customers a say “I could never fit into a 7.5 shoe!” This is true, however, a 7.5 skate is not a 7.5 shoe. Typically your skate size will be 1 to 1.5 skate sizes down from your shoe size. When you receive your skates, try them on and push your foot forward so that your toes (while flat) barely glance the toe cap. Bend your knee forward and look behind the heel of your foot down the skate. If you can fit a finger behind the heel easily the skates are too big. A finger should be wedged securely between the heel of your foot and the back side of the skate. Another way to find your skate size (not width), is to remove the footbed from the skates and stand on it with your knee slightly bent.
NOTE: Make sure not to sharpen your skates until you are certain you have the correct size, sharpened skates cannot be returned.

7. Goalie Mask Fitting Guide

Goalie Masks are sized according to the circumference of the goaltenders head at the forehead. Use a measuring tape to determine the correct circumference along with the sizing guides listed with each mask to find the appropriate mask size.

8. Goalie Stick Fitting Guide

There are several factors that should play into selecting a goalie stick. The goalie’s height and more importantly, personal preference, should be
considered in selecting the correct paddle length. Although there is no direct correlation between the goalie’s height and paddle length, goalies should usually start using a senior sized stick at about 5’5”.

*NOTE: Due to varying individual body types and measurements, the sizing charts and information provided on this website are to be used as guidelines. If you have any questions on sizing, please call us at 1.888.945.4295 and speak to our knowledgeable goalie representatives to help you choose the correct size for your equipment.

Youth, Junior, Intermediate & Senior… What do they mean?

The terms youth, junior, intermediate and senior are used to identify 4 distinct, hockey equipment age-group size ranges. These size categories are based on height, weight, waist size and chest size, as well as age and other applicable dimensions. The terms are used for the sake of general age group sizing. Toddler/Tyke sizing is also one of the age groups that you will find listed in apparel and goalie equipment, but it’s not quite as common as the others. Generally speaking, here’s how the age group sizes are broken down:

• Toddler/Tyke (2-4 years old)
• Youth (3-8 years old)
• Junior (7-13 years old)
• Intermediate (12-14 years old)
• Senior (14+ years old)

Depending on which piece of equipment you’re dealing with, the terms may have slightly different definitions. For instance, typically, protective gear (elbow pads, shin guards, etc.) is only made in youth, junior and senior sizes. So in this instance, “intermediate” sizes are accounted for by the extension of senior sizes downward and junior sizes upward (i.e. Senior small or x-small & Junior large or x-large). Sticks, on the other hand, are made in youth, junior, intermediate and senior sizes. Goalie equipment, more specifically goalie leg pads and sticks, is produced more frequently in all 5 size ranges due to the extremely precise measurements used for goalie equipment sizing.

Of course, in order to provide a proper and precise fit, each of these age group size ranges are broken down into more specific sizes, whether small through large (etc.), or in the case of sticks, 40 to 110 flex. In order to disambiguate these terms we’ll define each of their applications more clearly.

Hockey Protective Gear

Protective gear is sometimes offered in intermediate sizes, although it is rare because the intermediate size range is narrow enough to be encompassed by senior and junior sizes instead, as previously mentioned. Also, player’s protective gear is not typically offered in toddler/tyke sizes because most children do not start playing hockey until they are at least 3 years old, in which case they can wear youth equipment. Here are the general dimension ranges encompassed by each age-group size. (Senior size range is represented here by the minimum dimensions – i.e. Senior X-Small – on upward.)

As you can see, these ranges are relatively broad, so they are broken down into about 3 to 5 specific sizes, such as Junior X-Small through X-Large, or Senior Small through Large, and so on. Sometimes, manufacturers produce more size options for a particular model than they do for another. That being said, it’s very important to look at the sizing chart for each specific model. For instance, one pair of Senior Large ice hockey pants from a model offered in Small, Medium and Large may be a slightly different size than a pair of Senior Large pants from a model offered in X-Small, Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Basically, as the size range becomes broader or narrower it may affect the measurements of each specific size within the range. Always check the sizing charts when you’re ordering protective gear.

Hockey Sticks

Hockey sticks are usually offered in youth, junior, intermediate and senior sizes. Not only are the sticks different lengths, they also differ in diameter and flexibility. The difference in shaft diameter is slight, but noticeable, and corresponds to the average hand size of the players in each age group. Shaft length increases by about 3-4″ as you move up from one age group to the next (i.e. Youth=48″ – Junior=52″). Hockey shaft flexibility is measured by the amount of force (in lbs) required in order to flex the shaft 1″ in the center.

Here’s a general breakdown of hockey stick shaft flexibility, length and age group sizing:

Hockey Apparel

Sizing can be a bit confusing when it comes to apparel. The biggest problem is that each manufacturer seems to be operating on a different set of sizing standards. Meaning, CCM Senior Large t-shirts are not exactly the same size as Bauer Senior Large t-shirts. In addition, the terms “boy’s”, “children’s”, “youth”, and “junior” are often used interchangeably. But, sometimes they are used concurrently, identifying separate and distinct size ranges.

Most commonly, “junior” and “youth” are used interchangeably in apparel sizing, but there are instances, as rare as they may be, where youth sizes are smaller than junior sizes. The same can be said of “boy’s” and “children’s” sizes. As always, it’s best to refer to the specific sizing charts that pertain to the products you’re ordering, rather than simply hoping for any kind of consistency from one item to the next.

Hockey Equipment Sizing Chart at HockeyGiant.com

Here are some links to sizing charts provided by the major manufacturers of hockey equipment as well as some general sizing charts provided by Hockey Giant.

Brand-Specific Hockey Equipment Sizing Guides

General Hockey Equipment Sizing Guides

Goalies Plus – Goalie Skate Sizing Guide (Easy to Understand)

Youth and Junior Skate Sizing Guide

We understand that youth and junior skate sizing can be confusing and rather complicated to understand. At Goalies Plus, we try to simplify the process with our general skate sizing guide. Our general skate sizing guide will typically work for most youth and junior players, but everyone’s preference will be different – because frankly, everyone’s feet are different! As always, do not heat, sharpen or skate until you are satisfied with the fitment chosen. This general goalie skate sizing guide does not guarantee accurate skate fitment.

Skate Width Sizing Guide

In skate width, the sizes D and EE are most commonly used by skate manufacturers and carried by retail establishments. EE width is typically 3/16th’s of an inch wider than D width. It’s important to understand that skate manufacturers often use different lines of skates to address slightly different widths. This chart serves as a general guideline and does not guarantee accurate fitment. Do not heat, sharpen or skate until you happy with the fitment chosen.

90,000 Hockey Skate Size Chart Bauer, CCM, Reebok, Easton

TABLES
SIZE HOCKEY SKATES

B
the tables below show the dimensions of the skates of the leading manufacturers in
according to US (USA) shoe size or according to foot size in
centimeters. But you need to take into account the fact that the table data does not give
clear representation and 100% guarantee that it is this or that size
suitable for a certain type of leg.Hockey skate manufacturers unfortunately
do not indicate the width of the boot, and this is an important criterion in choosing
appropriate size hockey skates. These tables give only
a starting point in finding the right size ice hockey skates.

HOCKEY SKATES FOR ADULTS

Dimensions
ice hockey skates CCM and Reebok usually correlate 1.5 sizes smaller than
US shoe size. For example, if your size is US 8.0, then more than
you will probably need skates with a size 6.5 CCM or Reebok. For models
CCM skates manufactured since 2013, 2 sizes recommended
smaller than US shoe size. Since 2016, the size of CCM ice hockey skates
1.5 sizes smaller.

P Bauer kids skate size, usually 1 size smaller
US shoe size. For example, if shoe size is US 3.0, skate size
Bauer will be. In this case, the recommendation is appropriate for the selection of skates.
“size – in size” t.e without stock, so choose size
ice hockey skates, which will be at least ½ smaller than the size of the shoe, and in
in some cases and is equal to it. Also, the size table does not allow
select the fullness (width) of the hockey boot.

HOCKEY SIZES
BIBS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

recommendations of the online store Hockey Team:

determine the circumference of the chest at its widest
parts, and select the appropriate bib size in the table

height
the player plays a secondary role in choosing the size of the hockey bib, the primary
is the size of the player’s chest circumference

Pay attention to how the hockey player sits
bib on the body, the player should not be restricted in movement, raise
both hands up and make sure the shoulder cups of the hockey bib do not create
discomfort and do not rest on the neck.

How to choose a hockey stick by height, features of the selection of stiffness and grip

How to choose a hockey stick so that a player on the ice feels as comfortable as possible? You should not rely only on cost, it is very important when choosing to take into account the height and weight of the player, as well as the length of the club, the shape of the toe and bend, the angle between the hook and the handle.

How to choose the length of the stick

The length depends on the personal characteristics of the player and his preferences, one can be comfortable with a long stick, another with a short one.

Tip! It will take time to understand your playing style and style, so you should try to play with clubs of different lengths and then choose the one that is most comfortable to control.

Long club is considered above the nose, and short – below the chin

For beginners, there are generally accepted norms that help determine the length of the club before the moment they develop their own style and preferences in the game.

1. Long – in hockey slang means “defender”, because it is the defenders who most often choose such models.This is due to the fact that with a long stick it is easier to keep the opponent at a distance, not to let the puck close to the goal. In addition, the defenders have powerful clicks, and the long stick makes the hit even more powerful.
2. Medium – Ideal for versatile players. It is convenient to make interceptions with it, create interference in front of the goal, and also show a high level of dribbling.
3. Short – Essential equipment for a good dribbling player.It is much more convenient to draw with it, it is lighter, thanks to which it is possible to do a lot of feints and cover the puck while dribbling with the body.

The table will tell you how to choose a club for your height. But there are exceptions here, so you should not use these ratios as the only correct solution.

These tips are more suitable for beginners, since all players are individual and it happens that the defender is more comfortable with the short stick, and the forward is more comfortable with the long one, so you should not strictly adhere to this rule, it is better to look for your own style.

Tip! If the purchased stick is too long and inconvenient to handle on the ice, then you can always file it down to the most comfortable length.

Do not be afraid of experiments, then the choice of equipment and the game itself will not be a heavy burden, but will become a favorite leisure, and in the future – a choice of profession and even a vocation in life.

Readers find these materials useful:

• What to look for when choosing a volleyball
• Features of the selection of a punching bag for the house by height and weight

How to choose the stiffness of the stick

Stiffness affects the quality of the throw during the game, so it is very important to take this indicator into account when buying. The stiffness indicator is indicated on the Easton scale by a number from 40 to 120. When choosing this indicator, you need to focus on your weight.That is, if the player’s weight is 60 kg, then the stiffness of the stick should be 60.

Stiffness must necessarily correspond to the weight of the player, this indicator is constant and unchanged, otherwise the quality of the game and the level of skill of the player will be at a low level

If a person with a large weight chooses a soft model, then it will quickly become unusable. If the stiffness is greater than the weight, it will be difficult to bend the stick before hitting, which will significantly degrade the quality of the game.

The following publications will perfectly complement this material:

• Important nuances when choosing a pedometer for walking
• Running shoes: how to choose footwear for asphalt and other important points

A few more tips on how to choose a hockey stick

When choosing, it is also important to consider in which direction the hook will be bent. Determining the grip is easy enough. You need to take any stick and imagine that it is a hockey stick, place your hands in the most comfortable position: if your left hand is on the bottom, that means.that the grip is left-sided, if the right hand is below, then the grip is right-sided.

When buying a golf club, it is better for a child to choose a universal version – medium length with a straight hook

When buying a golf club, it is better for a child to opt for a hook without a bend, since the child does not yet know which grip will be more convenient for him, and will often change the position of his hands, and the straight hook is universal and is suitable for both right-handers and left-handers …

Field hockey stick length

Traditionally, the length of the adult hockey stick was 36 inches (91.44 cm) or 1 yard (91.4 cm), but over the past 15 years, the standard length has increased to 36.5 inches (92.71 cm).To date, there are no established restrictions on the maximum length of a field hockey stick, but manufacturers themselves generally do not make hockey sticks that are longer than 38.5 inches (92.71 cm). however, some manufacturers accept special orders for golf clubs up to 42 inches (106.68 cm) in length.

Choosing the right stick length

In many ways, your height should be the deciding factor in choosing the right club length, although this is by no means the only parameter that influences your choice.For young players, the choice of a club of one length or another is directly dependent on the development of their professional skills and ability to control the ball. The graph below shows you the approximate ratio of the player’s height to the required club length.

Approximate Club Length to Player Height

Note: The approximate diagram above does not take into account the individual strengths of each player.There is a good reason why you should choose the longest club that you find easiest to handle while playing. A stronger and more professional player can further benefit from a longer stick, which gives him a better visual control of the playing space.

With regard to the choice of golf clubs for young players, there are several other parameters to consider, since the design of such clubs must necessarily take into account the balance between the weight of the handle and the hook.Therefore, a suitable club length must also take into account its weight.

Key questions to ask yourself when choosing a club:

Will it be convenient for me to play with this club?

Will this stick rest against my stomach during play (which would mean that it is too long for me)?

Can my hands have full control over the maneuverability of the hook when I hit the ball, or is the stick dictating to my hands what to do (if yes, that’s good; negative – the stick may be too long or too heavy for you) ?

How to determine the size of hockey leggings

Choosing various elements of hockey equipment, and especially gloves, it is very important to find products that are ideal for you in size, because this will directly affect not only your comfort on the ice, but also the efficiency of playing and working with a stick.

Let’s take a closer look at how to determine the size of hockey leggings and find the best option for yourself, especially since this is not at all difficult to do. To complete this task, first measure the distance between the fingertips of your open palm and the lower edge of the elbow pad. This figure will be the main size from which it is worth starting from.

On the official website of the manufacturer whose gloves you would like to choose, there is always a correspondence table.It is important to note that in addition to this parameter, other points are sometimes indicated in the tables, such as the age and weight of the player, for reliability, you can also correlate them, so your choice will be ideal. The main thing to remember is that the correspondence tables may differ for different manufacturers, and therefore, be sure to pay attention to studying the issue at the selection stage.

It is worth noting that manufacturers often quote their own product sizes in inches, so you may need to translate your numbers, given the fact that one inch equals 2.54 cm.

Reliable equipment is the key to a great game

It is important to understand that the choice of gloves is a responsible process, because on the field it is critical that there is no gap between the top edge of your glove and the bottom edge of the elbow pad. If you have already tried various models and feel better with shortened leggings, then you should look for elongated elbow pads, especially since such models are not very rare.

Of course, all people are individual, so even selection according to the table in some cases cannot guarantee a perfect fit.Therefore, it is important to immediately try on the glove, feel how it sits on your hand, and only then make the final decision.

How to choose hockey equipment

Today I would like to talk about the selection of equipment for a field player. Hockey is one of the few sports where practically all parts of the body have specially designed uniforms, or, in simpler words, uniforms.

And now, just on the selection of hockey uniforms it is worth paying special attention.A professional look will immediately figure out the player on which the uniform “sits” and it is pleasant to look at it.

Moreover, I will say that for some coaches, when looking at a player in a team, the factor of how the form sits on the player is of great importance.

Sometimes the player’s assessment “by dress” occurs deliberately, and sometimes not, but this is an extremely important factor that should be paid attention to.

In addition to the aesthetic qualities, the is shaped to fit, the also, and rightly protects the wearer.

How many times have I personally received unpleasant injuries or bruises, simply because the shape was not my size. And the same number of times I have seen other players injured due to the form.

Therefore, here you should be guided by several rules for the selection of hockey equipment .

Rules for the selection of hockey equipment

Incorrectly matched hockey equipment

If we are talking about a child, then try to select the shape size to size.In almost all cases, if it is larger, it will be extremely inconvenient to play in it. This element can interfere with making a full-fledged amplitude of the limbs, constrain movement at extreme points, and it just does not look aesthetically pleasing. Children generally grow unevenly. Legs may grow, and the rest of the body will remain at the same level, or only the head will grow and be larger in comparison with the chest, so here you need to monitor everything separately. In the event that some piece of equipment has become small, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible.First of all, if you continue to do this, it is fraught with injuries. I myself personally got a very painful bruise of my elbow in childhood only because the elbow pads were too small for me. I also saw injuries to the face, due to the fact that the mask, which is attached to the helmet, did not fit the face, and the helmet itself was just right. And this is not uncommon, because the size of the bib can be INT M , and elbow pads Junior L .

Correctly selected equipment

In theory, a child during growth and playing hockey should wear, for example, knee pads size by size.That is to say, follow the table. Each hockey uniform manufacturer now has a size chart. It can be viewed on the Internet or in a store.

Often, children themselves, even adolescents, are not able to understand whether this or that thing is too small for them until it is clearly not visible. In hockey, this is even more difficult to calculate, because a lot of movements occur in the form that are not typical of everyday life. Therefore, it is important to be savvy here, thus you will protect the child from injuries that can be avoided and give him the opportunity to practice in equipment in which he will be comfortable.

To summarize, I would like to say that pay special attention to knee pads and elbow pads. These places are the most often injured precisely because of incorrectly selected models and sizes of protection. The same goes for everything, including helmets, masks, and golf clubs. Well, the most important thing is, of course, skates. Try to find a suitable model so that the foot is comfortable, because everyone has different feet, but there are many models of skates. Well, the size can be slightly larger, but not more than half the size).

How to choose your club bend

The choice of the shape of the hockey stick’s hook depends entirely on the individual playing preferences of the player. Each hook shape variant

is assigned a separate designation by the manufacturer. Most often, this is the name of a famous player.

The hook shape is characterized by angle, bend point, bend depth, plane curvature and nose shape.

Novice players can safely choose any hook with a round toe, an angle of 5-6 and a not very large bend depth.

Low angle sticks are used by players who play hockey by leaning low on the ice and leading the puck in front of them. High angle sticks are used by players who want to keep the puck close to their body while maintaining constant control over it.

The angle between the handle and the plane of the hook is expressed in numbers from 4.5 to 6.

The higher the number, the sharper the angle. The optimal angle for a particular hockey player is determined individually: with a correctly selected angle, the club fits comfortably on the ice with the entire edge of the hook, and the winding on it wears out evenly.

The shape of the club hook is characterized by the bend, the angle, the depth of the bend, the shape of the toe, and the curvature of the plane. Beginner hockey players can safely choose any hook with a round toe, an angle of 5-6 and a small depth of bend.

The round toe makes it easier to pick up the puck “for yourself” and is optimal for the attackers. The square toe is more convenient to play at the board and to stop the puck launched on the board – such a hook is preferable for defenders.

The bend area of ​​the hook can be heel, middle, or toe.The middle fold is a reasonable compromise.

Hooks with a bend at the heel make it easier to lift the puck, and with a bend at the toe it is easier to control it.

The tighter the kink, the harder it is to play the puck on the awkward side of the hook. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a strong fold if you are not sure exactly what you need.

Hook curl depth mainly affects a hockey player’s dribbling and passing accuracy.

The curvature of the hook plane affects the rate at which the puck is lifted, which is especially useful for one-touch shots and tweaks.Large curvature hooks are only used by experienced players.

In “compound” hockey sticks, both “pipes” and interchangeable hooks to them are divided into narrowed and regular. Tapered hooks fit only tapered pipes, regular hooks only fit regular pipes.

Tapered hooks have a shorter, narrower handle that moves the point of sag downward for a stronger throw.

Tapered hooks are usually more expensive than regular hooks, and their choice is not so wide.

But some regular hooks (like the Easton Z-Carbon) are just as playable as the narrower ones.What to choose – regular pipe and hook, or tapered – the personal preference of the player.

Important:

For a striker, a club with a small hook and a more than average bend is more suitable for dribbling and sharp wrist throws from above.

For a defender who often passes, lows, and uses the stick on defense (interrupting opponents’ passes), a hook that is larger than average and with a slight bend is better suited.

However, all of the above is not an axiom, and in many ways the choice of a hook depends on many anatomical factors of the hockey player that affect his technique, so the best advice is to try different hook bends to find the most suitable one.

Bauer hook bends

Hook bend CCM

Easton hook bends

True hook bends

Warrior hook bends

Hook bends Charge

Skates selection of skates Skate sizes

Hockey skate size.

To understand how to choose the right skates, you need to take into account that hockey skates have their own sizing system, so that the size of your shoes will not be equal to the size of your skates.

Each hockey equipment manufacturer provides its own size matching table. Thanks to these tables, you can choose the right skate size by matching your shoe size and country of residence. But don’t forget that tables vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Let’s take a look at how to find the right skate for you. Put the boot on your foot, slide your foot back so that the heel is firmly pressed against the back of the skate. In this position, the toes should lightly touch the toe of the shoe.If your toes rest on the toe, you should take the skates one size up.

Sometimes it happens that the length of a hockey boot fits your foot perfectly, but the width is either too narrow or too wide. In this case, you need to go to the choice of skates with the same size, but with a different fullness (this will be described below).

The question often arises: how to choose skates for a child? Considering the height of your leg, it is recommended that you choose half a size larger skates. The half size will be equivalent to the thickness of one toe between the heel of the boot and the heel of the foot.If you do not want to harm your child, then you should not buy skates more than half the size. A large boot will dangle from your foot, resulting in poor balance, falls, and injury to your foot or ankle. Below we give tables of correspondence of sizes of the most popular manufacturers of hockey skates in our country.

Below we give tables of correspondence of sizes of the most popular manufacturers of hockey skates in our country.

ATTENTION: Despite the fact that all the data in the tables are taken from the official catalogs of the manufacturers, they should still be taken only as recommendations that do not guarantee the perfect fit of hockey skates.Please check your skate size before ordering!

When trying on hockey skates, first of all, make sure that they fit your length. To do this, move your foot back as much as possible, so that the heel is tightly pressed against the back of the skate, while the toes should touch the toe of the boot, but in no case should they rest against it.

The sizes of children’s skates can be on? the size is larger, taking into account the height of the foot (? size is equivalent to the thickness of one toe between the heel of the foot and the back of the boot.Move your leg forward and measure the distance). But do not buy hockey skates for your child that are a whole size larger (maximum by? Size!) This will prevent a beginner hockey player from learning how to skate, and in addition can lead to injuries to the leg or ankle.

If the boot fits your length, but is too narrow or wide, then try on skates of the same size, but with a different fullness.

Completeness of hockey skates Most often, manufacturers use the following system of notation for completeness of hockey skates:

D is the standard width.