Tyler has an awesome post this week on finding the right twig to suit your style of play on the ice. Be sure to check that out.
10 Free Advanced Copies
We also need about 10 volunteers to help us out by reviewing our new program for hockey players. I think it will be the most attractive for skaters, but will definitely help goalies with their speed and stamina as well. Coaches are welcome to apply as well since you can easily use these new drills with your players.
If you would like to be on our review panel for this product then there are two things we need – you must have access to ice (like 10 or so extra minutes that you can spend on the ice working through some drills) and you must be willing to give us feedback on the program. Only 10 reviewers will be accepted and you will get not only an advanced copy of the program, but you will get it for free.
So your next step is to tell us (in 400 words or less) why you should be selected for the review panel in the comments box below. If you are successful I will contact you via email with the download details.
Selecting The Right Hockey Stick
Choosing your hockey stick comes with many different variables. Length, curve, brand and different types of taping (to name a few) can give you many different combinations. Let’s go through a few starting with the length.
The most important thing with any piece of equipment is the comfort factor. Each of you are going to feel comfortable on the ice with all different lengths of a hockey stick. Just because you are 6’0 doesn’t mean you should or have to use a stick longer then your friend who is 5’10. Tinkering with your stick until you find the right feel is the safest way to go, unless you are just starting out.
Younger players should use a shorter hockey stick to begin with. It’s difficult enough learning how to skate and handle a puck, adding in the discomfort of a stick that goes to your chin and beyond will only make things more frustrating. A shorter hockey stick will allow a beginner to maneuver better without getting their hands caught to close to their body and the butt end caught up in their equipment.
When it comes to the curve of your hockey stick, comfort also plays a significant role. If you look at two NHL players Sidney Crosby who uses a fairly straight curve and Jason Spezza who has quite a hook on his blade both are dynamic players. Using a straighter blade on your hockey stick will make it easier to not only take passes on your back hand, but make it less difficult for your accuracy and velocity on back hand shots. On the flip side, a bigger curve makes it easier to handle the puck on your forehand as well as your wrist and snap shots will ultimately be more accurate.
I recommend every young player to tape their hockey stick from the heel to toe. Having tape cover your entire blade will give you that friction on the puck making it easier to handle, pass and shoot the puck. When taping the knob, start with minimal tape and work your way up with the thickness until you find the right fit for you and how it feels in your top hand.
Every player is different, every stick is different, and for the most part the way each player tapes their hockey stick is different as well. Going back to being comfortable is the most important thing. Start with the basics; Shorter stick, more of a straight then a big hook of a blade, heel to toe tape job and minimal tape on the knob. From there you can modify your stick as many times as you want in order to find the right fit for YOU. After all, it is you that is on the ice, puck on your stick and game on the line, better to be in your comfort zone then not!
T