At every level of hockey you
look at, one of the biggest dilemmas players face is what stick
to use. There are many factors that go into picking the stick
that’s right for you: stiffness, lie, curve, weight, one-piece,
wood, two-piece, brand, superstition and more.
One player that comes to mind when I think of sticks is
Alexander Ovechkin. My first encounter with Alex was at the
Torino Olympics in 2006.
The Russian men’s team had just finished practicing and our team
was entering the rink to go on the ice next.
As we entered the rink, I saw Alex standing in his yellow crocs
and hockey underwear, blowtorch in hand, curving his stick.
My first reaction was, ‘those are really bright crocs,’ and my
second reaction was to notice the massive right curve he was
molding.
Our paths would cross yet again, as Russia defeated Canada in
the quarter-final.
Our entire team was seated behind the penalty box.
Ovechkin took a penalty late in the game, after he had played
outstanding and it was clear Russia would beat us.
Knowing the entire Canadian Women’s Team was seated directly
behind him, he smartly turned around, smiled and celebrated
right in our faces, much to our dislike.
A few months later I saw Alexander in the bowels of the
Saddledome after a Flames game.
“Hey I know you,” he said affectionately. “I know you too,” I
said and jokingly began to give him grief about his little act
in Torino.
Once again, he was standing near his sticks.
This time, I had a chance to ask a few questions and take a good
look at the massive toe curve.
If you watch the way Ovechkin
shoots the puck, he pulls the puck in with that giant toe and
snaps it off the front of the blade.
The curve and stiff flex enable him to get the puck up in a
hurry. It’s one of the reasons he is a top goal scorer in the
NHL and is always entertaining to watch.
I certainly don’t recommend the Ovechkin curve or Olympic
celebration antics to everyone, but it does lead me to make a
few tips to consider when choosing a stick:
FLEX
I think most players use a stick that is too stiff.
If you buy a 90 flex in the store, cut it down a few inches,
it’s now more like a 100 or 110 flex.
My opinion is that most female
players should not be using more than a 90 flex. They are simply
not strong enough to bend the stick.
I use a 65-77 flex and find that it’s more than enough. Brett
Hull used a 45 flex late in his career.
PLAYER TYPE
The type of player you are has a lot to do with stick choice.
If you are a stay at home defenceman who likes to take the
slapshot, perhaps a longer, stiffer stick is better.
A forward who likes to use quick shots around the net probably
needs a shorter, more flexible stick.
CURVE
This is really a personal choice.
For younger players, I think a straighter blade is better, as
it’s easier to control the puck on the forehand and backhand.
Ovechkin uses a large toe curve to elevate the puck.
Crosby uses quite a straight blade, with a bit of a heel curve.
He has a great backhand and likes the quick release.
The key here is being able to control the puck and shoot it
effectively and efficiently.
WOOD VS. COMPOSITE
Most players will say that wood has a better feel and composite
gets more velocity on the shot. The price points can be a big
factor here and my opinion is that you don’t need the big $300
composite stick to become a good shooter or stickhandler,
especially at a young age.
Overall, it’s good to try different curves and sticks and
experiment until you find the curve that works for your style of
play and natural shooting motion.
I prefer a mid-curve and don’t really feel comfortable with
anything different, although I am constantly tinkering and
trying different things to get the extra edge. |
